The Greek word translated as refresh is actually much stronger and probably better translated as stir up
or rouse.
Peter thus wants to encourage these Christians to hold fast to the truths which they have learned, the truths which he has also now repeated for them. Holding fast to these truths is necessary throughout their Christian life.1 Calling people to remember what they already knew was a key theme in moral philosophy and the Bible also affirms that reminders are a necessary part of instruction (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–2; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:10). Peter’s aim is to exhort Christians to maintain virtue and believe that his death is imminent, he wants to use what power remains to encourage fellow believers.2
13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,