“Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me” (2 Peter 1:13-14 NKJV).

Peter referred to his mortal body as a “tent,” recognizing its temporal nature and the promised hope of exchanging it for an eternal one at the Lord’s return. In the meantime, he was determined to continue “stirring up” the faith of those the Lord had entrusted to him. Peter knew the manner of his death from the Lord Jesus Himself, who “showed” him of it after His resurrection (John 21:18-22). Peter had declared his willingness to die for Jesus on the night of the last supper, but had instead denied Him three times. When Jesus reinstated Peter, asking him three times whether he loved Him, He essentially let Peter know that he was going to get his chance to give his life for Jesus after all. According to the early church fathers, Peter was crucified in Rome under Nero. He was crucified upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy of being crucified as Jesus was. Peter may have stumbled early in his faith, but he finished well. He has “put off” his tent, awaiting the Day when all the saints shall “put on” new ones, fit for eternity.