What does 2 Peter 1:15 mean?

Peter knows that his death is near, as mentioned in verse 14. Tradition says that Peter was crucified, though he asked to be hung upside down, since he didn't feel worthy of dying the exact same death as Christ. This passage is meant to remind his readers of the truths they already know. Losing Peter would not mean losing the truth. Nor would it mean that these Christians would not be able to follow God as they should.

According to Peter, these are facts his readers already know. They are aware of what God wants from His followers, we simply need to be willing to follow them. What Peter describes in verses 5 through 11 is not a new teaching. Nor is it something his readers aren't already aware of. It's a fundamental part of their Christian faith.

Peter was planning for their future. He wanted to ensure that after he died, they would hold fast to the vital truths they already knew. In doing so, Peter continues to obey Jesus' command to feed the sheep (John 21:15–19), right up until his last days on earth. He continues to serve as Jesus served. He continues to follow the Lord.