II Peter 2: Exposing False Teachers and Their Destructive Ways
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
II Peter 2 is a crucial chapter that serves as a stark warning against false teachers who infiltrate the church. Building on the call to spiritual growth in chapter 1, Peter now exposes the insidious nature of these deceivers, their destructive doctrines, and the devastating consequences for those who follow them. This chapter not only equips believers to discern truth from falsehood but also offers hope and assurance in God's unwavering judgment and deliverance.
The Rise of Destructive Heresies (2:1-3)
Peter begins by drawing a parallel between the Old Testament and the present reality. Just as there were false prophets among God's people in the past, so too will there be false teachers within the church. These individuals don't arrive as obvious enemies; instead, they "secretly introduce destructive heresies" (II Peter 2:1), subtly twisting the truth and leading people astray.
These heresies are not harmless errors; they are "destructive," leading to eternal ruin for both the teachers and their followers. A key characteristic of these false teachers is that they "deny the Master who bought them" (II Peter 2:1). This denial can manifest in various ways, from rejecting Christ's Lordship to distorting the doctrine of atonement. While Christ's atoning work is available to all, it is only effective for those who receive it.
Peter warns that "many will follow their depraved conduct, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed" (II Peter 2:2). The behavior of these false teachers and their followers brings reproach upon Christianity itself. Furthermore, they are motivated by greed, exploiting believers "with fabricated stories" (II Peter 2:3) for their own selfish gain. They intentionally perpetuate lies for wicked, self-centered purposes. Their judgment is certain: "Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping" (II Peter 2:3). God is not ignorant of their deeds, nor is He powerless to act.
God's Judgment: A Historical Perspective (2:4-9)
To underscore the certainty of God's judgment, Peter presents three historical examples:
- The Angels Who Sinned (2:4): God did not spare the angels who rebelled (likely a reference to the pre-historic rebellion led by Satan, Isaiah 14:12-15), but cast them into hell.
- The Flood (2:5): God did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood upon the ungodly. However, He preserved Noah, "a herald of righteousness," and his family. This highlights God's ability to both judge the wicked and preserve the righteous.
- Sodom and Gomorrah (2:6): God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, making them an example of what is coming upon the ungodly. This example highlights the Lord’s judgment of those who lead ungodly lifestyles and are unrepentant.
These examples demonstrate a crucial principle: "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment" (II Peter 2:9). God is both just and merciful, delivering those who are faithful while holding the unrighteous accountable for their deeds. Feeling tormented by wickedness is one indication of a person’s desire for righteousness. Ultimate deliverance for believers will come, but God also brings deliverance in history at times.
Characteristics of False Teachers (2:10-14)
Peter delves into a more detailed description of the characteristics of false teachers, revealing their arrogance, immorality, and insatiable desires.
- Despising Authority (2:10): They "follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority." They refuse to live under Christ's Lordship.
- Boldness and Arrogance (2:10-11): They are bold and arrogant, "not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings." Angels, who are greater in might and power, would not dare to treat such beings flippantly.
- Irrationality (2:12): They are like "irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed." Like wild animals, the false teachers eventually will be captured and destroyed.
- Love of Pleasure (2:13): They revel in their "unrighteousness" and "consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight."
- Adultery and Greed (2:14): Their "eyes are full of adultery" and they are "experts in greed." They see others, especially women, as tools to be used, preying particularly upon unstable people.
These teachers operate in plain sight, "feasting with you in your love feasts" (II Peter 2:13), using their Christian facade to hide their evil intentions. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.
The Path of Balaam and Empty Promises (2:15-19)
Peter further illustrates the nature of false teachers by comparing them to Balaam, the Old Testament prophet "who loved the wages of wickedness" (II Peter 2:15). Balaam attempted to curse Israel for financial gain, but was rebuked by a donkey who had more spiritual insight than he did. Similarly, the false teachers are driven by greed and a desire for personal gain.
Like "springs without water and clouds driven by a storm" (II Peter 2:17), they offer empty promises and fail to provide any true spiritual nourishment. They are destined for "the gloom of utter darkness." Contrary to the way of spiritual growth, false teachers use their communication abilities to arouse the fleshly desires of recent converts to Christianity and drag them backward into their old lifestyles rather than forward in righteousness. They "promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity" (II Peter 2:19). This is a cruel deception, as true freedom is found in Christ, not in indulging in sinful desires.
The Danger of Turning Back (2:20-22)
Peter concludes with a sobering warning about the consequences of turning away from the truth. If those who have "escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 2:20) are again entangled in it and overcome, "their final condition is worse than it was before" (II Peter 2:20).
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. In the end, those believers who follow false teachers become like them in their lifestyles. They seek ultimately to satisfy their sinful desires above all else. Peter uses two vivid proverbs to illustrate their condition: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud" (II Peter 2:22). These images paint a disturbing picture of those who reject the grace of God and return to their former, sinful ways.
II Peter 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of discernment and faithfulness. By recognizing the characteristics of false teachers and clinging to the truth of God's Word, believers can protect themselves from deception and remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
II Peter 2 is a crucial chapter that serves as a stark warning against false teachers who infiltrate the church. Building on the call to spiritual growth in chapter 1, Peter now exposes the insidious nature of these deceivers, their destructive doctrines, and the devastating consequences for those who follow them. This chapter not only equips believers to discern truth from falsehood but also offers hope and assurance in God's unwavering judgment and deliverance.
The Rise of Destructive Heresies (2:1-3)
Peter begins by drawing a parallel between the Old Testament and the present reality. Just as there were false prophets among God's people in the past, so too will there be false teachers within the church. These individuals don't arrive as obvious enemies; instead, they "secretly introduce destructive heresies" (II Peter 2:1), subtly twisting the truth and leading people astray.
These heresies are not harmless errors; they are "destructive," leading to eternal ruin for both the teachers and their followers. A key characteristic of these false teachers is that they "deny the Master who bought them" (II Peter 2:1). This denial can manifest in various ways, from rejecting Christ's Lordship to distorting the doctrine of atonement. While Christ's atoning work is available to all, it is only effective for those who receive it.
Peter warns that "many will follow their depraved conduct, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed" (II Peter 2:2). The behavior of these false teachers and their followers brings reproach upon Christianity itself. Furthermore, they are motivated by greed, exploiting believers "with fabricated stories" (II Peter 2:3) for their own selfish gain. They intentionally perpetuate lies for wicked, self-centered purposes. Their judgment is certain: "Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping" (II Peter 2:3). God is not ignorant of their deeds, nor is He powerless to act.
God's Judgment: A Historical Perspective (2:4-9)
To underscore the certainty of God's judgment, Peter presents three historical examples:
- The Angels Who Sinned (2:4): God did not spare the angels who rebelled (likely a reference to the pre-historic rebellion led by Satan, Isaiah 14:12-15), but cast them into hell.
- The Flood (2:5): God did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood upon the ungodly. However, He preserved Noah, "a herald of righteousness," and his family. This highlights God's ability to both judge the wicked and preserve the righteous.
- Sodom and Gomorrah (2:6): God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, making them an example of what is coming upon the ungodly. This example highlights the Lord’s judgment of those who lead ungodly lifestyles and are unrepentant.
These examples demonstrate a crucial principle: "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment" (II Peter 2:9). God is both just and merciful, delivering those who are faithful while holding the unrighteous accountable for their deeds. Feeling tormented by wickedness is one indication of a person’s desire for righteousness. Ultimate deliverance for believers will come, but God also brings deliverance in history at times.
Characteristics of False Teachers (2:10-14)
Peter delves into a more detailed description of the characteristics of false teachers, revealing their arrogance, immorality, and insatiable desires.
- Despising Authority (2:10): They "follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority." They refuse to live under Christ's Lordship.
- Boldness and Arrogance (2:10-11): They are bold and arrogant, "not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings." Angels, who are greater in might and power, would not dare to treat such beings flippantly.
- Irrationality (2:12): They are like "irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed." Like wild animals, the false teachers eventually will be captured and destroyed.
- Love of Pleasure (2:13): They revel in their "unrighteousness" and "consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight."
- Adultery and Greed (2:14): Their "eyes are full of adultery" and they are "experts in greed." They see others, especially women, as tools to be used, preying particularly upon unstable people.
These teachers operate in plain sight, "feasting with you in your love feasts" (II Peter 2:13), using their Christian facade to hide their evil intentions. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.
The Path of Balaam and Empty Promises (2:15-19)
Peter further illustrates the nature of false teachers by comparing them to Balaam, the Old Testament prophet "who loved the wages of wickedness" (II Peter 2:15). Balaam attempted to curse Israel for financial gain, but was rebuked by a donkey who had more spiritual insight than he did. Similarly, the false teachers are driven by greed and a desire for personal gain.
Like "springs without water and clouds driven by a storm" (II Peter 2:17), they offer empty promises and fail to provide any true spiritual nourishment. They are destined for "the gloom of utter darkness." Contrary to the way of spiritual growth, false teachers use their communication abilities to arouse the fleshly desires of recent converts to Christianity and drag them backward into their old lifestyles rather than forward in righteousness. They "promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity" (II Peter 2:19). This is a cruel deception, as true freedom is found in Christ, not in indulging in sinful desires.
The Danger of Turning Back (2:20-22)
Peter concludes with a sobering warning about the consequences of turning away from the truth. If those who have "escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 2:20) are again entangled in it and overcome, "their final condition is worse than it was before" (II Peter 2:20).
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. In the end, those believers who follow false teachers become like them in their lifestyles. They seek ultimately to satisfy their sinful desires above all else. Peter uses two vivid proverbs to illustrate their condition: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud" (II Peter 2:22). These images paint a disturbing picture of those who reject the grace of God and return to their former, sinful ways.
II Peter 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of discernment and faithfulness. By recognizing the characteristics of false teachers and clinging to the truth of God's Word, believers can protect themselves from deception and remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.