The Urgency of Truth – Comments on the Epistle of 2 Peter

Before using this commentary, it is important to understand the proper way to use it. A common mistake by some is to casually read a book and pick up the general theme and intent. This should not be done with this document. This document should only be used as an aide in one’s pursuit of a knowledge of God through the Bible. An appropriate method to use this commentary is as follows:

Read and re-read the Scripture being studied
Using a concordance, attempt to find parallel Scriptures to what has been read and read those parallel Scriptures
Refer to this commentary to check conclusions reached about a Scripture
Meditate and examine Scriptures referenced in this commentary

It should be noted in the above plan that it is the Bible that is the focus for finding truth, not this commentary. This commentary serves only as an aide in finding and thinking about parallel Scriptures that relate to the one being studied. It is the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures that enlightens us to truth (1 John 2:20-27, John 14:26, 15:26).

Introduction and Overview

An easy way to remember the outline of 2 Peter is by the following:

The Priority of Scripture (Chapter 1)
The Problem of False Teachers (Chapter 2)
The Prospect of Judgment Day (Chapter 3)

While 1 Peter was written to encourage Christians in light of inevitable sufferings, the epistle of II Peter was written by Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit primarily to combat false teachings in the church. Throughout II Peter, there are statements that point to the importance of the correct knowledge of God. All things have been given to the believer pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge of God (1:3). The readers are exhorted to increase their knowledge (1:5, 3:18). Peter was diligent to bring the truth to the remembrance of the readers (1:12, 3:1). The fact of a correct knowledge of God is especially important in light of the warning in Chapter 2 of false teachers. Similar to the epistle of Jude, there are many historical and other allegorical illustrations to point out the errors of those who were bringing significant error into the midst of the true believers. A significant portion of the epistle concerns itself with providing illustrations of those who quietly creep into good standing in a body of believers, but in actuality bring forth wicked teachings and behaviors. It is interesting to note that, in the New Testament, that almost every book contains warning against false teaching. In fact, it appears that only 1 Peter, James, and Philemon do not contain explicit warnings against false teaching. Finally, in Chapter 3 there is a great warning of those who deny the faith itself by questioning the return of Jesus Christ. This is another subtle deception that attacks the very core of Christianity.

The purpose of this commentary is to carefully examine each phrase in the epistle in order to understand the warnings that God is providing for His people. As will be seen, each historical example and each allegory provides further depth of meaning to understand the warning of this small epistle. There are also great truths in this epistle concerning salvation and the end times.

The Thread of the Importance of a Correct Knowledge of God through 2 Peter

THE THREAD OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A CORRECT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THROUGH 2 PETER

It is important to develop this emphasis in the epistle of 2 Peter. Consider the following verses:

1:2	Grace and peace multiplied through knowledge
1:3	All things pertaining to life and godliness given through knowledge
1:5-6	Giving all diligence, add knowledge
1:8-9	Be fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, do not forget the purging from former sins
1:12-15	Peter diligent to bring truths to readers’ remembrance
1:16	Made known the power and coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
1:19-21	We have a sure word of prophecy
1:20	Know that no Scripture is of private interpretation
2:1	False teachers bring in heresies
2:2	Make truth be evil spoken of
2:20	Escape the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior
2:21	Better to have not known the way of righteousness than to turn back
3:1	Stir up minds by way of remembrance
3:2	Be mindful of the words spoken by apostles and prophets
3:3	Know first that scoffers will come
3:5	Scoffers are willingly ignorant
3:5	By the word of God the heavens were of old ¼
3:7	By the same word are kept in store
3:8	Be not ignorant that one day is as a 1000 years and 1000 years as one day
3:15	Account that the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation
3:16	Paul wrote of some things hard to understand
3:17	Knowing the truth, do not be led away by error of the wicked
3:18	Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior

As should be evident from all these verses, there is great importance placed on a knowledge of the truth. This should be an important warning to us to not satisfy ourselves with saying that one who brings error ‘means well’ and the error can be overlooked. The Christian must earnestly contend for the true faith (Jude 3-4) for the Scriptures warn that Satan’s ministers come as angels of light within the congregation (2 Thess 2, 2 Cor 11).

The importance of understanding the truth of God and growing in knowledge is underscored by the fact that the Scriptures teach that it is by the word of God that one grows (1 Pet 2:2). The Word of God effectively does its work in those who believe (1 Thess 2:13). It is the way by which the Christian grows more Christ-like (Ps 119). It is easy to underestimate the importance of studying God’s word when there are so many other Christian activities that take place. However, review of the Biblical exhortations to study the word (e.g. 2 Tim 2:15, Col 3:16, Ps 119, etc, etc) and the fact that the Bible works in believers to produce holiness (e.g. 1 Thess 2:13, 2 Tim 3:16-17, Ps 119, James 1:21, etc, etc) should settle the argument that Bible study is of utmost importance. Knowledge itself that does not lead to holiness is an intellectual man-made religion only. It is as a clanging gong (1 Cor 13:1) and leads to pride (1 Cor 8:1)

The Relationship of Jude to 2 Peter 2

THE RELTIONSHIP OF JUDE TO 2 PETER 2

It is important to understand the relationship between 2 Peter 2 and Jude. A casual comparison of the two passages reveals obvious similarities. The following table is provided to highlight the similarities. Similar passages can be seen in parallel:

Jude 4 – 2 Pet 2:1

Jude 6 – 2 Pet 2:4

Jude 7 – 2 Pet 2:6

Jude 8 – 2 Pet 2:10

Jude 9 – 2 Pet 2:11

Jude 10 – 2 Pet 2:12

Jude 12 – 2 Pet 2:13, 17

Jude 17 – 2 Pet 2:18

It can be seen in 2 Pet 2:1 and Jude 4, the subject of the passages is about those false teachers who have crept into the congregation privily. These false teachers bring heresies and deny God. In 2 Pet 2:6 and Jude 7, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah are provided as an example of the false teachers. The behavior and subsequent judgment on the cities serve as a stark reminder of judgment to be made on those who practice that type of sin.

In 2 Pet 2:10 and Jude 8, a description of the false teachers’ errors are provided. In both passages, it can be seen that they walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and they despise government. In 2 Pet 2:17 and Jude 12-13, the symbolism of clouds carried by the wind and the judgment of the blackness of darkness is depicted. Finally in Jude 16 and 2 Pet 2:18, the false teachers are said to speak great swelling words of vanity.

Some have cast a dark shadow on the similarities of 2 Peter 2 and Jude. It has been sometimes stated that because they are similar, in all likelihood Jude copied off of Peter. Therefore, they imply that Jude may be of a lesser quality than 2 Peter. Of course, this is wrong. All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God (2 Pet 1:19-21). It is obvious throughout Scripture that there are many quotations and parallel passages to other portions of Scripture. A classic example are the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). These stories of the life of Christ are very, very similar in many ways. However, they contain some differences that do not contradict, but rather complement the other Gospels.

The same may be said of 2 Peter and Jude. These passages essentially complement one another. Whether one was copied from the other or one formed the basis to the writing of the other is altogether unimportant. The important thing is that they are both part of the inspired Word of God. Significantly, by viewing the above table of Jude and 2 Peter 2, a very notable fact can be gleaned concerning the way that God provides us His truth. It can be seen that Jude and 2 Peter are more complimentary to one another than they are identical to one another. Enough likeness can be seen between the 2 passages that they clearly relate to one another. However, most information is actually different. This, of course, is a great blessing to Christians. Through the comparison of Scripture with Scripture (1 Cor 2:13), more spiritual truth can be understood than if just one passage were looked at. In fact, this is true of the entire Bible. For example, in Jude, the false teachers are described as clouds without rain carried about by the winds. Without the rest of Scripture, it would be impossible to fully glean the depth of spiritual truth contained in these descriptions.

It is important to now turn to examine how the Bible is to be interpreted since there is a great amount of truth at stake if we do not approach the Bible the way God intends it to be interpreted.

The Scriptural Method of Biblical Interpretation

The Scriptural Method of Biblical Interpretation

Before proceeding in studying II Peter, it is important to understand the proper method of Biblical interpretation. II Peter contains many allusions to the Old Testament as well as other very obscure language. II Peter describes waterless wells, clouds carried by a tempest, allusions to Balaam, Noah and Lot, etc. It is very dangerous to interpret what these symbols mean by using our own personal experiences or wisdom.

So then, how are we to interpret the Bible? The answer is that we must allow God’s Word to speak for itself. That is, God is the author of the Bible (see 2 Tim 3:16, 2 Pet 1:19-21, etc) and He is sovereign over how He defines His terms. In fact, the central rule of Bible study can be found in 1 Cor 2:13:

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 Cor 2:13

We see that the things that we will learn from the Holy Spirit must be learned by comparing spiritual with spiritual. We cannot take the Bible which is spiritual (John 6:63) and try to compare it with what our own carnal minds think. If we do, we will end up with our own private interpretation of what the Scripture teaches (2 Pet 1:20). We will be speaking from ourselves and not from the Word of God (see John 7:18). We must be willing to examine all the information God gives us on a topic and examine it in its context and ultimately in the context of the whole Bible for its meaning. We must understand that the sum of God’s Word is truth (Ps 119:160). In other words, to come to truth, we must search the whole Bible to define what we read. We ca not take one verse and build a doctrine without considering all related verses.

Therefore, the premise of the remaining study will be this. We must trust God’s Word alone for truth. God alone is the source of spiritual truth. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). In believing God’s Word, we must allow it to be its own dictionary. That is, when we come across a phrase that we do not understand or an analogy that seems so obscure, we must be willing to diligently search the entire Bible for truth.

What is the Bible?

WHAT IS THE BIBLE?

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.‑ That the mm of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Tim 3:16‑17

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Pet 1:20‑21

The Bible itself claims to be the inspired word of God, given by God through men. In short, it is God talking to mankind. There are many other Scriptures in the Bible that testify to the fact that the Bible is the inspired word of God (e.g. see 1 Pet 1:11. 1 Thess 4:15, 2 Pet 3:15-16, Mk 12:36, Heb 3:7-8, 2 Pet 1:21, Acts 1:16, 2:30-31, 4:25, 28:25, 2 Sam 23:2, etc.). Additionally, there is other evidence for the Bible being the word of God. Such things as its consistency over a great many years of writing, the uniqueness of the Bible, the fulfillment of its prophecy, the inexhaustible infinity of its message, the honesty of the Bible, and the convincing, convicting power of the Scriptures all testify to the fact that the Bible is the one and only word of God.

In 2 Tim 3:16, the Bible teaches that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. That is, we must not take only part of the Scripture as divinely inspired, and assign other parts to human origin. Moreover, we must trust the Bible language to be divinely inspired. The actual grammar and phraseology of the Bible was directly supervised by God Himself so that all Scripture is inspired.

Point #1: The Sufficiency of Scripture

It is important to define the mechanics of effective interpretation of the word of God. The first important fact is that the Bible itself is sufficient for truth about God. That is, God gave us precisely what we needed to know to develop us into greater holiness. The Bible does not need to rest upon other authorities such as the writings of men to be profitable (2 Tim 3:16‑17). As Christians, we are sufficient in Christ (Col 2:10). The Bible says that the sum of God’s word is truth (Ps 119:160). We should not rest our confidence in the wisdom of man (Jer 17:5, Ps 146:3, 1 Cor 1:20‑25, 2:5) but rather in God.

An area of concern in the study of the Bible is the use of commentaries. Unfortunately, most commentaries predominantly teach the need for man’s scholarly wisdom by their overuse of original languages, grammar, archaeology, and culture at the expense of Scripture. They may be a valuable resource as a confirmation to what we have been studying for ourselves in the Bible, but they should not be used as the source of our spiritual nourishment. Reading commentaries by themselves teach us what commentators believe, not necessarily what the Bible teaches. Moreover, the Scripture warns us concerning the development of many books that replace the wisdom of God’s word (Ecc 12:11‑13). This is not to say that there is not a place for commentaries and other reference works. A commentary based on God’s Word and the interpretation of Scripture with Scripture can be a valuable resource as long as all the references are thoroughly studied.

As we shall see in point 6 below, the Bible itself is its own commentary, dictionary, and reference tool. God has placed in the Scripture explanations of what He meant by the language He has used (e.g. Ro 9:25‑26). There are many quotations in the New Testament of things stated in the Old. In these cases, the New Testament serves as a commentary on the Old. God has also used words in a way in which He defines. Only by a careful study, comparing Scripture with Scripture, can we define these words and unlock beautiful depths of spiritual truth.

In summary, it is important to understand that no book written by a human author can replace the earnest study of God’s word. While there are some books that may have value (especially concordances), it is important to keep them a far second to the Bible.

Point #2: The Whole Bible Concerns the Gospel

Another very important fact is to recognize that the entire Bible concerns the Gospel. Today, there are many theologies that teach that the Old Testament is not as significant to Christianity today as the New Testament. They teach that it was primarily written to a people under a different ‘dispensation’.

This thinking, has resulted in the creation of much Bible ignorance today. Assume for the moment that the entire Bible is completely relevant to Christianity today. If the New Testament is emphasized over the Old, then the focus is only on approximately one‑fourth of the Bible while three‑fourths is left neglected. However, if the Bible is studied as a whole, beautiful truths begin to shine through consistently in the entire Bible. An obscure passage found in the New Testament turns out to have a ready solution as the Old Testament is studied. Similarly, those mysterious prophetic passages concerning Israel in the Old Testament will take on beautiful meaning and applicability to the church today.

There are a multitude of Old Testament references in the New Testament. Therefore, to understand the New Testament, one must also diligently study the Old. One cannot presume upon God that they have come to truth without diligently applying themselves to the study of God’s complete word.

The Bible is clear that the Gospel was pictured all throughout the Old Testament. In Luke 24:27, Jesus explained to the disciples on the road to Emmaus all things about Himself beginning with Moses and all the prophets. In other words, the 0ld Testament Scriptures testified of Jesus Christ and His work on earth. There are many other instances in the Bible that clearly indicate that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of the entire Bible including the Old Testament (e. g. 1 Pet 1:10‑12, 2 Pet 1:19‑21, John 5:39, Rev 19:10, Acts 7:38,52, Acts 3:16‑24, 26:6, Heb 12:25, 2 Tim 3:16, Heb 4:2, 9:5, Ro 3:2 1, Col 1:5, 2:16‑17, Gal 3:8, 4:21‑24, Ro 1:1‑3, etc). The reader is strongly encouraged to study these verses to be convinced in his own mind that the entire Bible concerns the Gospel. This is crucial to begin to see how to scripturally study the Bible! Unfortunately, many will say that the whole Bible points to Christ, but in practice, they refuse to search for Christ in any and all Scriptures. In a sense, by their actions, they believe that the Bible contains the Gospel, not that the Bible is the Gospel.

It should be noted that the Gospel also includes judgment for sin (Ro 2:16, Rev 14:6, Is 40:9, 2 Sam 4:10). In the 1 Cor 15:1-4 definition of the Gospel, we see that Christ died for sin. The Gospel, therefore, includes the fact that there is a penalty for sin. We also find that the Gospel is defined as freedom from sin and redemption from the slave market of sin (e.g. Ro 10:15-16, Is 52:7, Ro 15:18-20, Ro 1:1-6, 2 Thess 1:8, 1 Pet 4:17, 1 Thess 2:2-9, etc). Therefore, the Gospel involves the recognition of sin and the need for a Savior.

In short, the Gospel contains all the ingredients involved with God’s work to redeem a wayward people. The Gospel can be defined easily as the whole Bible as it relates to redemption.

Point #3: The Bible is Historically True

The next important fact to understand in studying the Bible is that it is completely and historically true. Jesus referred to the Old Testament as historical fact. He talked about Jonah, Elijah, Moses and many other events in the Old Testament as historical fact.

The reasons why the Christian should be convinced of the historical veracity of the Bible will not be pursued further. A simple premise of the remainder of this work is that the Bible is the word of God and is true in all its accounts.

But, what value is there in studying historical accounts that just do not seem to have any relevance to us today? Why are we concerned with genealogical histories of people? Why are we concerned that a certain event happened in a certain place? If one believes that the Bible is only a history book, they are most pitiable. But, when one recalls that the entire Scripture points to the truth of Jesus Christ and man’s need of Him, then one can begin to understand that we must go further than reading the Bible as a history book.

Where do we go from here? We should now agree that the Bible is completely inspired of God. We should agree that the entire Bible is God’s word that effectively works in believers to make them grow in holiness (I Thess 2:13, 2 Pet 2:2, etc). We should agree that both the New and Old Testaments point to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But, there are many historical passages that just do not seem to fit into the Gospel. There is just so much doom and gloom that God spoke to the Israelites in the Old Testament prophets. Is all this for us today?

Point #4: The Bible Contains Moral Lessons

It is important to understand that those things that happened to the Israelites were pattern for our instruction. The Scripture teaches:

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Cor 10.1‑11

We find that the events in the Old Testament were written as an example to us so that we would not fall into the same error some in the Old Testament did. The Old Testament was given to us for an example of God’s salvation plan.

The Bible teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for four things: doctrine, reproof correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). This agrees with what we discovered earlier that the Bible is the divine mechanism used by the Holy Spirit to lead believers into increasing holiness. All through the Bible, we find examples and statements on what the will of God is. Even obscure historical stories in the Old Testament can be full of moral lessons for us today. But, is there more that the Bible teaches us beyond historical or moral lessons?

Point #5: The Bible is Spiritual

Did you ever wonder why that some people seem to be able to quickly grasp‑and understand Biblical truth while others seemed destined never to go beyond a mere historical understanding of the Bible? There have been very great men of the world that have done very impressive study into language construction in the Bible, archaeological studies and other cultural and historical studies. However, they never seem to have been able to grasp even basic Biblical truths concerning the fallen state of man and the beautiful Biblical truth of the Gospel. Why is this?

The Bible teaches us that God has chosen the weak, base and, foolish people of the earth to shame the mighty, wise and noble of the earth (see 1 Cor 1:25‑31). Praise God that our salvation does not rest on our physical capabilities or social standing. It rests completely on the grace of God.

Similarly, our understanding of the Bible does not rest on intellectual might. It rests on the illumination that the Holy Spirit gives to every Christian. In fact, the Bible teaches that the natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit, since they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:14). It is the Holy Spirit who teaches Christians spiritual truth (1 Cor 2:13, 1 John 2:26‑27, Ps 25:12‑14, 32:8).

The Bible is a spiritual book. While it is historically true and has many morally important lessons, the main import of the word of God is that it teaches Christians spiritual truth about his fallen state and his need for a Savior. God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We cannot expect to understand spiritual truth by approaching the Bible as a natural unsaved man would. Assuming the unsaved man believes the Bible to be the word of God, he would naturally approach it from a historical and literal approach. But, is this the way that God designed the Bible to be studied and understood?

To worship God in spirit, we must approach the Bible from a spiritual viewpoint. We must recognize that the Bible is Jesus in written form and that the words that He spoke to us are spirit and life (John 6:63). The things of the natural do not profit. We must study the Bible from a spiritual perspective.

Moreover, Jesus taught in parables (i.e. an illustration that contains deeper spiritual truth) and without a parable He did not teach (Mk 4:33‑34). The Bible is written by a Spirit. It is not written simply and straightforward so that just anybody could understand the deeper truths of God by studying the Bible only from a literal approach (see Mk 4:11‑12, Mat 13:10‑16). God has designed His word so that it takes diligent study (2 Tim 2:15) and the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand Biblical truth (1 Cor 2:9‑16). Therefore, we must understand that the Bible is not a simple book to be taken only literally. To understand it, we must trust God to give us the spiritual wisdom to understand it by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

But some may ask: does this not lead to utter confusion in understanding the Bible? That is, if we ‘spiritualize’ the Bible, will we not end up with a multitude of diverse opinions about Biblical truth? The answer to this is absolutely not (see John 14:26, 16:14‑15, 1 John 2:27)!

Point #6: Compare Spiritual with Spiritual

Which things also we speak not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 Cor 2:13

The above verse is the key to a consistent Biblical understanding. As enabled by the Holy Spirit we must compare spiritual with spiritual. But what does that mean? Simply put, the student of God’s word must compare Scripture with Scripture to come to truth. The Scriptures are spiritual since they are written by God Himself who is a Spirit (John 6:63). When we see a term or phrase in the Bible, we must diligently search the Bible to see how that term or phrase is used throughout Scripture. This is the Biblical method to Bible study and must never be under emphasized or underestimated. A concordance is of great help in this matter!

It is interesting to note in the context of 1 Cor 2:13, we see that the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we know the things of God (verse 12). We do not know them from human words of wisdom. Rather, we can only know them by the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who is our teacher (John 14:26). It is the Holy Spirit who has anointed us to know God’s truth (1 John 2:20-27). But, how is it that God uses the Holy Spirit to teach us? Well, it’s only when we compare Scripture with Scripture that we come to truth. The literal rendering of 1 Cor 2:13 is this: “…which the Holy Spirit teaches, by spiritual, spiritual things comparing.” We see clearly from this verse that the method that the Holy Spirit uses to teach us truth is that we take which is spiritual (i.e. the words of the Bible – John 6:63), and we compare them to that which is spiritual (i.e. other words of the Bible). This is confirmed by the Old Testament reference to how God’s word is given to His people (Is 28:10-13). It is by “line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little, there a little” that spiritual truth is gleaned.

But, how often, when we study the Bible, that the first thing we think of to interpret a verse is what our minds think of. When Rev 6 states that there will be a judgment on the fourth of the earth with sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts, our minds immediately want to tell us that this involves physical war, physical hunger, disease, and animal attacks. However, we must not trust our minds. We must trust the mind of God as found in the Bible. When we look at these four sore judgments, we see that they are related to significant spiritual truths which are not necessarily physical.

Moreover, when Jesus is referred to as the Lamb, what should we do with this metaphor? What is the significance of the Lamb? When we study the complete Scripture, we find that the Lamb is a picture of that great sacrifice on the Passover. When we see the purpose of the Lamb in the Passover, we find that its purpose was to save those who were under the blood of the Lamb on the doorway of their homes. We can see a further connection. The Passover was the event that marked the freedom of Israel from bondage to Egypt. We find the term bondage used in the New Testament concerning our condition before we are saved. We are in bondage to sin. In addition, there are many more important spiritual points that could be made about the Lamb and Passover which all point to significant spiritual truth about the Lord and His work of salvation.

The point of the above example is that we must diligently compare Scripture with Scripture consistently in order to come to spiritual truth on a matter. When we see terminology in the Bible, we must turn to other Scriptures to define the meanings of the terms. We must resist the temptation to take the easy approach and first use commentaries, Greek grammar books and the like to see what someone thinks it means. We must turn to the Bible first for the source of our spiritual truth.

Chapter 1 – The Priority of the Scriptures

The Knowledge of God brings Salvation and Holiness (1:1-4)

PE2 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

PE2 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord

Simon Peter – In 1 Peter, the salutation uses ‘Peter’ and not ‘Simon Peter’ as is the case here. Simon was the writer’s original name while Peter (or Cephas in the Syriac) was the name of given by Jesus Christ (see John 1:40-42, Mat 4:18, Mat 16:18). The name Simon is from the Hebrew and literally means ‘hearing’. The name of Peter (Gr: petros) literally means stone. In the Bible, we know that names often symbolize something about the person. For example, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham since he was to be the father of a multitude (Gen 17:5). The 12 tribes of Israel were named based on a given meaning of a name (Gen 29-30). Similarly, we can view Peter’s name as reminding us that he was to be a member of the living temple of God (see e.g. 1 Pet 2:5).

The fact that his name was changed from Simon (i.e. hearing) to Peter (stone) may mean that Jesus Christ saw Peter as a member of the living church of God and did not emphasize the ‘hearing’ of Peter since his makeup and attitude did not necessarily match that as one who was quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19). However, in II Peter we see emphasized the need of hearing and understanding the Word of God. Therefore, the emphasis on ‘Simon’ Peter likely reinforces the theme in II Peter to be careful to hear the Word of God. This is substantiated by the fact that Christ commanded Peter three times to feed the sheep of God (John 21). Therefore, the emphasis on a correct understanding of God’s Word would be important to Peter.

A servant and apostle of Jesus Christ – Peter is a servant of Christ. By this, we should understand that we are not to seek our own will but the will of our Master, Jesus Christ. It is He to whom we are obedient and all our life should depend. The Scriptures teach that all Christians are in fact bond-servants of Christ (e.g. 2 Tim 2:24, 1 Pet 2:16, Eph 6:5-6, Ro 6:15-23, James 1:1, etc). In the unsaved condition, we are all slaves of Satan to follow the passions and lusts of the flesh (2 Tim 2:24-26, Ro 6:15-23). But, now we have become slaves of righteousness (Ro 6:15-23).

However, not all Christians are apostles, or ‘sent ones’. This is reserved for a certain group of people in the early church. It is these to whom Christ has appeared (1 Cor 15:1-10, Acts 1:22, 1 Cor 9:1). Although there were apostolic signs and wonders that followed the apostles (e.g. 2 Cor 11:5, 12:11-12, Acts 2:43, etc), the reference in this verse to Peter being an apostle points chiefly to the apostolic function of bringing the word of God and ultimately being the human instruments, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who were used to write the New Testament (Ro 1:5, 11:13, 1 Cor 1:1, Jude 17, Col 1:1, Eph 1:1, 2:20, etc, etc). The reference to Peter as an apostle gives him the authority to warn the readers of the importance of knowing the Word of God and fleeing from false teachers.

Them who have obtained like precious faith with us – The Word of God is written to others who are also Christians. It is the Christians who have been given ears to hear and eyes to see the truths of the Word of God. The term ‘with us’ reinforces that Christians have fellowship with one another (Jude 3-4) through the common faith that we share.

The term obtained (Gr: lagchano) literally means to receive by lot. It is only used three other places (Lk 1:9, John 19:24, Acts 1:17) and underscores that the faith that we are saved by is not given to us because of our abilities or our position. God is not a respecter of persons. The faith is given to us by God’s sovereign good pleasure (Ro 9). It is similar to drawing a lot in that it lands on a person not by any special quality or work that they have done but rather by God’s choice. In Acts 1:17, we see that the lot fell on Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as the 12^th apostle. The lot points to God’s choice in a matter.

Christians have obtained like precious faith in that it has been given to us by the grace of God (Eph 2:8-9, Phil 1:29, 1 Pet 1:21, John 6:65, John 3:27, 1 Cor 4:7, Heb 12:2, 1 Tim 1:14, Acts 3:16). The faith by which we are saved by cannot be our own since then it would be our good works by which we are saved. This would contradict Scripture. It is the faith of Christ by which we are saved (Gal 2:16, Phil 3:9, Ro 3:22, Ro 1:17, Rev 14:12, etc). The faith of Christ is given to us as a precious gift of grace. Therefore, the faith of a believer when tried is as precious god (1 Pet 1:7) and is referred to as most holy (Jude 20).

The term like precious faith is the only occurrence of this Greek word in the Bible. As we will see throughout this study there are many only occurrences to certain words. More on this later.

Through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ – Reinforcing the truths discussed above, the faith by which we are saved by is not through our righteousness in ‘making a decision for Christ’ or walking an aisle of salvation. It is only through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ that we have obtained salvation. Righteousness is imputed to Christians by Christ (Ro 3:22-26, 4:3-13, 22, Ro 10:4, James 2:23).

The fact that the righteousness comes from God and our Saviour Jesus Christ does not detract from the fact that Jesus is God. We know that Jehovah (YHWH) is God and is Saviour (Is 43:3, 11, 45:12,21, 49:26, etc) and Jesus is referred to as Saviour (Acts 4:12, 5:31, etc). We also know from Scripture that YHWH is the only Savior (Hos 13:4, Is 43:11) and no man can be saved outside of Jesus (Acts 4:12). Therefore, it should be obvious that Jesus is God.

It is Christ, the Just, who suffered for the unjust (1 Pet 3:18). He was as a lamb without blemish or spot (1 Pet 1:19) who gave His people the faith to be saved by.

Grace – Grace points to the gift of God through His love and goodness (1 Pet 3:7, 5:12,21, 2 Pet 3:18, Titus 2:11, 3:7, 2 Thess 2:16, Eph 2:8-9). This is the address to the readers of II Peter. At the end of II Peter we find the closing also refers to growing in the grace of knowledge of God. The importance of growing in the understanding of grace is an important element in maturing as a Christian.

Peace – Peace is the result of salvation. Once saved, we are no longer at enmity with God (Ro 5:1, 8:610:15, 15:33, 2:10, Eph 2:15-17, 6:15, Col 3:15 , Lk 1:79, 2:14, Is 9:6, Mk 5:34, Rev 6:3‑4, etc). The rebellion from God has been brought to an end. In the unsaved state, man is rebellious to God. Therefore, the greeting of peace is intended to remediate the sin of rebellion from God.

Be multiplied, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus, our Lord – To be multiplied points to the effective work of God’s grace and peace (see Jude 2, Acts 9:31, 1 Pet 1:2). It is through the knowledge of God, that one becomes closer to God and therefore grows in grace and peace. It is the Word of God that completely and fully points to our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:39, 7:52, John 5:39, Lk 24:25-27, 44-46). It is by the God enlightened knowledge of God that one can grow (1 Pet 2:2, Ps 119:9,11, John 17:17). It is the Word of God that effectively works in us who believe (1 Thess 2:13).

PE2 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

PE2 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

According as his divine power, hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness – By life, we understand salvation. By godliness, we understand, sanctification or living a godly life. The Scriptures teach elsewhere that references to life (especially eternal life) refer to salvation – e.g. Mat 7:14, 18:8-9, 19:17, 29, 25:46, John 3:15-16, 5:24-29, etc. The term godliness (Gr: eusebia) is synonymous with living a godly lifestyle (see 2 Pet 1:3, 6-7, 3:11, Titus 1:1, 2 Tim 3:5, 1 Tim 2:2, 3:16, 4:7-8, 6:3-11).

It is important to understand that it is through the power of God that we have all things that pertain to life and godliness. In other words, whatever we are concerning both our salvation and our sanctification must be credited completely to God. Mankind can take no credit for any part of salvation and cannot take any part of anything concerning their sanctification. It is God who works in us both to will and to do for His glory (Phil 2:13, Eph 2:10). We are nothing without God’s work. Similarly, when it comes to salvation, it is God who did all the work of salvation. Before salvation, we were dead in sins and trespasses (Eph 2:1, John 11) and it was God who made us alive (Eph 2:1-10). God gave us the faith to believe as we have already noted. Men have done nothing for their salvation (see Ro 9).

It is God’s power (Gr: dunamis) that leads us to salvation (2 Pet 1:16). The Word of God is preached with the power of God to bring men to salvation (1 Cor 1:18, 24, 2:4-5, 4:19-20).

Through the knowledge of him – Once again, we see the thread of the importance of knowledge. This is not meant as the humanly knowledge that can only puff up (1 Cor 8:1). Man’s wisdom is not what is in view (1 Cor 1-2). It is the knowledge of God found in the Bible summed up in Christ that is at stake (2 Pet 3:18, 2 Tim 3:17, Heb 10:26, 2 Pet 2:20, Eph 1:17, 4:13, Phil 1:9, 3:8, 2 Cor 1:14, etc). The knowledge of the Bible is vital since it is by the hearing of the word of God by which we are saved (Ro 10:17). It is not head knowledge and intellectual facts that is in view here. It is the heartfelt knowledge of knowing Christ and His will as found in the Bible.

Hath called us to glory and virtue – The precious grace of God is revealed in that He has called us to glory. By glory, we understand the grand blessing of receiving eternal salvation and glorification into resurrected spiritual bodies (Ro 9:23, 2 Cor 4:17, Ro 8:18, 1 Thess 2:19-20, Phil 3:21, 2 Tim 2:10, Col 3:4, etc, etc). Although deserving hell, God has richly blessed us with salvation of eternal life.

God has also called us to virtue (Gr: arête). This term is only used 4 times in the New Testament (see also 2 Pet 1:5, Phil 4:8, 1 Pet 2:9). It’s in 1 Pet 2:9, where we see clearer definition of what God means by virtue. It is by being a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people that we show forth virtue. In other words, to have virtue is to be a separated people. It is to be different in a godly way. God has called us to be a holy people in the midst of a crooked generation.

Given unto us exceeding great and precious promises – God has blessed His people with great things. The term ‘exceeding great’ is the Greek word ‘megistos’ and only occurs here in the Scriptures. It serves to underscore the supreme greatness of the salvation that God has bestowed on His people. The term promises points to the fact that Christians are saved by faith (Eph 2:8-9). They do not yet have the completeness of their salvation in their spiritual bodies. Therefore, the eternal state is still a promise that Christians wait for in faith. Just as God made great promises to Abraham and the patriarchs, the same promise applies to Christians today. The thread of the promise of God reappears throughout 2 Peter (see notes on 2:19, 3:4,9,13).

By these ye might be partakers of the divine nature – The salvation that Christians enjoy is a common experience. The word ‘partaker’ in the Greek is the same as fellowship (Gr: koinonia). The fellowship is that which Christians have together. Although from different backgrounds, people can have unity (Phil 2:2, Ro 12:16, 1 Cor 1:10) because we all partake of one Spirit (1 Cor 12). Believers can share in the fellowship of trials, the Word of God and other Christian activity that makes up fellowship. The following is a description of the different types of fellowship that believers share in:

1 Ministering the Gospel ‑ Phil 1:5, Gal 2:9, 2 Cor 8:23, Titus 1:4, Lk 5:10, Phm 17

2 Doctrine – 2 John 11, Phm 6, Jude 3, Titus 1:14

3 Sufferings – 2 Cor 1:7, Heb 10:33, 1 Pet 4:13, Phil 3:10, Phil 4:14-15, 1 Pet 4:13

4 Giving – Ro 15:26-27, 2 Cor 8:4, 9:13, Phil 4:14-15, Gal 6:6, 1 Tim 6:18, Heb 13:16, Ro 12:13

5 With Jesus – 1 Cor 1:9, Phil 2:1, 2 Pet 1:4, 1 Cor 10:16, 1 John 1:3

6 With Holy Spirit – 2 Cor 13:14, Phil 2:1

7 Glory to be revealed – 1 Pet 5:1

Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust – The word escape (Gr: apopheugo, see also 2 Pet 2:18,20) literally means to flee away. It is tied to the fact that before salvation, one is in spiritual bondage to Satan and the corruption of sin (Ro 6, 2 Tim 2:24-26). Corruption points to the fact that sin results in the disarray of the physical creation including death. Corruption has been caused by man’s deceitful lusts (Eph 4:19-22). To be bound to sin is to be spiritually dead (Eph 2:1-2). The sin that is in the world is due to the lust of man. It is man’s sensual desire to please the flesh that plunges him into rebellion towards God (1 John 2:18-20, 2 Tim 4:3, Eph 2:3, Jude 16, Mk 4:19, etc.).

The Exhortation to Make our Calling and Election Sure (1:5-15)

PE2 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

PE2 1:6 And to knowledge, temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness;

PE2 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

And besides this – This phrase emphasizes that in addition to the fact we are to be partakers of the divine nature, there is additional work that needs to be done which follows in verses 5-7.

It is important to see in verses 4-5 that all Christians are partakers of the divine nature and have escaped he corruption of lust. That is, all Christians are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) and no long practice sin (Gal 5:19-21, 1 Cor 6:9-11). But, in addition to the basic newness of being in Christ and ceasing from the lifestyle of sin, there is more to do.

Diligence – This is a reminder to us not to be slothful (Pr 6:6-9, Mat 25:26, etc.) in spiritual matters, but diligent (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Pet 1:5,10). The reference to the fact that the apostle was diligent to write points to the importance of and the method that God uses to transmit His Word – the written Holy Bible. The importance of diligence in the Christians life is important. We are commanded to diligently study the Bible (2 Tim 2:15). Christians must be careful not to be slothful since this is the natural tendency of the flesh (Pr 6:6-9, 10:26, 13:4, 15:19, Heb 6:12, Ro 12:11, etc.).

Add to your faith – Faith, as we have seen, is a gift of God and originates with God (e.g. Eph 2:8-9, 2 Pet 1:1, etc.). However, we are commanded by God that we must add to our faith. We are all dealt a measure of faith (Ro 12:3) that we use as a grain of mustard seed (Mat 17:20, Lk 17:6). We must, by prayer, beseech the Lord to increase our faith (Lk 17:5) so that we can be strong in the faith (Ro 4:20). We are reminded in 1 Cor 13:13 that love and hope also abide with faith. Therefore, we must be diligent to add to our faith lest we find tht our faith alone is a dead faith and not effectual to salvation (James 2:17, 26).

Virtue – This is the same Greek word that was discussed in 1:3 meaning that we must add to our faith a holy lifestyle in that we are a peculiar people (1 Pet 2:9). Therefore, virtue is that manner of life that results in the world seeing us as a different sort of person than the average due to our holy behavior. It is important to understand that Christians, although in the world, must shine as a light in a dark place.

Knowledge – Added to our virtue must be an intense desire to gain knowledge, not of worldly things, but of God through His word (2 Pet 3:18, 2 Tim 3:17, Heb 10:26, Col 2:3, etc.). To be able to be obedient to God’s Word, we must first know it (1 John 2:1-6). Once we start knowing God’s Word, we trust His Word when it says that it will work effectively in us who have faith (1 Thess 2:13). We cleanse our way according to His Word (Ps 119:9-11). We should earnestly desire the milk of the Word that we may grow thereby (1 Pet 2:2).

Temperance – Added to our knowledge is temperance or self-control (Gr: krateia – see also Gal 5:23, Acts 24:25, Titus 1:8, 1 Cor 9:25). We see that it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23). It is similar to an athlete who competes (1 Cor 9:5). In other words, Christians are to be like athletes in that they should train themselves to be godly. It takes discipline to apply oneself to a study of God’s word and looking out for the interests of others. To be temperate therefore is to be disciplined to do that which is pleasing to God.

Patience –This word (Gr: hupomone) elsewhere teaches us to have patience in tribulation (Ro 5:3, 12:2, James 1:3-4), patience in the Christian life (Heb 10:36, 12:2) and patience in waiting for glory (1 Thess 1:3, Ro 8:25). While temperance stresses self-control in what we do, patience stresses waiting in what we do. Patience is strongly linked to faith since it is by faith that we wait for the blessed assurnace (Heb 11:1). While the world teaches that you must have what you want now, the Lord teaches that we must wait for what we want.

Godliness – To be godly (Gr: eusebeia) means to be reverent and devout. It is used of persons who are not saved as we see in the example of the Athenians (Acts 17:23). But, it is a good work that Christians must apply themselves to. We must exercise ourselves to be godly (1 Tim 4:7-8). We do this by God’s Word once again (Titus 1:1, 1 Tim 3:16, 6:3-11).

Brotherly Kindness – Added to being godly is brotherly kindness (Gr: philia). This is the form of love that a Father loves His son (John 5:20) or a wife loves her husband (Titus 2:4). It is the love that makes one concerned about the well-being of another primarily from an earthly perspective (John 12:25). It is a ‘love’ that the unsaved person can have by the grace of God, but, believers must engage in this good behavior as well. For example, if one does not even take care of his own family, he is worse than an infidel (1 Tim 5:8).

Charity – This is the agape of highest form of Love. It is keeping the commands of God (2 John 6, 1 John 4:6, 5:2-3, John 14:24). It is primarily directed in the physical realm and is possible only by God and Christians (1 John 4:6-8). It is the deep concern that a Christian can show for a person’s spiritual welfare. It is similar to Peter and John sharing what they had with the man at the temple (Acts 3). They had no physical means for the man (i.e. money), yet they were able to share the Gospel with the individual. We are to love in truth (1 John 3:18, 2 Cor 6:6) by keeping God’s Word (1 John 2:4-5, 5:3). It is the love that God taught us by providing Hs son for our sins (John 3:16). While the philia love is more connected with a physical concen for people, the agape love is concerned with spiritual issues. Both are commanded.

PE2 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PE2 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

PE2 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

For if these things be in you, and abound – There are two things here that are noteworthy. First, the works discussed in verses 5-7 must be in Christians. For, we see in verse 9 if these things are lacking then the ‘Christian’ is blind. Normally, to be blind refers to one unsaved (see notes however on verse 9). Rather, these works should be in the Christian. They should be a matter of the heart not just mere external acts of hypocrisy (Mat 23). They must reflect the good inner works of a new and circumcised heart (Ro 2:25-29).

The other point is that these good works should abound (Gr: plenazo). This term is used elsewhere (Ro 5:20, 6:1, Phil 4:17, 2 Thess 1:3) and refers to the need of increasing of Christian fruit. It is a fact of scripture that all Christians must develop and grow in the faith (2 Pet 3:18). We note in 2 Co 3:18 that all Christians are changed from glory to glory. In other words there is growth in the Christian life. God is at work in each Christian to work for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). God will establish us in every good work (2 Thess 2:17).

They make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ – If these good works described in verses 5-7 are in us and are abounding, then there will be true fruit of Christians evident. The term barren refers to those not working in the kingdom of God (see Mat 20:3-6, 1 Tim 5:13) as illustrated in the example of those who are not working in the vineyard and those lazy widows that do not work, but rather are busybodies. Therefore, to ensure that idleness does not occur, we must diligently strive to develop the fruits of verses 5-7.

The Bible teaches that we will know a tree by its fruit (Mat 7:16-20, 12:33, etc). Also, if we find ourselves unfruitful, we will be cut off and cast away (John 15:2-8, 16). Because we are indwelled by the Spirit of God, we must be diligent to show forth the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). There is a severe warning that is beginning to develop in verses 8-11 concerning evidences of whether one is saved or not. We will develop this shortly.

Once again reference is made to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The thread of the importance of a correct knowledge of God once again shines through. It is the correct knowledge of God as applied to our hearts by the Holy Spirit that causes spiritual fruit (1 Thess 2:13, 2 Pet 3:18). One can have knowledge but it will be unfruitful if it is merely head knowledge and not from a circumcised heart. Unfruitful knowledge merely puffs up (1 Cor 8:1-2). Some profess knowledge but it is vain babblings that is falsely called knowledge. It is the man generated head knowledge about God that no longer is completely based upon Biblical teaching (1 Tim 6:20-21). It is the knowledge of the Pharisees and Saduccees who were extremely intelligent about religious matters but completely wrong (Mat 22-23).

But he that lacketh these things is blind – The one that calls himself a Christian yet lacks the good works of virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love is blind. Normally in the Bible, to be blind means to be unsaved (Mat 13:13-16, Acts 28:26f, Jer 31:8, Is 59:10, etc.). This becomes an extremely significant and scary warning for the Christian reading this passage. If the works of verses 5-7 are lacking, then it may be the case that the individual is not really saved.

Cannot see afar off – The term ‘cannot see afar off’ is the only occurrence of this Greek term in the Bible. Once more, we find a unique occurrence of a word in the writing of 2 Peter. The idea of not being able to see afar us points to near-sightedness. An example of near sightedness if found in Mk 8:22-26. Here we find a man of Bethsaida that was blind. Once Christ has spit on His eyes and put his hands upon him, the blind man could see but not clearly. Once Christ put his hands upon him again, then he could see clearly. This story as well as 2 Pet 1:9 appear to point to the fact that a saved individual (i.e. the man was made able to see but not clearly), needs continued influence by God (i.e. the second touching of Jesus). In other words, when one is saved, he is made able to see but not necessarily clearly at first. For even now, we see through a glass darkly, and it will not be until we are glorified that we see perfectly clearly (1 Cor 13:12) into the face of God. In other words, the Christian life is one of growth. We are, if we are truly saved, made to see more and more clearly by God as we are changed from one glory to another (2 Cor 3:18). It is similar to the pruning of the vine that produces some fruit in order to produce more fruit (John 15:1-8). However, if we find that we cannot not spiritually see at all, then we examine ourselves (2 Cor 13:5) and conclude that we are probably not saved.

Hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins – Once more the thread of knowledge is placed before us. If one is not fruitful in the good works of verses 5-7, then they have symbolically forgotten that they were saved. We were saved by the hearing of the word of God (Ro 10:17) and have been given all things pertaining to life through the Knowledge of God (2 Pet 1:3). Therefore, if there is a lack of fruit present, the professor’s mind is not focused on Christ (1 Cor 2:16, Col-3:1-3). Their mind is focused on the things of the world.

The purging (literally cleansing) of is old sins reminds of that once we are saved our filthiness of sin is cleansed. Once saved, positionally, the believer is robed with Christ (Gal 3:27, Is 61:10) and therefore, is not sinfully viewed by God. But, also the believer is recreated (2 Cor 5:17) and given a new nature that is born again (1 Pet 1:23, John 3:3-5). This new spirit born again does not sin (1 John 3:1-4, Ro 7:14-25, etc.) and has been cleansed from the former sins. Oh yes, the flesh is still present and believers still sin (Ro 7:14-25). But, in the innermost recreated spirit of the Christian, there is a continual desire to please God. Therefore, if one is not practicing the good works of verses 5-7, it is as if he has forgotten that he has partaken of the divine nature.

Wherefore the rather, brethren – What the Christian must do is now to be explained in verse 10. The reference to brethren points to the fact that all Christians are spiritually in the same family. Our true family are not those of the flesh necessarily (Mat 12:46-50), but it is those who are fellow heirs in the kingdom of God (Ro 8:17). Therefore, we must tenderly exhort each other to do those things that glorify God.

Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall – Diligence has to do with working hard (see notes on 1:5). Christians must work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). The terms election and calling point to aspects of salvation. Many are called, yet few chosen (or elect) – see Mat 22:14, 20:16. This reminds us that we heard the Gospel call along with many, many others. However, it is only the few who are truly elect. Many may respond intellectually or emotionally to the Gospel message only to find out at Judgment Day that they were not really saved (e.g. Mat 7:21-27, Lk 13:23-30). To make our election and calling sure, we must be willing to show virtue by being different. Even though many others who claim the name of Christ may not show the good works of verses 5-7, we must make sure that we are shining forth as lights and not following the crowd. By this way (doing verses 5-7 good works), we can be sure that we are saved (see also 1 John 5:13). It is only God’s choice that we are saved, yet we must diligently apply ourselves to the Christian duty to ensure we prove our saving faith with good works (James 2:14-26).

To be called (Ro 8:30, 9:24, 2 Tim 1:9, 1 Cor 1:9, 7:18-24, Mat 22:14, etc.) points to the fact that the readers have heard the Word of God (i.e. the call) and have responded to it. To be saved, one must come under the hearing (or the call) of the Word of God (Ro 10:17). The deception that is rebuked in the epistle stands in contrast tho the simplicity of the Gospel of God by which the readers have been called.

To be elect means to be chosen (Gr: eklektos). It is not like man elects people. Man’s election is done based on the work or capability of a person. God elects (see 2 Thess 2:13-14, John 15:16, 1 Pet 2:9, Lk 18:7, Col 3:12, etc) only based on His grace and the meritorious work of Christ. Man is utterly unable to please God in any work he can do (Ro 3:9-23, Is 64:6, Jer 17:9, etc.) including the work of faith (John 6:28-29). It is only when God chooses men, that they can be saved. This fact reminds us of our complete dependency on God and His word.

Assurance is given to us that if we doing the good works of verses 5-7, we shall never fail. This is similar to the assurance of 1 John 5:13 in that if we examine ourselves and find that we delight and the word of God and delight in obedience to God, then we have assurance of salvation. 1 John is an excellent study to ensure that we are saved. It is Biblical to examine oneself to ensure one is saved (2 Cor 13:5).

To fall is a symbol of damnation. It is the opposite of standing in the faith (Eph 6:11). To fall puts one in the vulnerable position of defeat while stand allows one to wield the sword of faith and do spiritual battle (Eph 6:11-17).

PE2 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

PE2 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly – The entrance reminds us of the important need to have a place to reside for eternity. But, this entrance is to be supplied to us abundantly (Gr: plousious) which means richly. The riches of this world are nothing when compared to the riches of the knowledge of God and the eternity of glory (Phil 4:9, Eph 1:7, 18, 3:8, Col 1:27, 2:2, etc.).

Into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – Great assurance should be ours that the kingdom of God is everlasting. It should be noted that it is a kingdom. Therefore, there is order with God as a king. It is everlasting. There is no concern with it being overthrown. Unlike the pilgrimage Christians have in the flesh where there are trials and ultimately physical death, in God’s kingdom, there is only the everlasting now.

It is important that we are not negligent. Slothfulness is not befitting a Christians. We, as Christians, must be diligent to apply ourselves to the task.

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them – To remember God (see also 2 Pet 1:13-15, 2 Pet 3:1, Lk 22:61, 1 Cor 11:24-25, Lk 22:19, Mal 3:16) spiritually means to identify with everything He has said in His Word. It signifies that we can easily be led astray to believe false teachers and false prophets. To be a Christian means that we have been under the hearing of the Word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Ro 10:17). Therefore, Christians once knew and were enlightened to the truth of the Word of God. As the Christian life continues, it is possible to be exposed to deception. This is why Bible study is commanded in the Bible (e.g. 2 Tim 2:15).

Once again, the thread of knowledge is evident. We see the important of reminding each other and ourselves of truth. Because we live in a flesh body,-it is easy to forget due to physical limitations. God’s word is inexhaustible and one must be diligent to study it (2 Tim 2:15). Phil 3:1 says that it is a safe thing to remember things of the Bible. In fact there are many places in the Bible that we are ‘reminded, to remember. Therefore, we learn that to stay in truth and in the true knowledge of God, we must constantly be in the Word reminding ourselves of spiritual truths. In fact, the Bible is set up that way. On the one hand, there is great simplicity in the Gospel (2 Cor 11:3). However, the Bible is given to us in a very robust and sometimes complicated manner to remind ourselves and further illustrate the simple spiritual truths of the Gospel (Mat 13:11-13). In that sense we ‘already know them’ yet we must constantly be reminded of the truths of the Gospel which includes the sin nature of man, the need for salvation, the salvation provided by Christ and the future Judgment Day.

And be established in the present truth – The term establish (Gr: sterizo) points to the fact Christians are to remain focused on the faith (see 2 Pet 3:17, Ro 1:11, 1 Thess 3:2, Acts 16:5, Lk 9:51). The term (especially as used in Lk 9:51) points to turning one’s attention on a specific goal. In this verse the goal in the present truth. In other words, one must diligently apply himself to remain focused on searching for truth similar to the Berean believers (Acts 17). It is interesting to note that the term established is in the passive perfect sense. In other words, it is something that happened to the individual and that the focus of the term is on the ultimate state of being established.

The emphasis on the present truth reminds us that the New Testament is part of the Holy Scriptures. Although God’s revelation is complete in the Bible, the reference to the writings of Peter as the present truth should remind us to the fact that the New Testament period formed the complete of the revelation of God (see 2 Pet 3:16 concerning Paul’s writings).

PE2 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

PE2 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

PE2 1:15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle – The term meet is literally just or righteous. This underscores the importance of knowing God’s Word. Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit thought or understood (note again the thread of knowing) that knowing God’s word is a righteous thing to do. Therefore, we should sense the urgency of the situation that Peter is addressing. Although it is surely more pleasant to talk about the positive aspects of salvation, there were problems to be dealt with.

The tabernacle (or literally tent) is where the saved spirit of a Christian dwells (2 Cor 5). The spirit essence of a person is born again from the dead, but eh body is not yet redeemed. The body will raised to a spiritual body and glorified on Judgment Day (1 Cor 15). The reference to the tabernacle reminds us that the Christians task is to be a witness and be concerned with the things of the spiritual kingdom, even though we live in an earthly tent. The Christian is to set his affections on things above (Col 3:2-3). It is in the flesh that we are at war (Ro 7:14-25, Ro 8:1-9, 1 Pet 2:11). Therefore, it is appropriate while in the earthly tabernacle that we constantly remind ourselves of the important spiritual truths of salvation, holiness and future Judgment.

To stir you up by putting you in remembrance – The term stir (Gr: diegeiro) means to make fully awake. In other words, there is a natural tendency in the flesh to become spiritually drowsy. Although we do not sleep as others who are not Christians (1 Thess 5:6-10), we can become drowsy where we need to made fully awake. We must be fully awake to walk in righteousness (1 Thess 4:6, Eph 5:14, Ro 13:11-14, Ps 57:8, Is 50:4, etc). We are stirred (or made fully wake) by hearing God’s Word. Again the term remembrance points to the need to continually review and study God’s Word.

Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me – Once again we see the term ‘knowing’. It is important to know that we all he but a short time on the earth (2 Cor 5:1-4). In principle, life on earth is short and therefore, there is an urgency concerning the message of the Gospel. The tabernacle (or tent) of Peter’s body is just that. The body is to suffer corruption (1 Cor 15) and cannot inherit the kingdom of God. It is the spirit within the man that is born again and is saved.

In John 13:36 and 21:18-19, Jesus specifically told Peter that he would die. First, this reminds all us that ultimate salvation is not in this tabernacle or body. We cannot have hope in this world for then we are of all men to be most miserable (1 Cor 15:19). The fact that Christ showed (Gr: deloo) Peter that he would die instructs us about the Gospel. Death is an important reminder to all that the hope we have is in the future of eternal life (Ro 8:33-34).

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance – To endeavor here is once again the same Greek term that is translated in verses 5 and 10 as diligence. The fact that we must be diligent in the Word of God is stressed in 2 Pet 1 and appears to be setting the stage concerning the false teachers on 2 Pet 2.

The term decease is the Greek word ‘exodus’. When a Christian departs his physical body, he goes to be with the Lord (Phil 1:21-23, 2 Cor 5). This is a form of an exodus in that he has left the body of bondage that is subject to decay and corruption. This is similar to the exodus of Israel from the land of bondage in Egypt. In The book of Exodus, this represented salvation. In the Christian’s life, the departure from the physical body represents a freedom from physical corruption and the awaiting of a final state of glory (1 Cor 15).

Once again the importance of knowing the truth of God’s Word. Here, we find the emphasis of recording God’s truth. We should not take this as saving the writings of a commentator or other person who has commented on the Bible. This statement should be taken as underscoring the protection of God’s Word. This reminds us of how God superintends the protection of His Word. Many have spent countless hours in proving that the Bible is God’s Word when by faith, we simply need to recognize the Bible as God’s Word. It could also be noted here that the fact that Peter’s writings would be put into remebrance after his decease points to the fact that this is part of Scripture. Peter’s writings in 1 Peter and 2 Peter were inspired of God and would be recorded in the Holy Bible (1 Cor 15:1-11).

The Proof of the Resurrection through the Transfiguration Experience (1:16-18)

PE2 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

The next three verses use the Transfiguration of Chist, Moses and Elijah as an illusttration of important spiritual truths. Then in verses 19-21 the historical event of the Transfiguration is compared to the sure documentation of the Word of God.

To follow is intimately connected to being a disciple. Jesus commanded the disciples to come and follow him (Mat 8:22, 9:9, 12:15, 19:27, etc, etc). Christians must be careful to follow Christ as written in the Word of God (John 1:1, Mat 4:4).

Cunningly devised fables – We see that there are cunningly devised fables that are stumbling blocks for Christians. There are many threats to Christians as far as being deceived is concerned. There are many wolves in sheep’s clothing that are ready to devour the she (Mat 7). There are ministers of light who are actually servants of Satan who have infiltrated the church (2 Cor 11). In the parallel o 2 Peter, Jude warns of those who have entered privily (Jude 3-4). Finally, Paul warns of wolves that will enter the sheepfold (Acts 20:28-32).

The term ‘cunningly devised’ is the Greek word ‘sophizo’ literally meaning ‘wisdom’. In other words, there exist in the church ‘wise’ fables. The Biblical definition of a fable is that which ministers questions, rather than godly edifying (1 Tim 1:4). They are intellectual issues that are profane and do not correspond to godliness (1 Tim 4:7). It is those pursuits that turn one away from the truth of the Bible (2 Tim 4:4, Titus 1:14). In other words, a cunningly devised fable is any pursuit that is based upon the wisdom of man and not the truth of the Bible.

Power and Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ – The Transfiguration is not a wise fable that contradicts the truth of the Bible. Rather, it was an actual historical event that pointed to the power and coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Power (Gr: dunamis) refers to the power of God in bringing salvation (see above on 2 Pet 1:3). The coming (Gr: parousia) is the term that describes the second coming of Jesus Christ (Mat 24:3, 27, 37, 39, 1 Cor 15:23, 1 Thess 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, 5:23, James 5:7-8, 2 Thess 2:1,8,9, 2 Pret 3:4,12, 1 John 2:28). Therefore, we understand the Transfiguration as being a historical event which portrayed the return of Christ in glory for the final salvation of His people. The transfiguration of Elijah and Moses would also symbolize the rapture and glorification of all believers into glory.

Eyewitnesses of His majesty – The term eyewitnesses (Gr: epoptes) is used elsewhere as behold (see 1 Pet 2:12, 3:2). Peter, James and John were taken up on the mountain to be eyewitnesses (Mat 17:1). This points to the fact that the apostles have authority to bring forth the Word of God. In 1 Cor 15:6-8 a strong implication that a qualification of being an apostle is that one has actually seen Christ. Therefore, Peter states that he was an eyewitness of the majesty of the transfiguration and therefore the knowledge that he is diligently providing to the readers is authoritative. This sets us the warning of false teachers in Chapter 2.

PE2 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

In Lk 9:31, we find that the visual sight of the three was a portrait of glory. We see that the face of Christ shone and His clothes became white as light. All these portraits reflect the purity of being absent of sin and completely bright in order to bring the light of truth and the Gospel in an otherwise dark world. Therefore, the glory was restored to Christ after He humbled Himself by becoming a man (Phil 2:5-11). Although, the apostles knew Christ in the flesh, they know Him that way no longer (2 Cor 5:16). Christ is in a glorified condition.

Christ receives honor due to what He does (1 Tim 1:17 6:16, Heb 2:7-9, 3:3, Rev 5:12-13, 4:11, 19:1, 4:8-9). The honor Christ received at the transfiguration was that God said that this was His Son: hear him. It is a great honor to be the Son of God and to be given the authority to teach doctrine. Since faith comes by the hearing of the Word of God (Ro 10:17), it is a great honor to be the author of the Word of God (1 Pet 1:10-12, John 1:1). This allusion to the honor on Christ in that men should listen to Him accords beautifully with the context of 2 Peter since the epistle is very concerned with the matter of truth and right doctrine.

The voice came from the excellent glory. We find in Mat 17:5 that the voice came from a cloud which is often used to symbolize glory (Mat 24:30).

PE2 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Further clarification is given to us that the voice that was heard during the Transfiguration came from-heaven, none other than God the Father. The importance of the statement is that once more it is emphasized that the Transfiguration as well as the whole Bible is the authoritative truth of God.

This authoritative voice of God is heard by those who are Christians. It reminds us of when Jesus spoke to Saul from heaven (Acts 9:7, 22:9). During this event, not all there actually spiritually heard the words of Christ (Acts 22:9). That is, in 2 Pet 3:18, it is stressed that the words of God during the Transfiguration were heard by Peter, James, and John not only physically but also spiritually.

They were heard in the holy mount (Ex 3:5, Josh 5:15). Now, the actual mountain that this event took place on is not important since the Scripture does not tell us which one. What is important is that it spiritually teaches us that we hear the voice of God when we are on the holy or separated mount of God spiritually. God’s kingdom is as a mountain lifted higher than the other mountains (Is 2:1-4, Micah 4:1-3, Ex 19:23, etc.).

The Proof of the Resurrection through the Word of God (1:19-21)

PE2 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed -The interesting twist to the argument of the importance of a right knowledge of God is that there is a more sure word of prophecy than that which was viewed in the holy mount of the Transfiguration. Although Peter, James, and John heard the voice of God, the more sure Word of prophecy is the Word of God itself. The Bible is completely reliable and inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16, 1 Pet 1:10-12). The term sure (Gr: bebaioo) or confirm is instructive. The same term is used in Mk 16:20, 1 Cor 1:6, and Heb 2:2-3 where the Scriptures teach that the Word of God was confirmed with signs following. We see that the Gospel was confirmed to us (Phil 1:7). We also see the term used as in an oath that God has made to us (see Heb 6:16, 19) Therefore, when we are told that the Word was confirmed to us we can be sure that God has guaranteed the accuracy and reliability of the Word of God. There is no need to speculate about the Word of God and whether there are errors or if the Bible contains all the writings of God. We simply trust the Bible since it was confirmed to us by God.

The term prophecy is used here in referring back to a comparison to the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration was a prophecy in the sense that it predicted the glorification of Christ and believers on the Day of Resurrection. However, it should also be noted that prophecy simply means public expounding of God’s Word and is not necessarily predictive (e.g. see Lk 1:67, 76, 22:64, Titus 1:12, Mk 6:4, etc). Therefore, the Word of Prophecy should be taken as including the whole Bible.

We are commanded to heed the Bible. We do well by doing this because then we prove ourselves to be obedient to God (1 John 2:3-6, 1 Thess 5:13). That is one of the ways that we can gain assurance that we truly have been born again.

As unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts – The Bible is as a light that shines in a dark place. Believers live in a spiritually dark world. Our own flesh nature prevents us from completely seeing and understanding God (1 Cor 13:12). That is why it is so important to heed the light of the Bible. Peter constantly is diligent to bring these things to remembrance since the flesh is weak (Mk 14:38). The truth of the Word of God is symbolized in the Bible as light (see 2 Cor 4:4-6, 2 Tim 1:10, Ps 43:3, Is 8:20).

We must take heed until the day dawn and the day star arises in our hearts. The idea of nighttime is in view. We recall that Christ is symbolized as rising Sun with healing in His wings (Mal 4:2). The day in this context must be the day of the Lord when Jesus returns in glory and believers receive a spiritual glorified body (1 Cor 15).

It is in the heart of man that the spiritual battle takes place. In the flesh, our hearts are desperately wicked (Jer 17:9). Yet, once saved, it is the heart that God spiritually circumcises to become obedient to Him. In the flesh we battle with the sin, but in our reborn spirit, we see God (Ro 7:14-25).

Therefore, the overall meaning of the verse is that we have the Word of God as contained in the Bible and that we must be careful to heed the Bible. This warning is especially important in light of the fact that we are not yet glorified and we still live in a flesh body that we wage war against (1 Pet 2:11, Ro 7:14-25). Therefore, until the day of Christ, we must heed the Word of God and not cunningly devised fables.

PE2 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Once again, the thread of knowing (Gr: gnosis) is seen. The Christian must diligently strive to know the truth (2 Tim 2:15). We see an emphasis on what follows since we find the term phrase knowing this first (Gr: proton). The Greek term proton translated first emphasizes the primary, basic importance of what follows. The following phrase cannot be under emphasized when approaching the interpretation of the Scriptures.

No so called messenger (or teacher of God, for that matter) can claim their own interpretation of Scripture. The term ‘private’ (Gr: idios) simply means belonging to themselves. It is like saying that one individual has the capability in himself to rightly interpret the Scriptures without any outside help. This obviously rings of pride.

But, does that mean that we rely on other men’s interpretation such that we lead into a majority rules mindset? Or do we simply say, as many-theologians and denominations do that we cannot trust ourselves to study the Bible, but rather we must simply trust the church to interpret Scripture for us? This is not what this scripture is saying. The solution to what exactly is a private interpretation lies in the word interpretation itself (Gr: epilousis). The term means literally a further unloosing. It is as if the words are bound together and they must be unloosed. We find that the term is only used two other places (Mk 4:34, Acts 19:39). In Acts 19:39, the term is used as determining a matter in a lawful assembly. In other words, those who justly come together may in righteousness determine a matter. However, the clearest understanding is found in Mk 4:34 where we find a parallel passage directly germane to 2 Pet 1:20.

In Mk 4:34 we read that Jesus spoke not without a parable, but in private he expounded (or interpreted) all things to His disciples. This is the solution to what a private interpretation is. It is the explanation given to Christ to His people. Of course, the explanation of the things Christ spoke can only be found in the Word of God itself. Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1). It is only when one compares Scripture to Scripture (1 Cor 2:13, see also Pat 1 of this document) that we can have the meaning to a passage.

We do not have a meaning to a passage because the majority thinks a certain way for we know that it is by the broad way that one is led to destruction (Mat 7:13-14, 21). It is not by trusting one’s favorite theologian. It is not by trusting someone that seems nice and pleasant. It is not trusting our own family, relatives, friends, or church. It is only when we trust the Bible for interpretation that we can be assured that we are being expounded the truth By Christ Himself. The Word of God came by men as they were moved by the Spirit of Christ (see 1 Pet 1:10-12).

PE2 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

A substantiation that the interpretation of Scripture does not come from man’s ability or by majority rules is found here. The Bible came not from the will of man (Jer 23:26, 2 Tim 3:16). That is, it was not the man who decided to write the Bible. It was the spirit of Christ (1 Pet 1:10-12) working in them witnessing with their spirit (Ro 8:14-16) to bring the Bible (2 Sam 23:2, Lk 1:70, Acts 1:16, 3:18, 1 Pet 1:11).

Rather, it was by holy men that the Word of God came. The term Holy points to the fact that the individuals were set apart for the service of God. They were filled with the Spirit of God. They spoke as they were moved by God. The term moved, is a common term meaning to be brought. The action was not man’s action, but it was God’s action to cause the Bible to be written the way it was. The Bible is God’s Word, not man’s word. Oh yes, God used men to write the Bible including their human studies and abilities. But, we can result assured that the Bible is completely reliable.

The Holy Spirit is the Teacher and Helper (John 14:26, 15:26). It is by the Holy Spirit that men are enlightened. He is the Spirit of Wisdom (Is 11:2) and of understanding (Is 11:2). The Holy Spirit is intimately connected with the bringing forth of the Word of God (see 1 Cor 2).

With the emphasis in Chapter 1 of being diligent to come to accurate knowledge of God, we are prepared for the severe warning of false teachers within the church body. The threat to the readers of 2 Peter is not from outside the church, but rather from within.

Chapter 2 – The Problem of False Teachers

The Warning of the False Teachers in the Congregation (2:1-3)

PE2 2:1 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.

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you – The term ‘but’ relates back to 1:19-21. As opposed to those holy men who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, there will be false teachers in the congregation.

The passage says that the false teachers privily bring in damnable heresies. Note, these heresies are privily or secretly brought into the fold. This accords with what Jude 4 teaches concerning those who have crept in unawares. Also, these heresies are damnable. That is, they bring judgment to those who hold to these false teachings. The warning in Jude 4 and 2 Pet 2:1 is grave. The activity of false teachers is extremely important.

We should note the comparison between false prophets in the days of the holy men (i.e. the Old Testament period of time) and the false teachers in the New Testament time period. Prophets in the Old Testament underscores the fact that the Bible was still be written while the reference to teachers emphasizes the fact that the Bible is now complete and there is no more revelation from God (e.g. Rev 22:18-19, John 15:15). Therefore, the reference to false teachers points to the subtlety of deception. A false teacher at first may appear very orthodox in the he agrees that the Bible is the completed word of God, yet he teaches things not in accordance with the Bible. The self-revealing nature of those who claim to receive revelation from God is not in view here, the emphasis is on the subtle nature of deception (Gen 3).

Who privily shall bring in damnable heresies – The Scriptures teach that there are in fact many in the church who are unsaved. Even those who may be in leadership and other positions in the church may be in reality false ministers who are actually ministers of Satan (2 Cor 11:11-15). Moreover, there is a great abundance of Scriptures that warn believers of false teachers and false prophets. In many cases, these false ministers are not evident that they are not saved and are therefore ministers of Satan. Interestingly, the Scriptures even teach us that they may not even realize that they are unsaved. On Judgment Day, they will insist that they have done many great works, yet they were actually workers of unrighteousness (Mat 7:21ff).

The fact that these false teachers crept in unawares is similar to that found in Gal 1:6-9. In Galatians, we find teachers who pervert the Gospel. That is, very subtly, they alter the true Gospel such that it can appear to be orthodox, however, it has become a false gospel. A study of Galatians reveals that one can teach very orthodox material, yet add just a little work (i.e. in the case of the Galatians, circumcision) such that it becomes a false gospel.

The term damnable (Gr: apoleia) is the same term used in the two verses and is translated as destruction in verse 1, pernicious in verse 2, and damnation in verse 3. The emphasis on this term being used 4 times in verses 2:1-3 should not be underemphasized. It points to the terrible result of following those who teach error. This should-make it very important to us to diligently strive for the correct knowledge of God, lest we find ourselves in the damnable condition as the false teachers. The Greek word apoleia literally means loss. In other words, the false teachers, although they may appear very attractive in what they teach, actually bring loss to the hearers. The place of loss is ultimately hell itself or being under the wrath of God (Phil 1:28, 1 Tim 6:9, Heb 10:39, 2 Pet 3:7). Rather we should strive to count the world’s honor as loss (Phil 3:7) for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ (Phil 3:8).

A heresy is anything that brings division within the body of Christ. Heresy is from the Greek word ‘hairesis’ which means a choosing or a sect. In 1 Cor 11:19, we find this word used in referring to a separation of those who follow the truth versus error. We can know that a doctrine is a heresy when it causes divisions and sects within the church. We can see heresies all around as be see many religions and denominations that clearly teach things that are contrary to the word of God. Heresy should-not be confused with other errors which are due to ignorance or the need for spiritual growth. A true heresy is that which divides groups and results in doctrine that leads to damnation. For example, when we hear teaching that is contrary to the scriptural teaching of God’s grace resulting in salvation, we know we have heresy (e.g. baptismal regeneration, free will gospel, holiness by the work of man, etc.).

Even denying the Lord that bought them – The Greek word translated ‘Lord’ is the word ‘despotes’ (see also Jude 4). The normal word for Lord is ‘kyrios’. The term ‘despotes’ carries the meaning of Master as in one who rules over us. Therefore, we see that the denial of the Master would amount to an act of rebellion from God. More examples of rebellion from God will be reviewed later in the study of Jude. The denial of the Lord (kyrios) Jesus Christ carries a slightly different connotation. To deny Christ is to disown Him as Peter denied Him three times. It has the meaning of not identifying with Christ especially in times of persecution and distress. It carries the intent of not confessing Christ in that we do not agree with all that Christ has said. Jesus Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1). To deny Him is to deny His Word. When deception is present, the denial of Christ is present. It is important to confess Christ by agreeing to everything He is in His Word. A parallel passage in 2 Pet 2:1 also confirms that when heresies are present, then we deny the Lord who bought us. Christ is denied by wicked works ‑ Titus 1:16. The faith, power, and word can be denied ‑ 1 Tim 5:8, 2 Tim 3:5, Rev 2:13, 3:8. Peter denied the Lord – Mat 26:35, 70-74, Mk 14:30-31,68-72, Lk 22:34,57-61, John 18:25-27. If Christians deny Him, He will deny them resulting in their damnation ‑ 2 Tim 2:12, Mat 10:33, Lk 12:9, Acts 3:13‑14, 1 John 2:22‑23, Jude 4, John 12:42-43.

The term ‘bought’ is the Greek word ‘agorazo’. This term means to buy or purchase at the marketplace and is also translated as ‘redeem’ (see Rev 5:9, 14:3-4, 1 Cor 6:20, 7:23). It is different from the Greek word ‘ekagorazo’ which means to buy out of the market place or the Greek word ‘lutroo’ which means to purchase a slave (e.g. Titus 2:14, 1 Pet 1:18, Col 1:14, etc).

The idea that these false teachers can lose their salvation would contradict an abundance of Scripture. Based on the above words all translated as redeem, we simply understand the phrase ‘bought them’ as not referring to the fact that these false teachers were once saved and now are under damnation, but rather that they have been involved in the church and the things of the kingdom and not that they are saved. This harmonizes with verse 3 in that they were in the market place of spiritual things and have been part of the church, but it is evident that they were never actually saved (see notes below on merchandise).

This passage has been used by many to teach that the death of Christ served to buy all men including the unsaved, and therefore, it is possible that all can make a free will decision for Christ. It must be admitted that the false teachers in 2 Pet 2:1 are unsaved since in 2 Pet 2:3-9 their doom is clearly portrayed. Therefore, we are faced with a Scripture that seems to teach that Christ has bought unsaved men as well as saved.

To understand the meaning of ‘bought’, we need to understand the usage of this Greek word agorazo in the Bible. The term agorazo literally means ‘to use or acquire at the market place’. This term is translated as buy or redeem. Most often, this term is used in the New Testament for actual buying of goods at a market although it can sometimes refer to Christ’s purchase of Christians with His blood (see Rev 5:9, 14:3-4, 1 Cor 6:20, 7:13,30). However, it should be noted that there are other Greek terms translated ‘redeem’ that hold a stronger connotation concerning salvation as seen in the purchasing either out of the market (i.e. ekagorazo – Gal 3:13) or to loose a slave by a price (i.e. lutroo – Gal 4:5, Titus 2:14, 1 Pet 1:18, Heb 9:12).

The real key to the meaning of ‘bought’ in 2:1 is found in verse 20 of 2 Peter. Here we find false teachers who had escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In that sense, they experienced some of the effects of salvation, primarily through associations with true Christians. In a sense, they were ‘bought’ in that they did participate in Christianity. This thought is similar to Heb 6:4-6 which describes a person who was never saved but had experienced some of the benefits of Christianity. This is also similar to the unsaved husband who is ‘sanctified’ by his believing wife (see 1 Cor 7:14). Therefore, we can see that the term bought in 2 Pet 2:1 is used in the sense that these unsaved false teachers had experienced some of the results of grace, and in that sense they had participated in Christianity. They were bought in so far that they were participating in the true church that was purchased with the blood of Christ. However, they were not truly saved.

However, there is another significant argument against using 2 Pet 2:1 as a proof text for free will. Because the false teachers in 2 Pet 2 were clearly unsaved, their ‘redemption’ was not genuine. If it were, then this Scripture would be teaching that these men lost their salvation which cannot be true. Therefore, we must understand ‘bought’ in 2 Pet 2:1 only in so far as the false teachers participated in Christianity and not that they were truly redeemed by Christ. It is only Christians that are truly redeemed.

And bring upon themselves swift destruction – Several things should be noted. First, ‘destruction’ is the same word previously discussed (Gr: apoleia or in English, loss). It should-also be noted that they bring this damnation, or loss, on themselves. In other words, it is their own sins that send them to hell. They have none other to blame than themselves. The soul that sins shall die (Ez 18:20). Every man is judged by what they have done (Rev 20:11-15, Ez 18, etc.).

When we read the Bible, we find many cases that God reveals that His coming and the end times are imminent: Rev 1:3, Ro 16:20, Lk 18:8, Rev 1:19, 2:16, 3:10-11, 22:6,12,20, 6:9‑11, 1 Cor 10:11, Lk 18:7, 1 Pet 4:7, Ro 13:11f, 1 Cor 7:29f, Heb 9:26, 10:37, Phil 4:5, Mat 26:64, James 5:8-9, 1 John 2:18.

When we look at some of these verses, we find that the end of the ages actually refers to the entire church age. In fact, in the writings to the Corinthians, we see that the end of the ages were already in progress (1 Cor 10:11). We see that the end of all things are at hand (1 Pet 4:7). We see that God promises that Satan will soon be crushed under our feet (Ro 16:20). We find in Ro 13:11f that salvation is nearer that what we thought. Another example is 1 John 2:18 where the Word teaches us that we are in the last hour (1 John 2:18). Verses like this have can cause much concern. Is it that the Bible has failed? Of course not. So, what is God trying to teach us by telling us that the end is imminent?

First, we must remember that with God one day is as a 1000 years and a 1000 years as one day (1 Pet 3:8, Ps 90:4). To God, in the grand viewpoint of eternity, the time between the writing of the New Testament and the return of Christ and Judgment Day is just a brief time. It is the final hour, the end of the ages, the Last Days. In fact, the Bible teaches that we are already in the last Days – Acts 2:16-21, Heb 1:1-2, 1 Cor 10:11, 1 Pet 1:20, 2 Tim 3:1. To understand this apparent paradox, we must also remember that in principle, life is extremely short. It is just a quick vapor that appears for a little while and then passes away (James 4:14). All flesh is brief like grass, but the Word of God endures forever (1 Pet 1:24). Also, once our brief, vain life passes away, we, if not saved, will be ready for Judgment Day (Heb 9:27). Therefore, for all people, there is an urgency about the Word of God and the things in the Revelation. In the grand scheme of time, Judgment Day is right at the door. In our own lives, we teeter close to death always.

PE2 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

And many shall follow their pernicious ways – The operative word in this phrase is ‘many’. The Bible does not say some, but it asserts that many will e misled by the false prophets. We are reminded that the Scriptures teach that broad is the way to destruction and there are many that enter the broad way, but narrow is the way that leads to life (Mat 7:13-14). It is the remnant that are to be saved (Ro 9:27, 11:5, Rev 12:17). The application for us is that we must not follow the crowd. Even though all may be following the way that leads to death, we must follow the narrow way of Christ.

To follow is typical of what a disciple does (see notes on 1:16). Therefore, we see that error in Christianity will actually be the mainstream. In 2 Pet 2:2, we are taught that the majority of the church will follow error.

Once again, we find the Greek word ‘apoleia’ translated as pernicious. As we have seen, this literally means loss (see notes on 2 Pet 2:1). Instead of following Jesus Christ as the way (John 14:6), they are following the way to destruction. There is a way that seems right to man, but the end is death (Pr 14:12, 16:25). The use of the term ‘way’ is not incidental as we shall shortly see.

By reason of whom the way of truth will be evil spoken of – We see the close tie between the pernicious ways of the false teachers versus the way of truth which is the way of Christ. Truth in the Bible refers to the truth of the Word of God (John 17:17, Eph 1:13, 4:17- 24, etc). We see that because of the false teachings, the damnable heresies the Bible, the Word of God is evil spoken of.

The term evil spoken of is the Greek word ‘blasphemo’ which is normally translated blaspheme. To teach incorrect things about the Word of God that lead to destruction is to blaspheme. This is a defining verse as to what blasphemy really is. Blasphemy is the teaching of the things of God which corrupt truth and lead men into ruin and loss. There is great simplicity in the truth of the Gospel (2 Cor 11:3-4), however, by the so called wisdom of man, it can be corrupted into blaspheming God.

PE2 2:3 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.

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you – To covet is to desire what you are not entitled to or what is not necessary. The false teachers, because of their lustful desires, are covetous. This does not mean that they necessarily re literally money hungry. Rather, they are desirous to make merchandise of people.

Spiritually speaking, to make merchandise means to participate in the things of religion and the things of the kingdom of God. This can be done in a positive way and in the case of the false teachers in a very negative way. We are commanded by God to come and buy wine and milk without cost (Is 55:1). That is, when one becomes saved, he has spiritually participated in the marketplace of salvation. We see also the example of redemption also points to the buying and selling in the market place of men’s souls. In many other places, the idea of merchandise points spiritually to partaking in the market place of thought concerning the kingdom of God (Mat 13:45).

It is with feigned words that the false teachers make merchandise of people. The word ‘feigned’ is from the Greek ‘plastos’ meaning to be formed (se also 1 Tim 2:13, Ro (9:20). In other words, the words that the false teachers bring are their own formed or crafted words. It is contrary to the way of truth and ultimately they result in damnation if followed.

As we have seen, the false teachers have as a motive the covetousness of ego, power, greed or other similar vices. It is because of this motive that they develop doctrines to suit the pleasing of men. These doctrines abound in the market place of religion and are used by Satan to blaspheme the way of truth.

Whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not – The Bible teachers us that those who do not believe in Christ are under the wrath of God (see John 3:36). In other words, one who is not a Christian as is evident of our false teachers here at hand are already under the wrath of God. They have not yet been judged at the White Throne at Judgment Day (Rev 20), however, in principle they are already lost. As we shall see in 2 Pet 3:9, God is patient and has a plan of salvation that will not be completed until all the elect are saved. Therefore, from a human perspective, it appears that God is not at all active in the recompense of wrath on a sinful people. However, as we know from 2 Pet 3, Judgment Day will come and there will be a Day when all is made right. However, this phrase reminds us (as well does John 3:36), that the unsaved person is in principle already under the wrath of God although not yet experiencing physically the full effects of that wrath that will be experienced on Judgment Day.

The term damnation is the same term used through verses 1-3 and has previously been discussed (Gr: apoleia). The term slumbereth is only used elsewhere in Mat 25:5 referring to the sleeping virgins when Christ returns on Judgment Day. There, as well as here, the term slumbereth refers to a certain spiritual laziness on unconsciousness (see also, Ps 121:3-4, Is 5:27, 56:10, Nahum 3:18, Pr 6:4,10, 24:33, Ps 132:4, Job 33:15). This is the same error that is addressed in 2 Pet 3 and is, of course, not true of God at all. God is patient, but, He is prepared on Judgment Day to inflict wrath.

Examples of Judgment on the False Teachers (2:4-9)

PE2 2:4 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

For if God spared not the angels that sinned – Fallen angels are put forth as an example of those who bring heresy (see also Jude 6). Angels simply refer to messengers of the Gospel, whether human or spirit. Therefore, an angel (i.e. messenger) refers to anybody who brings forth a spiritual message. The angels who fell sinned. These are those fallen angels who with Satan are bound for 1000 years (spiritually). The angels that were created sinless fell with Satan when he rebelled (Rev 12:4, 2 Pet 2:4).

The message here is that even those spiritual beings known as angels are kept under the wrath of God until Judgment Day. Therefore, human messengers (or angels) should beware of Judgment Day as well.

But cast them down to hell – The idea that hell is downward is allegorical. The spiritual picture being painted with up and down is that God is high and lofty (referring to a spiritual excellent place) while those who are under the wrath of God are downward or made low. God is in the highest places (Mat 21:9, Mk 11:10, Lk 1:32,35,76, 2:14, 6:35, 19:38, Ps 18:13, 87:5) while man is in a lowly estate. The term hell (Gr: tartaros) is only used in 2 Peter. As we have seen and shall see throughout 2 Peter, there are many only occurrences of a certain term in the text. Unfortunately, some take the term tartaros and make new doctrines concerning the nature of hell. However, when 2 Peter is observed as a whole and the relatively large amount of terms that only fond their home in 2 Peter, one should conclude that the term tartaros is not intended to convey anything different than the standard terms used for hell (Gr: hades, Heb: sheol). While it is true that the Gehenna hell is often used to refer to the final abode of the wicked on Judgment Day and the term hades more refers to the state of the dead prior to Judgment Day, we should take tartaros as being a synonym with hades in that it is the locale of those under the wrath of God prior to Judgment Day. One could tie’ tartaros’ closer with the pit where Satan is also held under bondage.

Delivered them unto chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment – This is a very close parallel to Jude 6. The penalty for sin (and in particular the sin of deception and false teaching) is that of eternal judgment. The everlasting chain points to the fact that those who sin cannot free themselves from their condition of being under the wrath of God (John 3:36). Darkness reminds of us of the condition of those who teach deception. They are not under the light of Christ and the Gospel. The great day refers to Judgment Day. There is a day coming where God will recompense sin. The great Day is a day of wrath, a Day of the Lord, and the Last Day.

The term chain is also used to describe the state of Satan prior to Judgment Day. Satan was rendered powerless at the cross (Heb 2:14) and was spiritually bound (Rev 20, Mat 12:22-29). This does not mean that he cannot influence certain affairs of men (1 Pet 5:8). However, when it comes to salvation, the Gospel has exploded into all the world. In that sense, Satan is now bound in that the Gospel, starting on Pentecost when thousands heard and were saved, has now reached the ends of the world. 2 Pet 2:4 forms a parallel verse to the Rev 20 passage and is of good use in obtaining a proper understanding of the nature of the ‘millennium’.

PE2 2:5 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 spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person – The idea of spared is used again (see 2 Pet 2:4). God is sovereign and may exhibit mercy on whom He pleases (see Ro 9, Eph 1). In this case, it was God’s good pleasure to demonstrate His sovereign choice of Judgment on a sinful world. Therefore, the Great Flood (Gen 6-9) was a type of Judgment Day. We see that God destroyed the world at that time with a flood. However, He chose to save and protect Noah and His house. God demonstrates in this act both His righteous wrath of justice, but at he same time providing mercy in leaving a remnant. The term saved used here is literally the term kept. Therefore, we see the protective nature of God in keeping His remnant from His wrath. Therefore, God indicates that although there may be many unsaved even within the church, God provides a remnant to be kept from wrath. It reminds us once again that following the main stream, the majority, is not such a good idea. Noah and His family were the only ones to survive the wrath of God. Similarly, Christians must not follow the volume of people that follow wrong gospels and false teachings. They must be willing to stand on the Word of God.

The reference to Noah as the eighth person appears to reflect back on the fact that there were eight people in the ark who were saved, Noah being the eighth. In the Bible, there is abundant evidence that numbers carry spiritual meaning. For example, 7 refers to perfection, 4 refers to universality, 10 refers to fullness, 12 refers to God’s complete number of the church, 2 refers to those who are sent out to witness, etc, etc. Therefore, we expect that God also has a spiritual meaning in mind when He refers to the number 8. We know that all Scripture is inspired of God and is profitable. The reference to Noah as the eighth may refer to the fact that he is the first to evangelize the world subsequent to the flood. Eight, therefore, may be a portrait of a new beginning.

A preacher of righteousness – Noah is referred to here as one who preaches (Gr: kerux). This Greek term or related terms (e.g. kerusso is used in the New Testament to refer to those who bring the Gospel of salvation (i.e. righteousness). This term literally means to cry out or herald a message. It is used in Ro 10:14 as referring to those who need to hear a preacher to receive the Gospel. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Ro 10:17). Christ came preaching the kingdom of God (Mat 4:23, Mk 1:14, etc). Similarly, Noah preached the Gospel of righteousness. Of course, it is not man’s righteousness that Noah preached for then he would have preached a false Gospel (Ro 3:10, 5:7), but it is the righteousness of God in providing promises of salvation for His people. Gen 6-9 does not record any actual conversations that Noah had with his neighbors, but because of his actions, he painted a spiritual picture of salvation (the ark itself representing the security of being in Christ). It is only by faith that one is righteousness (Heb 11:4). Therefore, Noah was a preacher of the faith of God by which one must be saved (Gal 2:16,20, Phil 3:9, etc, etc).

Bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly – The reference to the Great Flood as a portrait of Judgment Day is found elsewhere in the Bible (see Mat 24:38-39, Lk 17:27, Gr: kataklusmos). These are found in passages that relate the flood of Noah’s day as a type of the end of the world (see also Ps 69:2,15). Also, we find that the Judgment of the flood came upon the ungodly. This teaches us that sin must be recompensed for. Ultimately, it is the wicked works of men that send them to hell (Rev 20-21). It is not only their rejecting of Christ but, it is all their sins which have not been paid for.

PE2 2:6 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 turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow – Sodom and Gomorrah are used in the Scriptures as a classic example of judgment for sin (Gen 10:19, 13:10‑13, 14, 18:16‑19:28, Amos 4:11, Mk 6:11, Lk 10:12, 17:29, Ro 9:29, Jude 7, Rev 11:8, Zeph 2:9, Mat 10:15, 11:23-24, Ez 16:46-56, Deut 29:33, 32:32, Is 1:9-10, 3:9, 13:19, Jer 23:14, 49:18, 50:40, 2 Pet 2:6-7). In Jude 7, the cities about them are Admah and Zeboiim (Deut 29:23, Hos 11:8, Gen 14:8). These cities serve as an example of the nature of sin. Sin is infectious and spreads like leaven. Instead of truth being sent out from Sodom and Gomorrah, sin was sent forth and infected these other cities.

The reference to ashes (Gr: tephros) is the only occurrence of this Greek word. The idea of ashes, however, recalls for us the result of a fire. It is used in the sense of one who is repentant covering himself in ashes because it reminds him of the terrible consequences of sin and the wrath of God (Mat 11:21, Lk 10:13, Jonah 3:6, Dan 9:3, etc). Ashes completely lose any semblance or remembrance of the object that was destroyed. It transforms the matter into uselessness. This underscores the terrible nature of being under the wrath of God. The other term relating to judgment on Sodom and Gomorrha is ‘overthrow’. This term also is the only occurrence in the Greek (Gr: katastrophe). As one can see, it is the Greek word that the English catastrophe is derived from. Therefore, Judgment Day is a catastrophe. It is the greatest evil that one could endure. It is the utter removal of any peace or blessing from one’s life. One should not deceive themselves into thinking that hell will not be that bad. It is the ultimate worse thing that could happen.

The gravity of the message of 2 Peter should be shining through. Not only are the false teachers subject to a terrible fate, but also many will follow their pernicious ways on the path to hell (2 Pet 2:2). How important truth is!

If Sodom and Gomorrah only symbolized those outside of the church who are unsaved and heading for hell, many in the church would be content. However, a more urgent warning concerning the church is necessary to examine. It is interesting to note that it is the church itself who is likened to Sodom and Gomorrah in many passages in the Bible. God’s church in the wilderness (Acts 7:38), Israel ultimately became to be symbolized as Sodom and Gomorrah (see Ez 16:49, Is 1:9-10, 3:9, Amos 4:11, Jer 23:14). Similarly, the church in the New Testament that becomes apostate is likened unto Sodom and Gomorrah (Rev 16:8, Ro 9:29, 2 Pet 2:6-7). It is vital for the church member to heed the warnings of the Bible concerning the nature of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is important to examine oneself and not point our bony finger at the world.

Making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly – The parallel passage in Jude 7 reminds one that Sodom and Gomorrah gave themselves over to fornication and therefore were ungodly especially in that sense. Physically, fornication points to the satisfaction of the lust of the flesh. Believers, however, are to flee from fornication (2 Cor 6:18). The reminder that false teachers have given themselves over to fornication points to the fact that they have corrupted the pure marriage relationship with Christ. They have committed spiritual adultery in pursuing the things of the flesh.

Fornication spiritually means the following of false gospels and not maintaining a pure relationship with God (Gr: porneia ‑ Mat 15:19, 1 Cor 5:1, 6:13,18, 7:2, Gal 5:19, Eph 5:3, Col 3:5, 1 Thess 4:3, spiritual adulterer/whoremonger – Jer 3:2‑9, 29:23, Ez 16:20‑36, 23:7‑43, Hos 1:2, 2:2‑3, 4:13‑14, se Rev 2:22, Ez 16:15,29, see Rev 2:14,20‑21, 9:21, Rev 2:14,20‑21, 9:21, 17:1‑4, 8:3, 19:2, Ez 16:15,26,29, Is 23:17, Col 3:5, Eph 5:32).

The Bible emphasizes the importance of examples. The Bible itself is an example of the mind of Christ (1 Cor 10:6, Heb 4:11,8:5, James 5:10). We are to learn by godly example and to follow example of other believers ‑ 1 Tim 4:12, John 13:15, Titus 2:7, 1 Pet 5:3. We are to stand in fear of ungodly examples (1 Cor 10:12).

The ungodly example of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a reminder that there is a hell and there is a Judgment Day. This is a place and time of suffering for sin. It is referred to the vengeance of God. God is patient not wishing any to perish (2 Pet 3:9). However, there is a day when God takes revenge against sin (2 Thess 1:6-8). The Great White throne Judgment results in eternal fire (Rev 20:7-12). It is a fire that is unquenchable hell fire. In other words, after Judgment Day, the fate of those who are not saved is an eternity in a place of great distress. Fire points to the destructive nature of eternal hell. There is no edifying (building up) is hell.

To be ungodly simply means that these men were not god like. They did not exhibit the characteristics of God. The fruit and holiness of what is typical in the believers’ lives was not evident. This description of ungodly, points to the sensual nature of these individuals. This is further described by their lawless deeds. The Bible teaches that Christians will practice holiness and righteousness. Christians are holy. Moreover, the reference to turning the grace of God into lasciviousness points to the same error ad in Ro 6:1, 15. That is, since God has saved men not by his works, but completely by God’s grace, why not sin that grace may abound? This teaching is condemned in Ro 6 as well as many other areas of Scripture. The fact that they ‘turned’ the grace of God into lasciviousness (or the license to sin) as recorded in Jude 3-4, reminds the readers that the working of Satan can be very subtle. He is a deceiver and is very subtle. Galatians 1:6-9 and throughout the remainder of that epistle, Christians are reminded that the Gospel of grace can be very easily transformed into a false gospel. This is apparently what the case was in the epistles of 2 Peter and Jude.

PE2 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked

PE2 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

Once again, we find an example of God’s mercy. Abraham asked the angels who were going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah is they would destroy the city with the righteous within the midst of the city (Gen 18:20-33). It was responded that ultimately even if there were but 10 righteous people in the city, God would not destroy it. In other words, Lot and presumably some of his family were the only righteous people in the whole city. As was the case in the Flood, we find a very, very small amount of people who were saved amongst a great amount of unrighteous people. Therefore, we are once again reminded that the majority must not be followed if they are wrong. As the remnant, believers must trust in the Word of God for truth and not be misled by false teachers since they are many (Mat 7) and they reside right in the church (2 Cor 11, 2 Thess 2).

The term delivered (Gr: rhuomai) means to rescue especially from evil (see mat 6:13, 27:43, Lk 11:4, 2 Cor 1:10, 2 Tim 4:18, 2 Pet 2:9). In Col 1:3, we find that we are rescued from the power of Satan and in 1 Thess 1:10, we are rescued from the wrath of God. Physically Lot was rescued from the wicked people of Sodom who desired those visitors that resided with Lot (Gen 19), however, spiritually speaking, God rescued Lot from bondage to sin and to Satan (2 Tim 2:24-26) and ultimately from God’s wrath. The saving of just Lot points not to his human abilities, but it points to the fact that Lot was made righteous by God’s saving work and therefore, escaped the wrath of God depicted by the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The filthy conduct (old English – conversation) of the wicked is what all people need rescuing from (as well as the resultant wrath of God – Ro 5:9). The term filthy (Gr: aselgia) is literally lasciviousness or licentiousness. This means that one believes that he has the right to do as he pleases. As it were, he has a license to sin. This was the same issue that was discussed in the epistle of Jude (see Jude 3-4). The mode of the false teachers is often to teach such that sin is acceptable. However, the Bible is clear that a Christian cannot practice sin (1 John 2:1-3, 3:1-7, 1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-211, etc, etc). To teach otherwise denies the work of God in salvation and sanctification Eph 2:10, Phil 2:13, 2 Cor 3:18, etc).

Vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds – The two terms translated vexed are actually two different Greek words. In verse 7, it is the Greek word kataponeo (also used in Acts 7:24 as oppressed) and in verse 8, it is basanizo (literally, torment). The effect of the sin around Lot was that he was oppressed and tormented by the surrounding sin. This points to the fact that a Christian will find himself in a state of oppression and torment when he witnesses sin. Christians, therefore, are to be sensitive to sin around them, although in no way are they to be judgmental of others. If one finds himself beginning to enjoy or easily accept sin around himself, this may be a concern that a Christian should be aware of. Our example is Lot who was oppressed and tormented by the sin around him. The unlawful (Gr: anomos) deeds referred to here are those works of man that are against the law of God. That is, there deeds have a disregard for the obedience to the faith that serves as proof of one’s salvation (2 Cor 13:5, 1 John 2:1-4). Finally, the reference to ‘day to day’ probably refers to the spiritual meaning of day in that there is a Day of Salvation (2 Cor 6:2), but there is also a Day of Wrath (or Judgment – see Rev 6:17). In other words, it is the work of the Christian to witness the occurrence of sin in the Day of Salvation (referring to the time of the Christian’s sojourn in this world) all the way up to Judgment Day when wrath will be administered.

Seeing and hearing – It was both by what he saw and what he heard that he was vexed. Although this clearly points to the physical act of what Lot witnessed and heard, there is an underlying spiritual message in the terms hearing and seeing. These terms should remind the Christian that without the saving act of God, he is spiritually blind and deaf. It is only when God causes he blind and deaf person to see and hear can he realize the enormity of sin. Also, it should remind the Christian that he is not to judge those around him that may be sinning since he was also once foolish and disobedient (see Titus 3:1-5).

PE2 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations – The message of the entire section (2 Pet 2:4-9) is summed up in this verse. The example of God rescuing Noah and Lot is used to instruct us that God is able to keep His people safe and secure from opposition (in this case, the false teachers). The term deliver (or rescue – see 2:7) reminds us that God is the one who provides salvation and rescues us from the clutches of Satan and sin and the resultant wrath of God. God is the author and finisher of our salvation (Heb 12:2). The term temptation is periasmos in the Greek. This reminds us that the Christian life in the flesh is a trial. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond that which we can handle (1 Cor 10:13), but he used trials in order to strengthen us (James 1:2-4, Ro 5:3-5, Ps 119:67,71).

And to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished – Those who are not saved (i.e. the unjust or unrighteous) are kept until the Day of Judgment for punishment for their sin. The examples of the Flood, the angels who sinned, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah should remind the reader that pleasure in the flesh is fleeting. All sin must be punished. God is not slow concerning His promise of wrath (2 Pet 3:8-9).

The Damnable Heresies, Methods and Future Judgment of the False Teachers (2:10-19)

In 2 Pet 2:10-19, we find many descriptions of the false teachers. The following three tables are provided to illustrate the damnable heresies of the false teachers, the methods of the false teachers and the future judgment on the false teachers.

Table 1 – The Damnable Heresies of the False Teachers

Verse

Phrase

Spiritual Meaning

2:10

Walk after the flesh in lust of uncleanness

Allow for the acceptance of sin

2:10

Despise government

Do not submit to Bible

2:10

Not afraid to speak evil of dignities

False gospel of salvation

2:12

Natural brute beasts

Allow for the acceptance of sin

2:12

Speak evil of the things they understand not

False gospel of salvation

2:12

Corrupt

Allow for the acceptance of sin

2:13

Count it pleasure to riot in the day

Allow for the acceptance of sin

2:14

Eyes full of adultery that cannot cease from sin

Allow for the acceptance of sin

2:15

Forsaken the right way, gone astray after Balaam

Allow for the acceptance of sin

2:17

Wells without water

False gospel of salvation

2:18

Allure believers through lust of flesh

Allow for the acceptance of sin

2:19

Promise liberty, yet are servants of corruption

Allow for the acceptance of sin

The teaching of the false teachers can be placed into three general types:

A false gospel of salvation
The allowance of the acceptance of sin
Rebellion from the Word of God

Table 2 – The Methods of the False Teachers

Verse

Phrase

Spiritual Meaning

2:10

Presumptious

Judgmental

2:10

Self-willed

Imposes will over others

2:10

Not afraid to speak evil of dignities

No respect for Bible

2:12

Speak evil of the things they understand not

Speak evil of Bible

2:13

Spots and blemishes

Not righteous

2:13

Deception as they feast

Not ashamed of their sin

2:14

Beguile unstable souls

Take advantage of the unlearned

2:14

Heart exercised with covetous practices

Greedy

2:15

Forsaken the right way, gone astray as Balaam

Rebel from the Bible

2:17

Clouds carried by a tempest

Look glorious, but teach error

2:18

Speak great swelling words of vanity

Dynamic speaker, but not based on the Bible

2:18

Allure believers through lust

Gain followers by offering sin

2:19

Promise liberty, yet are servants of sin

Hypocrites

Table 3 – The Judgment of the False Teachers

# Verse Phrase

1	2:11	Railing Accusation before the Lord
2	2:12	Taken and destroyed
3	2:12	Utterly perish in their own corruption
4	2:13	Receive the reward of unrighteousness
5	2:14	Cursed children
6	2:16	Rebuked for iniquity
7	2:17	Carried with a tempest
8	2:17	Mist of darkness is reserved forever

PE2 2:10 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.

But chiefly – The term chiefly means ‘most of all’. In other words, the descriptions that follow are the most important descriptions of the false teachers errors. We see them summarized as two:

o Those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness

o Those who despise government

These two errors are expounded on throughout 2 Pet 2:10-19 and can be identified in Table 1

Them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness – This phrase notes that the false teachers follow the lust of uncleanness. They walk in the flesh. Instead of God’s Word leading them and thereby walking in the Spirit, they chose rather to follow their flesh and pursued lasciviousness (Ro 8:1-9, Gal 5:24-25). Christians are not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, but in the counsel of God (Ps 1:1).

This warning is similar to pastors that overlook sin in the congregation or in some cases may encourage believers to partake of worldliness and ignore the discipline of a holy life. The term walk underscores that this is their normal mode of operation. The false teachers are focused on the flesh and its sinful pursuits (1 John 2:15-17). The term uncleanness (Gr: miasmos) is only used in two places in the Bible (2 Pet 2:10, 20). It points to defilement or filthiness. In other words, they are not clean. To walk in the lust of the flesh is to be unclean (unsaved).

In the parallel passage in Jude 8, the term dreamers points to those who trust in their own source of revelation instead of trusting in God’s Word, the Bible. In short, it points to those who bring a false gospel (see Zech 10:2, Jer 23:27‑32, 27:9, 29:8, Deut 13:1‑5, Is 29:8‑10). Trusting in one’s own way to truth and not in God’s Word naturally results in being filthy in sin.

Despise government – To despise government (or, dominion) is to put away authority. In other words, it is doing what is right in one’s own eyes (see the book of Judges for example). The term government is the Greek word kuriotes which is derived from kyrios which is translated as Lord over 600 times in the New Testament. Therefore, we must be cautious to not be deceived into thinking that these false teachers are those who rebel from political governments. The term kuriotes indicates that it is the Lord that is being despised.

Persons that enter into the church secretly bringing false gospels despise the dominion of God’s authority in the Bible. An example would be teaching from one’s own wisdom or the wisdom of others and not resting completely on God’s Word. It is akin to denying our Master God. Instead of doing it God’s way, we want to do it our own way. The characteristics of false teachers are either adding to God’s Word of removing from God’s Word. In Jude 8, the false teachers are said to despise dominion. They did not want to submit to the legitimate authority of the Word of God.

The term despise (Gr: kataphroneo) literally means to think down upon (see Mat 6:24, 18:10, 1 Tim 4:12, 6:2, Ro 2:4, Heb 12:2, 1 Cor 11:22). In other words, the Lordship of God as found in the authority of His Word is looked down upon. It is put on a lower level than it should be. This warns us of the primacy of God’s word. It is taking God a putting Him on a lower level. It is taking His Word and replacing it with false teaching. It is interpreting the Word of God with the ideas of man found in man’s writings. Interestingly, the parallel passage in Jude 8 uses the term atheteo (or out aside). In Jude the emphasis would be on setting aside the authority or use of God’s Word, while in 2 Peter the emphasis is not so much on setting it aside but putting it on low esteem. In Jude, the example would be not using the Bible, while in 2 Peter it would be using the Bible, but not interpreting or using it in an authoritative sense. Either error is grave.

To ‘look down upon’ also suggest a high minded attitude. We are warned in Acts 20:19ff to serve the Lord with humility of mind, preaching the whole counsel of God. Again, the idea is that we submit to God’s words and not our own ideas. Our role as a witness is to cast down imaginations and every high thing exalted against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:5). We submit to God’s word. Spiritual pride is not spending too much time focused on the Scriptures. Spiritual pride is as 1 Tim 6:3-5 teaches us, is not to come unto the words of Jesus Christ and the doctrine that conforms to godliness (i.e. the Bible)!

Presumptuous – The related Greek words are used 18 times in the New Testament, usually translated dare or bold. In a positive sense it is used of those being bold to proclaim the truth of the Word of God (see Ro 15:15, 2 Cor 10:2, 11:21, Phil 1:14). It is also used of those adversarial to Christ who did not dare to ask Christ a question (Mat 22:46, Mk 12:34, Lk 20:40). But the key verse is Jude 9 which is a parallel passage that more fully explains 2 Pet 2:10. In Jude 9, Michael the archangel (represents Christ) did not dare to bring an accusation against the devil when contending over the body of Moses for the transfiguration (Mat 17:1-9, etc). At the time of the transfiguration, Jesus did not yet defeat Satan. This would happen at the time of the cross (Heb 2:14). This provides an important example to us about judgment. Judgment belongs to the Lord at His appointed time. The parallel passage in 2 Pet 2:11 also provides additional insight into the above phrase. It can be seen in the context of 2 Pet 2:10-11, those that walk in sensuality, rebellion, and deception are not judged by the angels before the Lord. In other words, those in our midst who practice sensuality, rebellion and deception are not yet judged. It is still the day of Salvation and there is still hope that these individuals will repent (e.g. 1 Cor 5). Similarly, when those who teach false doctrine arise in the church, it is not one=s business to try to pronounce judgment as to these people=s motives or spiritual condition. It is simply one=s responsibility to point them to the Word of God where the Lord will rebuke them.

However, we find the false teachers to be presumptuous. In other words, they make judgments about spiritual matters of which they have no right to make. Because of the close parallel of Jude 9 with 2 Pet 2:10-11, it is evident that the ‘presumptuous’ referred to relates to the fact that these false teachers were making incorrect judgments about the spiritual status of persons in the congregation. Just like the Pharisees accused Christ of being under the control of Satan (Mat 12:24) and has a devil (John 6:48), the false teachers may make judgments and accusations against Christians. Since Christians will not be lusting after the flesh and holding to the true Gospel, they will be persecuted and shamefully treated by the false teachers (Mat 5:10-12, 10:23, 23:34, Acts 7:52, Acts 13:50, etc., etc.).

Self-willed – This term (Gr: authades) is only used elsewhere in Titus 1:7 as referring to one of the qualifications of an elder. The term literally means to please oneself. In other words, this method or characteristic of the false teacher is that he wants to please himself. As a teacher, he is likely to be in a position of leadership (e.g. pastor / elder). However, a pastor is not to lord his authority over the flock but rather serve as an example (1 Pet 5:1-2). Therefore, the false teacher’s method will be that of being imposing his will on the people and not humbly leading them to the truths of the Bible. The so-called ‘bully pulpit’ is underscored here. The mode of a teacher is that of leading the flock gently through the Bible and not imposing their belief system on another without conviction of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20-27, John 14:26, 15:26).

They are not afraid to speak evil of dignities – To speak evil is the same Greek Word as blasphemy. When the word blasphemy is studied in the Bible, we find it is speaking against God, saying that Christ is under the power of Satan, or otherwise bringing false teaching about God, Christ or the Gospel.

The term dignities is literally the Word glory (Gr: doxa) used here and in Jude 8. To glorify God is to do righteousness, speaking of God’s greatness, spreading the Gospel, and sharing the Word of God (Mat 5:16, Ro 15:6, Eph 1:6, 1 Pet 2:12, Heb 4:11, 1 Pet 4:16, 2 Thess 3:1, Acts 13:48). In Acts 13:48, for example, that it is God’s Word that is glorified by those who hear and believe. However, the false teachers in the book of 2 Peter and Jude spoke against the things of God. Their deceptive nature resulted in blasphemy. The false teachers have no fear of God. They do not have any problem with teaching wrong things about God for personal gain. They have deceived themselves that they are spokesmen of God and are in favor with God. Rather, they should be in fear of judgment day.

PE2 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

The term ‘railing accusation’ is the Greek word translated as blaspheme. As we saw in the previous word, to blaspheme is to speak evil, or in the case of the false teachers, judgmentally of others. This verse is parallel to Jude 9. Jude 9 serves as an illustration of the latter part of Jude 8 concerning the speaking evil of dignities (or glories). Jude 9 contains an example of Michael the Archangel contending with Satan about the body of Moses. Michael did not respond with accusations, but rather with a simple statement that it is God who is the One who rebukes. Michael appealed to the Word of the Lord for his authority. In contrast to the speaking evil of dignities in Jude 8, it reminds us that the proper way to engage in conflict with others is to appeal to the word of God, not to bring railing accusations. This ties back to the above discussion on presumptuous in 2 Pet 2:10. An error of the false teachers was to make accusations of those within the church. The thrust of 2:11 is that if even angels which are greater in power and might than men do not make judgmental accusations, then how is it that man should do so? Judgment is the Lord’s business, not the business of Christians (Ro 2:1-5, Mat 7:1-5, James 4:11-12, Ro 14:10). While it is true that elders have a responsible for spiritual oversight in the church, any discipline administered is not to be judgmental, but rather a warning so that they may be saved in the Day of Christ (1 Cor 5:5). On Judgment Day, it will be the Word of God that judges each according to their works (Rev 19:13-16).

PE2 2:12 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

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed – People can naturally have great knowledge of the things of the world. The word naturally is the Greek word ‘phusikos’. This word is used both in Ro 1:26-27 and Jude 10 and refers to the natural instincts of man. Therefore, these false teachers engage in deception that appeals to what can be naturally known through the flesh. It points to Christian teaching that is based on the things of the world and not on the Bible. It is akin to a sermon or Sunday School class that minors on the Bible and majors on human illustration and stories. Therefore, the teaching of natural knowledge which any human being can relate to is deception. Woe unto those who soften the Bible or avoid the Bible since it may not be understandable to some in the gathering. The reference to brute beasts point reminds the reader that the false teachers are doing what comes natural to the flesh. They are caught up in the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-23). The term brute (Gr: alogos) literally means without a word. This points to the fact that they do not have the word of God. They are teaching from their own devices. Beasts (Gr: zoon) points to the fact that these false teachers are like living creatures. They are like any other creature of the flesh. The flesh underscores the sinful nature of man.

The ultimate antitype of a beast is Satan himself (see Rev 13). Also, snakes are referred to as beasts (Acts 28:4) underscoring the close affinity of Satan to these false teachers. Where there is no shepherd, beasts will prevail (Ez 34:5). In other words, when the truth of the Word of God brought through shepherds is no longer present, the beasts that reflect the false teachers who are fleshly and without the Word of God, will be present.

To be taken and destroyed points to the fact that false teachers are under the wrath of God (John 3:36). The term destroyed (Gr: phthoran) literally means corruption (see below discussion on corruption).

Speak evil of things that they understand not – The ways of God other than the physical creation are not evident to the unsaved man. The revelation of God comes in two ways, natural revelation and special revelation. All people can know certain things about God through the creation (Ro 1:19-20, Ps 19, etc). However, it is His special revelation, His Word, by which we can know Him and come into a saving relationship with Christ (Ro 10:17). Therefore, the fact that false teachers speak evil, or blaspheme against God is not surprising. It is in this sense man is in rebellion against God. The things that can be known of God are found are in the Bible, however, the unsaved man is both spiritually blind (cannot see God’s natural revelation for the truths about God) and also spiritually deaf (cannot hear the truths of God’s Word). On the other hand, Christians are enlightened and become Holy to be able to understand spiritual truth. The Holy Spirit becomes the teacher of the believer (1 John 2:20-27).

And shall utterly perish in their own corruption – The natural result of deceptive teaching that is based on the flesh and not on the Bible is that of corruption. That which is corrupt points to that which is not saved and is corrupted by sin. It is the nature of the old man that is corrupted by lust (Eph 4:22). The flesh lusts against the Spirit because the flesh is still subject to the corruption of sin (Ro 8:1-9).

Therefore, it can be seen that false teachers rebel from God in that they really do not know Him or His Word. They are blind and deaf to spiritual truth. This results in the teaching of deception since they are not able to teach the Bible. Therefore, they resort to fleshly examples and human generated wisdom which cannot glorify God (Jer 4:22, Ro 1:22, Is 29:14, James 3:15, 2 Cor 1:12-13, Col 2:23, 1 Cor 1:19, 2:6, 3:19-20, Acts 17:18, Col 2:8). The truth of the Bible takes a back seat. This rebellion and deception naturally leads to corruption of sin and ultimately eternal judgment.

The terms ‘utterly perish’ and corruption are related. Utterly perish is the Greek term ‘kataphtheiro’ which literally means to utterly corrupt (corrupt is the Greek word phtheiro). Therefore, the meaning of this phrase is that their corruption in sin will lead to the ultimate corruption of being destroyed in hell. To be corrupt is to be unsaved and subject to deterioration and decay (see Ro 8:21, 1 Cor 15:42,50, Gal 6:8, 2 Pet 1:4, 2:12,19, Jude 10).

PE2 2:13 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;

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness – The reward of unrighteousness is eternal damnation. Reward (Gr: misthos) is used in a positive way in speaking of the believers’ reward of eternal life (Mat 5:12, Mk 9:41, Lk 6:23, 2 John 8, Rev 22:12, Ro 4:4, 1 Cor 3:8,14, etc). In the negative sense, it refers to future judgment (Rev 18:6, 2 Tim 4:14, Mat 16:27, Ro 2:6-10, Ps 62:12, Pr 24:12). The term reward reminds us that the receiving of eternal damnation is due to the fact that one worked unrighteousness. Unsaved man is judged according to hi wicked works

As they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time – The term ‘count’ points to the fact that the false teachers have logically concluded that it is pleasing and acceptable to sin. It is a thought out, reasoned conclusion that what they are doing is appropriate and results in pleasure. Pleasure (Gr: hedone) is the Greek term that we derive the term hedonist from (or one that has a goal to maximize pleasure). In Lk 8:14, the term is used in close proximity to the cares and riches of the world. Ultimately, pleasure points to the fact that one has love for the world (James 4:1-3, Titus 3:3).

The term riot (Gr: truphe) refers to one who lies in luxury. Its only other occurrence is in James 5:5 and refers to one who lives in riches. Therefore, we find that one of the damnable heresies of the false teachers is that they logically conclude or have convinced themselves (‘count’) that it is the best situation that causes pleasure to live in luxury and riches. In other words, the false teachers are enamored with a life of luxury and living like the world in its cares and riches. This is a strong warning to us today who wish to have large, fancy and expensive things including our own possessions and the possessions of the church.

The term in the day time likely points to the fact that they live a life of hedonistic luxury right in the midst of the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Although they outwardly re in the church and therefore represent a gospel and are involved with others who are truly saved and in the day time, they themselves live in this situation in a life of pleasure. On the contrary, the Christian life is intended of being one of trials (James 1:2-4, Ro 5:3-5, Mat 10:26-31) and persecutions (2 Tim 2:12, 3;12, John 15, etc).

Spots they are and blemishes – First, it should be noticed that the false teachers are called spots (Gr: spilas). This word points to the fact that the false teachers may be a very small group, but they can easily affect the entire feast. A little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Cor 5:6). The Bible commands believers to keep the feast without the leaven of sin, but rather the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Cor 5:8). The true church has no spot or wrinkle (Eph 5:27, James 3:6, 2 Pet 3:13). Those who are false teachers will tend to blemish an otherwise holy institution.

The false teachers are described as spots and blemishes, the exact opposite of the description of Christ as a lamb without spot and blemish (1 Pet 1:19, Heb 9:14). A spot (Gr: spilas – Eph 5:27, James 3:6, 2 Pet 3:4, Jude 23, 1 Tim 6:14) is small stain or spot that can defile the whole item spotted. The church is intended to be without spot (Eph 5:27) by the washing of the word. However, the false teachers spot the church due to their sin and deceiving. A blemish (Gr: momos) is the same word translated as blame. To have blame is to have unrighteousness. Christians are to be blameless (2 Pet 3:14, Eph 1:4, Rev 14:5, Jude 24, Eph 5:27) not due to their own ability and work, but through the atonement of Christ.

Sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you – The term sporting (Gr: entrupho) is related to the word ‘riot’ discussed above. In other words, the false teachers make themselves to live in luxury within the church. They have deceived themselves and others to believe that their lifestyle is appropriate and correct. The have become enamored with the world and are living in the riches of the world. Instead of being separate (2 Cor 6:14f), they have become like the world. The word used form deceiving is the Greek ‘apate’ and is used elsewhere of those deceived by sin (Heb 3:13, Eph 5:6), those under the delusion of Satan (1 Tim 2:14, 2 Thess 2:10, 2:3), the deception of lust (Eph 4:22), the deception of riches (Mat 13:22, Mk 4:19), and the deception of false teachers (Col 2:8, 2 Pet 2:13).

The feasts (Greek: suneuochos – i.e. feast of love, (see also Jude 12) referred to likely refers to the communion of the Lord’s supper (Mat 26:26‑29, Mk 14:22‑25, Lk 22:17‑20, 1 Cor 11:23‑25, 1 Cor 10:10:16, John 6:48‑58, 14:20, 15:5, 1 John 3:24, Eph 2:6, Gal 2:20, etc). The Lord’s supper represents the breaking of Christ’s body and the partaking of His blood. In the communion service, the Gospel is corporately proclaimed as His body (representing the Word of God) is broken and His blood is partaken of (representing the giving of the life of Christ). It is this sacrament by which we show (or preach) the Gospel to those in the congregation who are not saved (1 Cor 11:26).

PE2 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin – Eyes in the Bible refer to the ability to spiritually see (Mat 13:13-16, Acts 28:26f, Jer 31:8, Is 59:10, etc). In this case the false teachers’ eyes are not opened to see the truth of the Bible. Rather their eyes are full of adultery. This could refer to physical adultery, but it is more likely that it refers to spiritual adultery. Spiritually speaking, the church is married to Christ and when one commits spiritual adultery, they are fornicating with another god. This god could be anything that comes before our relationship with God. This understanding is confirmed by the phrase ‘cannot cease from sin’. In other words, their vision is not opened to see the truth of God. Rather they are fixated on sin and serving the lusts of the flesh.

Beguiling unstable souls – Now, the lusts of the flesh are very appealing for us who live in the flesh. Therefore, their mode of teaching and conduct easily enables them to beguile some in the church. To beguile (Gr: deleazo) simply means to allure (see 2 Pet 2:18) or entice (James 1:14). In either event this beguiling is done by an appeal to the lust of life (1 John 2:15-17). The unstable souls refer to here are those persons who are not made firm on the rock of Christ. The term unstable (Gr: asterikos, see only other occurrence in 2 Pet 3:16) is the opposite of the word used for establish (see 2 Pet 1:12, 3:17, Ro 1:11, 1 Thess 3:2, Acts 16:5, Lk 9:51). In Luke 9:51, it refers to one who is focused on a task. In 2 Pet 1:12 and 3:17, ‘establish’ refers to the Christian who is made firm on Christ by the word of God. Therefore, we find that the false teachers have their greatest success with thise who are not established on Christ through the word of God. This fits with Scripture since we know that it is the word of God that effectively works in those who believe (1 Thess 2:13) and is the source of sanctification (John 17:17).

A heart they have exercised with covetous practices – The heart of the false teachers have not been circumcised (Deut 10:16, Ro 2:29) to love the Lord (Mat 12:30, 22:37). Rather their hearts (which represents their intentions and desires) have been exercised for greed. The term exercised (Gr: gumnazo) is the same term that we get gymnasium from. It is used elsewhere (1 Tim 4:7-8, Heb 5:14, 12:11) as referring to exercise and serves here to illustrate that the false teachers train and work out in covetous practices. They spend much energy getting very good at what they do. They have learned their skills at false teaching in such a way that they attract others and actually benefit carnally from their methods of teaching. Since we know that many in the church are not saved, we find that the false teachers will appeal to those on the broad way of destruction (Mat 7) who are interested in the things of the flesh rather than the things of the Spirit (Ro 8:1-9, Ro 4:14-25).

Cursed children – These children of the world (Lk 16:8, 20:34, Eph 2:2-3, 5:6, Col 3:6) are under the damnation of God (Gal 3:10-13, John 7:49, Mal 2:2, 4:6). They have as their ultimate fate and eternity in hell. They are children of wrath (Eph 2:3).

PE2 2:15 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

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray – The false teachers have forsaken the right way. The right way of course is the way of Christ (John 14:6, 10:9, Eph 2:18, Ro 5:2, Is 11:16). It is the direction and course that our life is supposed to be in our walk with God. It is the course of direction that takes us to the right place, the city of God. The false teachers have utterly abandoned the way that leads to life. There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is death (Pr 14:12, 16:25). The term gone astray (Gr: planaomai) is the same Greek root as the word to deceive (see Mat 24:2,5,11,24, Mk 13:5-6, Lk 21:8, Gal 6:7, 1 John 1:8, 3:7, Rev 12:9, 13:14, 18:23, 19:20, 20:3,8,10). It means that the course has been altered to lead away from the right path. It may have been a gradual shift in direction, but the error of the way is sure. The ultimate deceiver is Satan (Rev 20:3-10).

Following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness – The way of Balaam is put forth as an example of the false teachers. Once again, the reference to way underscores the fact that there are multiple paths to travel on, but only one leads to life (John 14:6).

The error of Balaam is that he loved the wages of unrighteousness (Deut 23:4, Neh 13:2, Jude 11). Balaam was a prophet who desired to curse Israel, but was prevented from doing so by God. He was hired by Balak to curse Israel (Num 22-24). Ultimately, he caused Israel to sin (Num 25:1-8, 31:18). Israel sinned in their fornication with the Midianites (Num 31). Instead of looking for the reward of eternal life, Balaam sought the reward of unrighteous mammon. He ultimately got his earthly reward by causing Israel to pursue sensuality. Therefore, it should be seen that the example of Balaam is that of sensuality. It is similar to those false teachers who compromise and do not speak out against the lusts of the flesh. For their earthly reward of money, popularity or other equally sinful motives, they allow for law breaking without rebuke. The term wages (Gr: misthos) is the same word used in 2:13 and refers to the fact that the wages the false teachers are to receive is eternal judgment. In the physical realm, a false teacher can reap the reward of popularity, money and fame, but earthly rewards are futile for gaining eternal life (mat 5:46, 6:2, 5:16, Acts 1:18, Jude 11).

The account of Balaam is intriguing from another vantage point. Balaam was not allowed by God to curse Israel although he desired to (Num 22-24). He is a prophet for hire. He is like a false teacher who actually teaches what is correct (i.e. in the case of Balaam – that Israel would be blessed). Baalam was rebuked by Balak for not cursing Israel. But, Balaam finds another way to serve his evil purpose. He taught Balak how to place the stumbling block of eating things offered to idols and commit fornication in front of Israel (Rev 2:14). While Balaam did not achieve his purpose by his preaching since it is true that he blessed Israel in what he said, he did achieve his evil purpose by placing the stumbling block of sin before Israel. The false teacher who basically teaches accurate things that are contained in the Bible, but allows for his flock to commit sin is equal to a Balaam. This is what we find, in part, in 2 Peter.

The reference to Balaam as the son of Bosor is interesting. Once more, the term Bosor is the only occurrence in the Bible. The reference to Balaam in Jude 11 does not mention his father. In the Old Testament, the term Beor is used. In the Hebrew, this name referred to one that is a shepherd (Num 22:5, 24:3,15, 31:8, Deut 23:4, Josh 13:22, 24:9, Micah 6:5). The reference to Bosor here may point to the fact that Balaam was of a shepherd, a term intimately connected with pastor. In other words, Balaam may be from a very religious background.

PE2 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet – The fact that Balaam’s donkey actually rebuked the false prophet Balaam is confirmed here (Num 22:22-30). The term rebuke (Gr: echo elegxis) is only used here in the Bible. It is related to the Greek term ‘elegcho’ which means convince or convict, a legal term used in making a judgment based on the facts. Baalam’s donkey used reason and facts to rebuke Balaam. The donkey saw the angel of the Lord preventing the way of Balaam (Num 22:23). Although beaten by Baalam, the donkey did what was right and did not proceed against the angel who had a sword drawn. Spiritually speaking the donkey saw the judgment of God waiting for Baalam for his disobedience and the donkey wanted to save its cruel master. This happened three times before God opened the mouth of the donkey (Num 22:28). The donkey simply questioned Baalam why he was struck by Baalam.

To spiritually understand this event, we must understand that the donkey represents true believers in the church that are led by a false prophet (Baalam). In the Bible, a donkey is a picture of true believers. In Ex 13:13, 34:20, a donkey is redeemed by a lamb. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey (Mat 21:2-7, Mk 11:1-10, Lk 19:29-38). The donkey is called ‘dumb’ (Gr: aphonos) which literally means without voice. In a church led by a false teacher, the true believers are silenced under their leadership. However, the true believers, with open eyes, can see the angel of the Lord prepared with His sword for judgment.

The Greek word used for the speaking of the ‘dumb donkey’ is the word phtheggomai. This word occurs three times in the Bible (2 Pet 2:16,18, Acts 4:18) and refers to sounding aloud. This sounding aloud is with a man’s voice. In other words, the donkey as a representation of those in the church proclaims the truth of God’s presence and pronounces a warning of judgment. The term ‘madness’ is the Greek paraphronia and is the only occurrence of this word in the Bible. However, the term ‘phronia’ means fool. Therefore, the teaching and actions of Baalam were that of a complete fool. In the Bible, one who is a fool is one who does not trust in the Bible but rather trusts in man’s wisdom (1 Cor 1:18,21-25, 2:14, 4:10, 3:18, Ro 1:22, Pr 1:7, 10:21, 12:15, Jer 4:22). Baalam called himself a prophet in that he received revelation from God but, he was a false prophet since he based what he heard from God on his own wisdom and lust for carnal things.

PE2 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest – In the parallel passage in Jude 12, we find a description of clouds without water. In 2 Pet we find wells without water and clouds carried about by a tempest. The idea of wells without water points to the fact that the well is not producing what it apparently is supposed to be used for. Water as used in the Bible refers to the Gospel (Eph 5:25‑26) and is related to the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5, 1 Cor 6:11, Acts 22:16). It also refers to initial salvation on earth ‑ Is 55:1, John 4:14, Jer 2:11‑3, 17:13, Ps 46:4, Job 20:17 and the full effect of salvation (Rev 21:6, 22:1).

‘Wells’ used in 2 Pet 2:17 is the Greek word ‘pege’. This word literally means fountain and is used also in John 4:6,14. A fountain, as used in the Bible, refers to the source of the water of the Gospel that brings eternal life (see Rev 7:7, 8:10, 14:7, 16:4, 21:6, Ps 36:9, 68:26, Pr 13:14, 14:27, Jer 2:13, 17:13). We see in Jer 23:4, that Israel forsake the fountain of living waters. Also, as used in this verse, the false teachers appear to be that which brings the water of the Gospel and eternal life, but in reality they do not contain the truth that brings eternal life. They are deceivers and have forsaken the true way of salvation. They do not have the word of God that brings salvation (1 Pet 1:23).

The parallel verse in Jude 12 states that they are clouds without water. The idea is the same. Clouds are the representation of glory. Christ is said to come on the clouds of glory (Mat 24:30 et al). It is the cloud that filled the temple of God which is referred to as glory (2 Chr 5:13-14). In the negative sense, clouds can refer to those who boast falsely of their gifts (Pr 25:14). However, these glorious looking people actually contain no water of the Gospel in Jude 12. Rather the false teachers look good on the outside and look like a glorious cloud that should bring the water of the Gospel, but they are carried about by the tempest (Gr: lailaps). This word occurs three times (see also Mk 4:37, Lk 8:23) and refers to that which stirs up the sea when Christ was asleep on the boat. The storm is tied in Mk 4:37 to a storm or tempest of wind. In the Bible, the wind in a negative sense refers to the teaching of false doctrine (see Jude 12, Eph 4:14, James 3:4). Wind can represent false prophets (Jer 5:13, Eph 4:14, James 3:4). Particularly it should be noted in Eph 4:14, that the believer should be no more like a child tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight and cunning of man. In this context the wind reminds us of the destructive nature that it contains. The iniquities of the false prophets sweeps them away (Is 64:6) like the wind. Therefore, clouds without water, carried away by the winds represents those bring false teaching into the church by cunning and deception. Therefore, another description of the false teachers is that they look glorious and they appear to be godly people, but they are actually subject to the winds of contrary doctrine that tend to scatter rather than edify. These are the winds of a tempest that cause fear in the church and concern that the church may be doomed (Mk 4:35-41, Lk 8:22-25, Mat 8:23-27). It is only through the work of Christ that the tempest can be calmed.

To whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever – The punishment of those who bring a false gospel is the darkness forever. In other words, their fate is an eternity in hell. The darkness referred to points to the fact that there is no light of the Gospel and therefore no salvation. Forever points to the eternal suffering of hell fire. Darkness, or the lack of the light of God, is intimately connected with hell (2 Pet 2:17, Mat 8:12, 22:13, 25:30). Darkness also points to the fact that there is no hope (Ro 1:21, 2:19, Acts 26:18, 1 Pet 2:9, Eph 4:18, Ro 11:10). The term mist (Gr: zophos) occurs only in 2 Pet 2:17, 2 Pet 2:4, and Jude 6. The term literally means gloom and is tied to hell.

PE2 2:18 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.

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity – This is parallel to what we find in Jude 16. What comes out of the mouth reveals that which is in the heart and it is by the mouth that a man is defiled (Mat 15:1-20, Ro 3:14,19, Col 3:8, Rev 13:5, Micah 6:12, Zeph 3:13, Pr 15:2, James 3:3,10). What comes out of their mouth were ‘great swelling words’ (Gr:huperogkos). This Greek word that is translated as ‘great swelling words’ is also used in Jude 16 and points to that which becomes large but really is vanity or emptiness. In other words, it is the deceptive teaching of these false teachers that is empty (see Eph 4:17). Thier teaching is likely filled with eloquent words, wonderful illustrations, and other pious poisons of the mouth, but they are really empty since they do not contain the Word of God or if they do they corrupt the Word of God. God, through Paul, teaches us that it is not needful to come with great eloquent speeches, but rather to teach Christ (1 Cor 2:1-14) in simplicity (2 Cor 11:3). Moreover, we recall that it was by unlearned and ignorant Galileans that God brought forth the Gospel in the early church (Acts 4:13). Therefore, a characteristic of a false teacher is that he will use large theological words, many illustrations, historical references, and other intellectual references and material. They will tend to use reference books and theologians rather than the Word of God. They appeal to the wisdom of man rather than the wisdom of God.

They allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness – To walk after their own lusts points to the fact that the false teachers taught lasciviousness. They were content with teaching that it is fine to live like the world and still call oneself a Christian. To walk (1 Thess 4:1, Eph 5:2,8, Col 1:10, Gal 5:16, Ro 6:4) means that their lives were characterized by their lusts. It was no isolated case that they would fall into sin. Rather their lives were not characterized as holy, but rather as sinful.

Because the words of a false prophet are swelling, they will tend to have people attracted to their eloquence and other vocal abilities. The likely come with the wisdom of man, not the wisdom of God. Because they speak very well, people will tend to follow them. False teachers are motivated by financial gain and political power. They, as Diotrophes (3 John), want to have the limelight. They want followers. They want numbers. It is similar to many, many churches today that strive for church numbers through compromise.

The word allure is the Greek word ‘deleazo’ and was discussed in 2 Pet 2:14. It refers to the actions of a false teacher who, by lust, appeal to persons in the church who are not established firmly on God’s word. There speeches or great emptiness serve the flesh and tend to justify the wicked works of the flesh. They tend to justify the works of the flesh and cater to men’s pride.

The term wantonness (Gr: aselgeia) is the same term translated in 2 Pet 2:7 as filthy. The term filthy (Gr: aselgia) is literally lasciviousness or licentiousnes. As we saw, this means that one believes that he has the right to do as he pleases. As it were, he has a license to sin. However, the Bible is clear that a Christian cannot practice sin (1 John 2:1-3, 3:1-7, 1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-211, etc., etc.). To teach otherwise denies the work of God in salvation and sanctification Eph 2:10, Phil 2:13, 2 Cor 3:18, etc.). Therefore, we have more Scriptural proof that these false teachers through much wantonness attract followers. The mode to increase numbers in one’s congregation is to compromise the godly standards that a true believer will not practice a lifestyle of sin. The rebuke of sin is not the method to grow numbers of people in the church, but it is the way of truth in the Bible.

Those that were clean escaped from them who live in error – This can be a difficult phrase to understand. It appears that the false teachers are actually deceived by the false teachers and having fallen for their lies. However, we will find that it simply means that the target of the false teachers are the true believers. The term clean (Gr: outos) occurs 10 times in the Bible and means ‘certainly’ (see John 8:36, 1 Tim 5:3,5,16, Mk 11:32, Lk 24:34, Gal 3:21, 1 Cor 14:25, Lk 23:47). The term escape literally means to flee and was discussed in 2 Pet 1:4 and is also used in 2 Pet 1:20. The term refers to those who have escaped from the pollutions of sin. The term ‘error’ is the Greek word plane and means, as we saw in 2 Pet 2:15 to go astray from the way of truth or the way of Christ. Therefore, we find that those that were clean escaped from those who live in error means that the focus of the allurement of the false teachers is on the true believers who certainly have fled from the error the way of sin.

It is important to note that this phrase does not teach that the false teachers are actually and completely successful at alluring the true believers into a life of wantonness. However, it does remind all true believers that the false teachers under the direction of the roaring lion who seeks whom he may devour (1 Pet 5:8) are set to trip up believers by enticing them to live a life of carnality. This is especially a big problem when one lives in a society of distractions of materialism and lust. One must remember that the ministers of Satan appear as angels of light in order to deceive the the true believers (2 Cor 11:11-15). Also, in Jude 3-4 as well as 2 Pet 2:1-2, we remember that the false teachers come in privily into the church to lead people astray. In the end times, there will be an especial focus on leading astray the elect in the church (Mat 24:24). At the end time, Satan will again be loosed to deceive people (Rev 20). This is why believers must try the spirits to see if they are form God (1 John 4:1-3) since many false prophets have gone out into the world.

PE2 2:19 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.

While they promise them liberty – The false teachers promise those in the congregation liberty. The word ‘promise’ is tied to salvation (see also Eph 1:13, 2 Cor 7:1). The covenant that God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was a promise of salvation. Eternal life is a promise of God (1 John 2:25, Titus 1:2). The term liberty (or freedom) is also a term tied to salvation. We find that salvation is a free gift of God (Eph 2:8-10, see also 1 John 5:4-5). Believers have been set free from the bondage of sin (John 8:30-36). Therefore, the false teachers boldly claim salvation for the flock in the lustful lifestyle that they are living. They promise them that they are set free from the law of God (Ro 7:3, Gal 3:28, 4:26-31) and they promise them that they have salvation. However, Christians are not to use their freedom as a cloak for sin (1 Pet 2:16). On the one hand, it is true that Christians have been set free from being saved by the keeping of the law, however, because of the freedom in Christ, Christians now can keep the law (Ro 6). The false teaching of some is that we are saved by the grace of God and our conduct in life does not matter. This is not true. We have been saved by the righteous work of Christ and because we are indwelled by God we begin having an earnest desire to be obedient to God (1 John 2:3-6). A proof of the genuineness of one’s salvation is the outworking of holiness (James 2:14-26).

They themselves are the servants of corruption – Although the false teachers promise their flock freedom, they are in actuality slaves of sin. The Bible states that before one is a Christian, they are in bondage to sin and Satan (2 Tim 2:24-26, Ro 6:6, 17-18, Gal 4:3-11,21-31,5:1, Titus 3:1, 1 John 5:19, John 8:34,44), but when one is freed from slavery to sin, then one is a slave of Christ and of righteousness (see Ro 6 and notes on 2 Pet 1:1).

Therefore, we see the hypocrisy of the false teachers. On the one hand, they preach liberty to the captives and that they are freed from sin and the law. However, their wicked works reveal that they are still slaves to sin because they have their eyes set on adultery and allure through the lusts of the flesh.

To be servants of corruption is to be servants of sin. The term corruption points to that which is decaying (i.e. the things of the flesh) and is used consistently to describe that which is in the state of damnation (see Ro 8:21, 1 Cor 15:42,50, Gal 6:8, 2 Pet 1:4, 2:12, Jude 10). Therefore, these false teachers are hypocrites in that they teach and believe that they are freed from the keeping of the law, but this is the very thing that reveals that they are still slaves of Satan and not free in Christ.

For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage – The false teachers are overcome (Gr: hettaomai) by their lusts of the flesh. They cannot resist the urge to lust after the things of the flesh. The Greek term literally means that which is inferior (see also 2 Cor 12:13). In other words, they are inferior or incapable of defeating the sin nature that they have. In the battle of the flesh and the Spirit (Ro 8:1-9), they lose. They cannot be anything but in subjection by that which they are by nature.

The Results of Hypocrisy (2:20-22)

In the next three verses, we find examples of what happens to one who enters into the congregation of God, but is not actually saved. It is provided as an example of the false teachers and their situation in the church. It is prophetic in that it predicts what will happen to all people who enter into the church that are not truly saved.

PE2 2:20 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 if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – Those people who have made a profession of the Lord Jesus Christ that He is their Savior are in view here. It is only by the Word of God, Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible that one can be saved. It is the incorruptible word of God by which one is saved (1 Pet 1:23). Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Ro 10:17). Jesus Christ is the way, the life and the truth (John 14:6). There is no other way to God, but by Him (Acts 4:12).

Once one becomes a Christian, one becomes progressively more conformed to the ways of God through the Word of God as illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, through the knowledge of Christ in the Bible one can escape the pollutions of the world. The word escape is the same word that was used in 2 Pet 1:4 and 2:18 meaning to flee away from sin. The term pollution (Gr: miasma) is also translated defile and carries the meaning that the things of the world cause a defilement of a person.

Once again, we find the thread of knowledge appearing in 2 Peter. The knowledge of Christ is what brings holiness sin the true believer’s life. This is the important message of 2 Peter. However, it must be a right understanding of Christ through the pages of the Bible.

They are again entangled therein, and overcome – To be entangled again in the pollutions of the world is to commit apostasy. In other words, it is like a person who believes in Christ and has an emotional experience that alters their behavior and lifestyle. However, over time, they revert back to the old lifestyle. They return to their life of practicing sin. A Christian, or course, is a new creature at the point of salvation (2 Cor 5:17). However, a Christian will continue to grow and be changed from one state of glory to another (2 Cor 3:16, 4:18). A Christian is the workmanship of Christ (Eph 2:10).

A person who turns back evidences that they were not actually saved. The term entangled is a good translation (Gr: empleko) and only occurs elsewhere in 2 Tim 2:4. To be entangled means to be overly involved with the working of the world. It means that one’s mind is no longer set on things above, but rather on the things of the earth (Col 3:1-3). It means that one is losing the battle of the flesh vs the Spirit (Ro 8:1-9, Ro 7:14-25). This is confirmed by the word ‘overcome’. It is the same word used in 2:19 and means to become inferior. In other words, this phrase warns us of those who appear to initially be saved and then we see them entangled and made inferior to things of the flesh. It is similar to the parable of the soils where the seed that fell among the stones and the thorns became unfruitful although they showed some initial signs of growth.

The book of Hebrews provides several warning of apostasy (Heb 2:1-4, 3:7-4:16, 5:11-6:20, 10:26-31, 12:28-29). We are warned to not neglect so great a salvation lest we find that we cannot escape the judgment of God (Heb 2:1-4). We are warned of those in the wilderness who were identified as the church of God but fell in the wilderness and serve as an example of apostasy (Heb 3:7-12). We see that it is possible that those who were once enlightened and tasted of the wonderful things of God can fall away (Heb 6:4-8). We find that those who count the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified an unholy thing will receive the punishment of eternal damnation (Heb 10:29).

The latter end is worse with them than the beginning – The ones who initially escaped the pollutions of the world and then they turned back and were entangled into a lifestyle of sin will face a more worse fate than if they had not originally been involved with the things of God. At first glance, this does not seem to make sense to us. It seems that those who were always rebellious and far from the kingdom would have a worse fate than those who were at least involved with the kingdom although not saved. But, this is not the case.

The word worse (Gr: cheiron) provides Scriptural insight into this dilemma. We find the word used in Mat 12:45 and Lk 11:26. It describes the fate of one who had a demon cast out and received 7 other more wicked spirits that will indwell him. This is a metaphor that describes the state of one who initially turns to the kingdom but commits apostasy. Similarly, the word ‘cheiron’ is used in describing the tear that happens to an old garment when a new patch placed on it. The garment represents the covering of one who is unsaved and what happens when he tries to patch it with a spurious claim of faith in Christ. Its end is worse than the beginning.

The term ‘latter end’ is the Greek ‘eschata’ which the theological term eschatology is derived from. The latter end (literally last) refers to the last day when judgment occurs. The beginning (Gr: protos) means first. It should be evident that as one lives his life, he is judged for his actions. Therefore, the worse actions one performs, the more sever judgment one receives. In fact, we see that the Bible teaches that there are varying levels of degrees of eternal punishment for sin. All sin receives the second death on judgment day (Rev 20). However, apparently, there will be varying degrees of eternal torment for people who are unsaved. In Lk 12:47-48, we find that the person who knows the will of God and did not prepare himself will be beaten with much more stripes than he who knew not. This points to the fact that those who are of the faith and have heard the truth are more accountable to God than those who have not. Both receive eternal damnation, but one will receive more punishment. Another example is found in Mat 23:14 (not in all manuscripts – see KJV). In Mat 23:14, we find that the Pharisees will receive greater damnation.

By examining Scriptures that teach varying degrees of hell, we find that it is those who have heard of God and are religious that receive greater damnation. Just as the false teachers in 2 peter will receive greater damnation, it is true of anyone who has been given much knowledge of God. The more one knows of God, the more one is accountable. The law came in and brought knowledge of sin (Ro 7:7-14). Sin was still sin without the law, but a knowledge of the law brings in further rebellion and accountability.

Varying degrees of hell accords with Scripture. We find that all those who are unsaved will be judged by their works (Rev 20:12-13, Mat 16:27, Ro 2:6, Pr 24:12, Ps 62:12). Therefore, one who sins more will be punished more. Therefore, it makes Bible sense that there is a varying degree of punishment in hell. However, when it comes to eternal salvation, we find that all receive the same glorious reward which is eternal life (mat 20:1-14, Lk 18:28-30, Mk 10:28-31, Ro 8:32, etc., etc.). The fact that all believers receive the same reward also makes Bible sense since we are saved by God’s grace and not by our works.

Other passages that speak of degrees in hell are: Deut 32:22, Lam 3:55, Ps 86:13, 88:6, Mk 9:42, Mat 11:21-24.

PE2 2:21 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.

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness – Continuing from the previous verse, we see the thread that it would be better to not have been acquainted with God’s truth than to know it and turn away. The lowest hell is reserved for religious apostates. It was the religious community in Jesus’ day that persecuted Him and blasphemed the Holy Spirit (Mat 12). The way of righteousness as previously examined is the way of Christ (2 Pet 2:15). The way of righteousness is the way to eternal life that is found in the Bible. Jesus is the way (John 14:6). These false teachers know Christ and are aware of things in the Bible.

It is interesting to note the thread of knowing in this verse. They had some right understanding of the Gospel when they exhibited their spurious faith in Christ. It is like the seed of the Word that fell into the ground of the sower and the soils (Mat 13). It did not land on the pathway where it was trodden underfoot and not understood at all. Rather, it landed in a soil that gave the seed some growth but died out prematurely.

Than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them – But, after they knew of Christ and exercised their own faith they turned. The word turn (Gr: epistrepho) is a good translation and is also used in verse 22. It simply means that they were heading down one path and turned of into another. That is the way of the apostate. They initially may be heading down the way of righteousness and then they turned in their own way, the way of destruction. The false teachers were enamored with the things of the world and followed the way that would bring them pleasure in the things of the world. The word turned is used often in the Bible of those who turn back to sin (Gal 4:9, 2 Tim 1:15, 2 Tim 4:4, Acts 7:39).

The commandment is here said to be holy. That is, God’s Word is different or set apart from the way of man. Man’s ways are not God’s ways (Is 55:8). The way of God is the way of holiness (Is 35) that leads to eternal life.

This is not to say that salvation can be lost since the Scriptures are clear that this is not the case. He who has come to Christ will not be cast out (John 6:37-40 and will be kept from falling (Jude 24). However, it is true that there are many who appear to be Christians, but they fall away. The parable of the soils is a good example of this truth (Mat 13:3-8, 18-23). The seed fell in soils (i.e. the rocky and the stony) which brought forth some fruit but it did not last and was either withered or choked off (pictures of damnation). The Scriptures require of us perseverance (Heb 3:6-14, Col 1:22-23, Mat 10:22, 24:13 Ro 2:7, Ro 11:22, 1 Cor 15:2, etc). It is by perseverance that we prove ourselves to be children of God. This perseverance, of course, is not of ourselves, but is of God (Phil 2:13, Col 1:29).

PE2 2:22 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.

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb – This verse provides two proverbs that illustrate the truth about apostates. These proverbs serve to remind us with an earthly illustration what is the nature of an apostate. It should be noted that the term proverb (Gr: paroimia) is literally an obscure saying. This would be the New Testament equivalent word for mashal (translated as proverb) in the Old Testament. A proverb is intended to provide a spiritual portrait of an assertion. In Mat 13:10-16, Jesus stated that He spoke in parables so that those who have (i.e. saved) will more be given (i.e. a more bountiful description). Those who have not (i.e. are not saved) will have the truth taken from them since they will not be interested nor able to see the deep beautiful truth of God’s word in parables and proverbs.

The term proverb is preceded by the word ‘true’. This underscores the importance of proverbs and parables. They are a large part of the Word of God since the Word of God is referred to as truth (John 17:17, Eph 1:13, 4:17-24, 2 Tim 2:15, etc). In fact, Jesus stated that He spoke not without a parable (Mk 4:33-34) to the peoples. Therefore, we find the importance of figurative language in the Bible.

The dog is turned to his own vomit again – The first proverb is a quote from Pr 26:11. This proverb illustrates the spiritual truth of one who is unsaved and escapes the pollutions of the world only to revert back and spiritually eat their own vomit. In Pr 26:11, the parallel explanation of the proverb is that the fool returns to his folly. In the context of 2 Pet 2, the fool or the dog is the one who is unsaved yet somehow escaped temporarily the eating of his vomit. However, he returns to it. In the Bible, the dog represents that which is unholy (Mat 7:6, 15:25-27, Mk 7:27-28, Rev 2:15) and subject to damnation due to their sin. Dogs even more specifically represent those unsaved religionists who are involved with the things of God but are not saved (Jud 7:5, 2 Pet 2:22, Deut 23:18, Mat 15:26-27, Mk 7:27-28, Is 56:10-11, Rev 22:15). The word ‘turned’ is the same Greek word that was used in 2:21 and means that the dog has changed direction and has returned to its vomit. The term vomit is the only occurrence of this particular Greek word. In the Bible ‘vomit’ refers to that which is spewed out and worthless (Hab 2:16, Jer 25:27, Rev 3:16, Lev 18:28, 20:22). Therefore, the false teacher returns to his folly of living outside of the Word of God.

And the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire – The sow (Gr: hus) is again the only occurrence of this term in the New Testament. However, the swine in the Bible always carries a negative connotation and refers to an unclean animal (Lev 11:7, Deut 14:8, Pr 11:22, Is 65:4, 66:3). In Mat 8:30-32, Mk 5:11-16, and Lk 8:32-33, swine represents where the demons are cast into to be destroyed. Believers are commanded not to cast their pearls before swine (Mat 7:6).

The washing of the sow refers to the fact that one who is unclean and under the wrath of God can temporarily be washed and made clean (a symbol of salvation – Eph 5:26-27, Titus 3:5-7, etc). However, the natural tendency of such a person is to return to the wallowing in the more of sin. Wallowing (Gr: kulisma) is only used elsewhere in Mk 9:20 and refers to one who has become filthy with the earth. The term mire once again is the only occurrence of this word in the Bible (Gr: borboros). These terms are symbolic for the unsaved false teacher’s actions in returning to a life of lust and worldliness and becoming filthy.

Chapter 3 – The Prospect of Judgment Day

So far, the argument of the epistle has focused on the importance of a correct knowledge of God through the Bible and the fleeing from the false teacher’s denial of the doctrine that leads to living a holy life. We now see the argument become pinpointed to a particular error that as 3:3 reports appears to be primarily necessary for avoidance. The error is that of scoffing concerning the fact that there will be a judgment day. This problem naturally results from those who hold to a doctrine of sensuality. They do not want to consider the fact that there is a judgment day that comes when sin is to be judged. If they deny the fact of the judgment day, then it is easy to accept a lifestyle of sin.

2 Peter 3 may be divided into the following acronym:

The Awakening of the Godly Mind – 2 Pet 3:1

The Basis of the Godly Mind – 2 Pet 3:2

The Characteristics of the Ungodly Mind 2 Pet 3:3-4

The Denial of Judgment Day by the Ungodly Mind – 2 Pet 3:5-7

The Expectation of the Godly Mind – 2 Pet 3:8-9

The Fate of the World of the Ungodly – 2 Pet 3:10

The Goal of the Godly Mind – 2 Pet 3:11-14

The Help for the Godly Mind – 2 Pet 3:15

The Ignorant Man’s Attack on the Godly Mind – 2 Pet 3:16-18

The Awakening of the Godly Mind (3:1)

PE2 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance – What has been recorded in the epistles of Peter should not come as a surprise to the readers. The fact that there would be false teachers and false prophets was often spoken of in the Word of God. The readers are noted as ‘beloved’ since this epistle, as well as the whole Bible, is written to those who are believers. It should be noted that the Scriptures teach that God does not love all men (Ps 5:5, Mal 1:2-3, Ro 9:13, etc.). It is the elect that He loves. The reference to remembering points to the fact that the Scriptures are a cohesive whole (2 Pet 1:13-15, 2 Pet 3:1, Lk 22:61, 1 Cor 11:24-25, Lk 22:19, Mal 3:16). The Scriptures interpret themselves and they are their own dictionary. It was holy men of old that spoke as the Spirit moved them (2 Pet 1:19-21).

The phrase to stir up the believer’s minds by way of remembrance is a repetition of what was already discussed in 1:13 (see notes on this verse). The reference to the second epistle serves to emphasize the importance of repetition. However, in this phrase, the thought of pure is brought into view. The word pure (Gr: eilikrines) is essentially the opposite of hypocrisy. It could be translated as sincere. The believer’s minds are to be focused on Christ. They are not to be two-faced or hypocritical. The Christian’s minds are so influenced by Christ (1 Cor 2:16) that there is a genuine and sincere desire to be obedient to Christ. The false teachers on the other hand as we have seen in the preceding verses are hypocritical. At first, they follow the path of Christ. However, they are prone to turning back to their vomit and wallowing in the mire. In that way their minds are not sincere. They are double minded. Believers have the mind of Christ (John 15:15, 1 Cor 2:16) and are to be set on things above and not on things of the earth (Col 3:1-3). They are to be set on the things of the Spirit (Ro 8:1-9). The believer’s mind is to be girded for action in developing holiness (1 Pet 1:13). Believers’ minds are changed when they are saved (Heb 8:10, 10:16-17, Jer 31:34, Col 3:9-10, 2 Tim 1:7, Eph 4:23, Phil 4:7-8, Ro 12:2).

It is for this reason that the believers’ minds can be stirred. Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, 15:26, 2 Tim 1:14). Once again, we should note the important thread throughout 2 Peter of the mind and an accurate understanding of truth.

The Basis of the Godly Mind (3:2)

PE2 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour

That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour – This sentence reminds the readers that God speaks through men by the Bible. God used the apostles to bring forth the Word of God (Ro 1:5, 11:13, 1 Cor 1:1, Jude 17, 2 Pet 1:1‑2, 3:2, 1 Pet 1:1, Col 1:1, Eph 1:1, 2 Cor 1:1, 1 Cor 1:1, Titus 1:1, 2 Tim 1:1,11, 1 Tim 1:1, Acts 1:2). God brought the truth of the Bible by means of direct revelation, but also by signs and wonders through the work of the apostles (2 Cor 11:5, 12:11‑12, Acts 2:43, 5:12, Acts 4:33, Acts 8:6,13‑14). Once the Bible was completed, God no longer used the apostles to bring additional revelation. The Scriptures have been once delivered to the saints (see verse 4). The reference to the apostles reminds those who read Jude that the Bible is complete and if there come along false teachers that bring additional or different revelation, then the reminder of judgment must be considered.

It is important to set our minds on the Word of God. We are to diligently study the Bible (Col 3:16, 2 Tim 1:5, 2:15, Ps 119:4,95,97, 1 Pet 1:10-13, Ps 111:2, Eph 5:17, Acts 2:42, Ps 112:1, Mat 6:33, 1 Thess 5:21, Ps 1:2-4).

The combination of the holy prophets and the apostles points to the totality of God’s Word. There is an old covenant and a new covenant (Heb 8). In the Old Testament, the prophets of God were used to bring forth the Word of God. In the New Testament, it was the apostles that brought us the Word of God. We find the combination of the prophets and apostles in Eph 2:20. Here they are referred to as the foundation of the temple of God which ultimately represents Christ as the Word of God (1 Cor 3:10-12, Is 28:16). This represents the primacy and importance of the Word of God.

The Characteristics of the Ungodly Mind (3:3-4)

PE2 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

PE2 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Knowing this first – Once more the thread of the importance of a correct knowledge of God is emphasized. The emphasis on knowing this ‘first’ (Gr: proton) underscores the importance and primacy of what is about to be stated.

That there shall come in the last days scoffers – Here we see is that there are mockers in the last times. This is of primary importance in understanding the truth of God. In other words, it is imperative that we are not led astray by error. There are many who will come in the name of Christ, but do not actually have the true Gospel (Mat 24:5:24, 1 John 2:18-19, 4:1-3, etc.). Also, it should be noted that the visible church by and large is and has been made up of unsaved people (Mat 7:13-20).

The Bible teaches that the last days began when the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21). Therefore, it is important to remember that false teachers (mockers) will exist throughout the New Testament church period (e.g. see 1 John 4:1-3). The word ‘mockers’ is the same Greek word translated scoffers in Jude 18. In both Jude 18 and 2 Pet 3:3, mockers are said to follow their ungodly lusts. In Pet 3:3, there is additional information that mockers question that there will be a judgment day. In other words, a mocker is one who follows lustful sin and is not concerned about judgment against their sin. Therefore, these false teachers are like those who have taught that sin is acceptable. This false teacher does not emphasize hell and the wrath of God (see Ro 2:16). This is a parallel passage to Jude 17-19.

The idea of mockers is also discussed in these verses: Is 5:19, Jer 17:15, Ez 11:3, 12:22,27, Mal 2:17, Mat 24:48.

Walking after their own lusts – The sensual mockers have their life characterized (i.e. walk – 1 Thess 4:1, Eph 5:2:8, Col 1:10, Gal 5:16, Ro 6:4) by their ungodly lusts. To walk is to reflect the pattern of their lives. Psalm 1 warns believers to not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. Jude 18 is a parallel passage that warns that these ungodly teachers are within the very church of God.

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming – The false teachers tend to question whether Christ will return. Now, this may not be stated as overtly and plainly as we have here. We know that the ways of Satan are very subtle and deceptive (Gen 3, 1 Tim 2:13-14, 2 Cor 11:11-15, 2 Cor 4:2, etc). But, the false teachers will generally teach that the return of Christ is some far off event perhaps that is well beyond the sight of the listeners.

The word promise used here reminds us of the promises of God. We recall the promise of the covenant to Abraham concerning the inheritance of the entire world (Ro 4:13). Promise also relates to salvation and eternal life in eternity with God (Eph 1:13, 2 Cor 7:1, 1 John 2:25, Heb 10:36, etc). In particular in this verse is the promise of the return or coming of Christ. The term coming (Gr: parousia) is often used in an eschatological sense pointing to the day when Christ will return (Mat 24:3, 27. 37, 39, 1 Cor 15:23, 1 Thess 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, 5:23, James 5:7-8, 2 Thess 2:1,8,9, 2 Pet 3:4,12, 1 John 2:28).

For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation – The error of the false teachers is that they teach that the return of Christ is not imminent and is either far off in the future or will not happen at all. The ‘fathers’ here referred to points to those who were in their genealogical history. In a certain sense, they may refer to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen 28:13, Lk 20:37, Mk 12:26, Mat 22:32, Acts 3:13) or to those who were given the promises / covenant (Mal 2:10). The fathers also points to those who trusted in God for their eternal reward (Ps 22:4, 2 Chr 7:22, 24:18:24, 28:6,9, 30:7).

It is interesting that these teachers say that the fathers fell asleep. The physical portrait to sleep refers to those who have died (1 Cor 11:20, 15:20, 1 Thess 4:14, Acts 13:36, Mk 5:39, etc). In other words, the emphasis on the fathers (referring to those who had the promises made to them) is that they physically died and the promise of the eternal state had still not been realized. The fathers died in faith (Heb 11:13-15) not receiving the land they had hoped for yet. The idea of the false teachers stating that all things continue from the beginning of the creation tends to undermine the faith of the fathers. Instead of confidently preaching that there is a day of Judgment and Salvation coming, they tend to be satisfied with the current state of affairs. They tend to be satisfied with the normal physical course of events in nature. There are many examples of this teaching in the church today (denial of Judgment Day / hell, post-millenialism, materialism, humanism, etc, etc).

The word continue (Gr: diameno) only occurs two other places and is defined as the opposite of perishing. It is used in Heb 1:11 to speak of God as remaining forever. The use of this word underscores the denial of a Judgment Day for the church. The false teachers apparently are focused on the things of lust and the things of the flesh (see 2 Pet 2). It is only natural that they would focus their attention of the day of Judgment. This is no different from a great many churches today that do not preach on Judgment Day and hell. It is easier to talk about issues of the flesh and human concerns than on the spiritually sick condition of souls that brings forth Judgment.

The Denial of Judgment Day by the Ungodly Mind (3:5-7)

PE2 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

For this they willingly are ignorant of – The thread of the correct knowledge of God is evident. It is important to note that these false teachers are willingly ignorant of the truth. In Romans 1:18-32, we find a parallel Scripture. Because of the sinfulness of man, God gives them up to practice all sorts of evil (1:24). These people changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature instead. Even though men can hear the truth of God and God has revealed truth to men both through the creation (Ps 19, Ro 1) and through the Word of God, they chose to serve their own desires and lusts. It is in this sense that they are willingly ignorant of the truth. Men who serve the flesh do not want to think about or follow the truth.

The word ignorant (Gr: lanthano) occurs 6 times in the Bible (see also 2 Pet 3:5,8, Heb 13:2, Mk 7:24, Lk 8:47, Acts 26:6). It literally means ‘hidden’. In other words, the false teachers willingly have hidden the truth of God. They have the intellectual ability to understand the Word of God, but they do not have the spiritually ability since they are spiritually blinded (Mat 13:13-16).

That by the word of God the heavens were of old – Once again the emphasis on the importance of God’s truth can be seen. It is by the Word of God that the creation came into existence. All through Genesis 1 we find God speaking and things being created. This is an important spiritual truth. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Ro 10:17). Because we do not see God, we must be obedient to him by faith. We believe that by His word, the heavens and earth were created. It is the spiritual that is first, then the physical. In fact, the very first verse of the Bible testifies for the need of faith (Gen 1:1). In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In Hebrews 1:3, we find that it is through faith that we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

The very first thing created was the heavens and the earth. We shall see later in 2 Pet 3, that the destruction of the heavens and the earth is the very central to the message of 2 Peter.

And the earth standing out of the water and in the water – There are two issues at hand in this phrase. First the earth was made to stand out of the water and secondly it was standing in the water. By the Word of God, the earth was made to stand out of the water (Ps 24:2, 136:6). In Gen 1:9, God gathered the waters so that the dry land appeared. In the Bible, the sea refers to the place of being under the damnation of God and the land often refers to the promised land (Ro 4:13, Gen 12:7, Heb 11:13-17, Mat 28:18, 3:17, Jer 27:5, etc). Therefore, in the creation we see a type of salvation in that God was able to divide the waters and provide for a promise of land (ultimately pre-figuring the eternal new heavens and new earth). This once more points to the need of faith in God through the Word of God. That is, God, by His Word, caused a great type of salvation to occur in that the land stood out of water.

However, the other idea that the earth stood in the water should be remembered as well. On the one hand, the parting of the water and having dry land appear should remind us of God’s salvation, we should also remember that the land is still surrounded by water. In other words, we must continually examine ourselves (2 Cor 13:5) to ensure that we are in the faith since the waters of hell are always nearby. This brings us to the next phrase

PE2 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished – Although God provided a great type of salvation in the creation by having the land appear by gathering the waters together, we must remember that the land was overflowed with a flood (Gen 6-9). The physical land was only a portrait or shadow of the true promised land, which is not physical at all. The overflowing in the days of Noah is used in the Bible as a great type of Judgment Day. The term overflow is related to the Greek kataklusmos from which we derive the word cataclysmic (see Mat 24:38-39, Lk 17:27, 2 Pet 2:5 for similar uses concerning Noah’s flood). In other words, the flood was a portrait of a great catastrophe. It is the catastrophe of trusting in one’s own salvation plan of works for their abiding in the land. The people living on the physical land in the days of Noah are a type of all unsaved people who are enjoying the benefits of being alive and dwelling on a physical land. However, they do not understand that the floods of damnation are all around them spiritually speaking.

The term perish (Gr: apollumi) means to destroy. The world of Noah’s day was completely destroyed by the destructive nature of water. The surfaces of the land were re-configured and physical life was destroyed. The same Greek word is used often to describe one who is unsaved and their fate on Judgment Day (see John 3:15-16, 10:28, 11:50, Ro 2:12, 1 Cor 1:18, 15:18, 2 Cor 2:15, 2 Thess 2:10, 2 Pet 3:6-9, Lk 13:3,5, 13:35, 21:18).

PE2 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire – Just as the world of Noah’s day was destroyed serving as an example of Judgment Day, so the physical heavens and earth today are being stored up for God’s wrath (Is 66:15, Dan 7:9f, 2 Thess 1:7, Heb 12:22,29). It should be noted that plural use of heavens refers to the heaven of the atmosphere and the heaven of where the stars and planets dwell (see 2 Cor 12:2, Deut 10:14, Ps 148:4, Eph 4:10, Heb 4:14, Rev 19:17) and it does not refer to the destruction of heaven where God dwells. This heaven is where our enduring substance is (Heb 10:34), where our treasure is (Mk 10:21, Mat 6:20, 19:21) and where the kingdom is (Mat 13, Mat 16:19, etc.).

It should be noted that once more we see the primacy of the Word of God. It is by the Word of God that Judgment Day will come. We know that Christ, as the Word of God, will come for judgment (Rev 19:13). It is by the comparison of deeds to that which is required in the Bible that men are to be judged (Rev 20:20:12, 22:14).

The heavens and the earth are kept in store for judgment. The term ‘kept in store’ (Gr: thesaurizo) literally means to be treasured up. This points to the fact that the physical is kept under the curse of God. When man fell, the earth was cursed (Gen 3:17-20). The earth groans for the revealing of the sons of God (Ro 8:18-21). The creature was subjected to vanity because of hope. The creature shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption. The present earth and heavens therefore form a great reminder of the fall of man and the need for judgment. The present earth and heavens will be done away with ushering in the eternal state in the new heavens and the new earth (Rev 21:1, Is 65:17-19, 66:22, 2 Pet 3:13

The term reserved (Gr: tereo) unto fire literally means kept for fire. The fire portrays the utter destruction of what is in view. It is a picture of eternal damnation (2 Thess 1:6-8, Jude 7, Heb 10:27, 12:29, Mat 25:41). This confirms that the heavens and the earth are being reserved as the final ultimate judgment due to sin.

Against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men – As we saw, it is because of sin that the earth was cursed and the creation was corrupted. The destruction of the heavens and the earth are therefore, the final symbol of the judgment for sin on mankind. Ultimately those who re unsaved will be sent to the fire of eternal hell. There is a day of judgment for all men (see also Mat 10:15, 1 Cor 3:13, Jude 7). For those who are unsaved, it will be on the last day. This is a day when the works of man will be examined against the commands in the Bible and a decision concerning their fate will be made. The results of man’s works will result in perdition (Gr: apoleia). This word literally means loss (see Mat 26:8, Mk 14:4, 2 Pet 1:3, 2 Thess 2:3, Phil 1:28, Heb 10:39, 1 Tim 6:9). Although man temporally has the things of the physical realm to comfort him, they will be removed at the destruction of the heavens and the earth. There will be no more beauty or pleasure. All things will be lost. Instead of counting the physical as loss for the greatness of knowing Christ (Phil 3:7-8), the false teachers have enjoyed the things of the flesh instead of shunning them for the knowledge and obedience of knowing Christ.

The ungodly men terminology is parallel to Jude 15. We see that the false teachers there are also called ungodly. These are men that although they name the name of Christ and superficially appear to be ministers of Christ, but their hearts and minds are against the doctrine conforming to godliness (1 Tim 6:3-5). As we have seen through 2 Peter as well as Jude, true Biblical teaching will be accompanied by the teaching of obedience (1 Tim 6:3-5).

The Expectation of the Godly Mind (3:8-9)

PE2 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing – Another appeal is made to a correct knowledge of God. God calls the addressees beloved. God does not love all men (Ps 5:5, 11:5-6, 45:7, Ro 9:13-15, Mal 1:2-3, etc.). He hates the wicked. It should be understood how significant it is when Christians are called beloved. It is undeserved. By the grace of God, He loves us (Ro 5:8, John 3:16). Therefore, this epistle is addressed to true believers. It is only for those whom God has chosen to love and have been healed from spiritual blindness and deafness.

That one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day – God reminds us here that if we do not see the promises of God realized right away this does not mean they are not true. The reference to thousand in the Bible refers to a spiritually long time. It is symbolic of complete fullness (Rev 20, Ps 50:10, 90:4, 105:8, 119:72, Ps 84;10, etc.). The day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2, Heb 3:7, 4:1-10, Lk 4:18, Mat 8:21-22, Is 49:8, 61:2, 58:5) can be symbolized as a thousand years (as it is in Rev 20). The so-called millennium is simply a portrait as is everything else in the book of Revelation. It is a spiritual portrait of the entire period of time commonly known as the church age. The double emphasis on this fact in 2 Pet 3:8 serves to reinforce the idea that God is patient and has a distinct plan of salvation. What may appear to some as an inordinately long time is, in reality, God’s grace for His people. As Abraham and all others of faith, we must patiently endure this world and wait for the better day in the new heavens and the new earth (Heb 11:13-17).

PE2 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us‑ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness – The term ‘slack’ (Gr: bradus) literally means slow. The fact that God delays His judgment on the world is not an indication of any sin or problem on the part of God. His promise refers as we have seen to the day of the eternal state. From man’s perspective, it seems as though God is slow and maybe there really is not a God or the Bible is not accurate in what it says. This verse is an important reminder to us that we must have faith. We are saved by the faith of Christ (Phil 3:9, Gal 2:16, etc.) given to us as a gift (Eph 2:8-9). We must not judge God’s action by what we would do or on our own time frame. We must trust God in what He says in His Word.

Also, it should be noted that God has a timetable for His creation. We know that Christ was sent at a particular time (Gal 4:4). In due time, God manifested His word (Titus 1:3). In an acceptable year, He sent His Son (Is 61:2, Lk 4:19). Also God decreed 70 years to punish Israel (Dan 9:2, etc.). Therefore, we are assured through God’s Word, that there is a plan for mankind. God is patient, waiting for all His elect to be brought into the kingdom.

But is longsuffering to us‑ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance – The purpose of God’s apparent slowness as unsaved man would judge is that He wishes to demonstrate His patience (see also Ex 34:6, Num 14:18, Ps 78:38, 86:15, 145:8, Ro 15:5, Nah 1:3, Is 48:9). God is faithful (2 Tim 2:13, Deut 7:9, Is 11:5, Ps 36:5, Lam 3:22-23, Heb 10:23) and wishes to show us how important faith is. In fact, Christ is actually called the faithful one (Rev 1;5, 3:14, 1:9, 19:11, Heb 10:23, 1 Cor 1:9, 10:13, 1 Thess 5:24, 1 John 1:9, Is 49:7, Rev 21:5, 22:6).

It should be noted that God is longsuffering to ‘us-ward’ (Gr: hemas) and is a good translation. Unfortunately, many quickly jump to the conclusion that God’s patience is demonstrated to all men in the hope that all men will be saved. However, the reference is that God is patient with us, referring not to all people, but rather to all the elect. The term ‘long suffering’ is the Greek ‘makrothumia’ (see also 2 Pet 3:15). Some translations replace longsuffering with the term patience. However, the term longsuffering is instructive. The Greek term it should be noted literally means long (i.e. makro) and suffering (i.e. thumia). This should highlight to us that God is long in suffering for His will to be completed. The sin that occurs on earth is not pleasing to God. However, He shows His marvelous attribute of waiting in order that His grace may be accomplished.

God does not will (Gr: boulomai) that any should perish. In other words, it is not God’s will that any of ‘us’ should perish. Now, many have misinterpreted this verse to mean that God does not want anyone to be unsaved. He wants all men to believe and be saved. Unfortunately, this concept contradicts an abundance of Scripture concerning the depraved nature of man (Ro 3:3-23) and the need for God to initiate salvation. The clear teaching of 2 Pet 3:9, however, is that God is patient for all His people who will be saved and He will not have any to perish. The fact that God has a timetable is clear in Scripture. In Gal 4:4, we find that at the fulness of time, God sent forth His Son. God’s will cannot be overridden by the will of man. Man is saved not by his will or the will of the flesh but, by the will of God (John 1:12-13). God is Sovereign (Eph 1;11, Is 14:24, Ps 135:6, 115:3, Dan 4;35, Job 42:2, Is 45:9, etc). But, he is also patient as we have already seen. God has a perfect plan of salvation such that all His elect will be saved. God’s will is highlighted in Ro 9. In Romans 9, we find that God loved Jacob, but hated Esau. He raised up and hardened Pharoah’s heart according to His purpose. We find that God has mercy on those whom He will have mercy on. There is no unrighteousness with God. It is only by His mercy that any are saved. The term perish (Gr: apoleia) is the same word that has already been studied (1 Pet 2:1-3, 3:6) and refers to loss (see notes on previous verses) pointing to damnation.

God will have all His people come to repentance. Repentance is a synonym for faith in that it is a changing of one’s mind (Gr: metanoeo). If one does not repent, he cannot be saved; he will perish (Lk 13:3,5). We see also that repentance is a command of God (Acts 17:30-31) and is required for salvation. Repentance also involves work. True repentance must be accompanied by works (Acts 26:20). To preach the Gospel is to preach repentance (Mk 11:20-21, 12:41, Acts 2:38, 3:19, Mk 1:14-15, 2:17, 6:12, Mat 9:13, 4:17, Lk 5:32, Acts 20:20-21).

Repentance cannot be generated by man. It must be willed or granted by God (see Acts 5:31, 2 Tim 2:24-26, Ro 2;4, Acts 11:18). A false repentance is possible (Heb 12:17, Mat 27:3) but is driven by the works of man and does not result in salvation as in the case of Judas (Mat 27:3) and Esau (Heb 12:17).

This verse is used by many to teach that God is patient with all people and is holding back judgment in order to give people as much time as possible to repent. The context of 2 Pet 3 concerns the coming judgment on the world (see 3:7). There is a Day in which God will judge the world and destroy it to make way for the new heavens and the new earth (3:12-13, Rev 21:1). But, prior to this dreadful Day of judgment, God is waiting patiently for all to come to repentance.

It is also interesting to note that 2 Pet 3:9 refers to the promise of God. It is evident elsewhere in Scripture that the promise of salvation was not for each and every man on the face of the earth. It was only for Abraham and his Seed (Gen 21:12, Ro 9:7-8). By this, we see that God’s promise was limited and not universal. The spiritual Seed of Abraham was Christ Himself (Gal 3:16) and all the saved believers (Gal 3:28-29). Additionally, in Romans 9, the Scripture tells us that the promise was given to the children of God (verse 8). The Scripture makes it plain that there are only some that God chooses to extend mercy to (e.g. Jacob and not Esau – see Ro 9:10-16). Therefore, 2 Pet 3:9 should be understood as God’s longsuffering in waiting for all the elect to be saved.

The Fate of the World of the Ungodly (3:10)

PE2 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night – The day of the Lord is a synonym for Judgment Day. It is the day that God will judge the unsaved and reward the saints. This day comes as a thief in the night. This metaphor is often used for the coming of the Lord (Rev 3:3, 16:15, 1 Thess 5:2-4, Mat 24:43). The thief (Gr: kleptes) is one who quietly and secretly comes to plunder one’s goods. This is symbolic for how the day of the Lord comes. People will being living their lives and quite unaware that there is a great problem brewing. They believe the current course of events and the affairs of men will continue indefinitely. It’s as if one is sleeping or drunk and does not see or hear the thief approaching. For Christians, the day does not come as a thief (1 Thess 5:2-4). Because the believer has the Word of God to instruct and warn him, he is ever watchful for the end of times. In fact, the believer is always ready and anticipating the coming of the Lord for this is the believer’s hope and what his faith is (the assurance of things hoped for – Heb 11:1). The reference to ‘night’ reminds the reader that to the unsaved, it is a time of darkness. This refers to the absence of the light of the Gospel.

In the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise – In Genesis 1:1, the heavens were created first. It is, as we have seen, the heavens which are being stored up for fire (2 Pet 3:7). The heavens will be destroyed on Judgment Day with a great noise. We are reminded that the return of Christ is with a great shout (1 Thess 4:16). Spiritually speaking, Judgment Day is a loud sound from God. That is, God speaks with authority and with certainty. There is no ambiguity about this Word from the Lord. The word used in this verse for ‘great noise’ is the Greek ‘rhoizedon’ which is once again the only occurrence of this term in the Bible.

And the elements shall melt with fervent heat – The elements (Gr: stoiceiou) refer to the basic building blocks of the physical creation (see Gal 4:3,9, 2 Pet 3:10, 12, Col 2:8,20, Heb 5:12). The reference to elements likely reminds us that the physical realm is utterly to be destroyed. We saw that the physical creation was subjected to futility due to the sin of man (Ro 18:22, Gen 3:17-18). The destruction of the elements reminds us that the flesh, the physical profits nothing (John 6:62-64). The mind set on the flesh is enmity with God. It is only by the spiritual realm that one can be saved (Ro 8:1-9, 14). The term ‘melt’ is the Greek word ‘luo’ or losing. In other words, the elements will be disassociated and destroyed. It is melted by fervent heat (Gr: kausoomai). This refers to the furious power of God in pronouncing judgment (see also Rev 7:16, 16:9, Mat 20:12, Heb 6:8, Lk 12:55, James 1:11, 2 Pet 3:10-12).

The earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up – The earth will also be destroyed. It is by man’s works in the physical realm that he tries to justify himself. The reference to the destroyed works should remind us that man is not saved by his works in the earthly realm (Ez 22:30, Jer 5:1, Is 63:5, Ro 3:28, Gal 2:16, Acts 13:38-39). All these works shall be burned up (1 Cor 3:12-15). It is only the work of Christ in providing salvation that will be beneficial. The reference to ‘burned up’ (Gr: katakaio) literally means to be utterly burned up (see Mat 3:12, Rev 8:7, 18:8, Mat 13:30, 40, Lk 3:17, Acts 19:19, 1 Cor 3:15, Heb 13:11, Rev 17:16). This reminds us of the utter futility of the physical realm and the works of man. There is not anything that is pleasing in the eyes of God on the part of man outside of the work of Christ (Is 64:6, Ro 3:3ff).

The Goal of the Godly Mind (3:11-14)

PE2 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness – To see should not be taken for granted. To spiritually see means that one can observe things and be able to spiritually relate them to the word of God. Unsaved man is spiritually blind and cannot see the day of the Lord coming (Mat 13:13-16, Acts 28:26f, Jer 31:8, Is 59:10, 35:6, John 9:39-41, etc). However, Christians should not have the day of the Lord overtake them as a thief (1 Thess 5:2-4). Therefore, seeing, they can understand that there is a day of reckoning coming. They know that the heavens and the earth will be dissolved. The term dissolved is the same as 2 Pet 3:10 translated as ‘melt’ (Gr: luo). As we saw, this had to do with the utter destruction of the physical realm.

Because of the utter failure of the earthly realm including man’s works in the physical realm, this should inspire us to be all the more godly. The term ‘conversation’ simply means conduct. Contrary to the false teachers focus on the things of the flesh and things of the world (see 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Pet 2), the believer’s focus should be on the things of the Spirit (Col 3:1-3, Ro 8:1-9). Our conduct should be holy or set apart. Believers should be noticeably different than the world. In particular, the church activities should be that of spiritual things with the truth of the word of God as the focal point. When the church begins to look like the world it is no longer a church. The result of the believer’s separation unto the word of God, the word of God will effectively work in them (1 Thess 2;13) and cause them to be set apart in their conduct.

PE2 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

PE2 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat – An important evidence of the believer’s separation unto a new life of holiness and godliness should be noted here: looking for and hasting the coming of the day of God. Because the believer’s being is focused on the faith of eternal life that will, of course, be what his attention is on. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for (Heb 11:1). The Bible reminds us that we have the hope of the appearing of the Lord and our spiritual bodies (1 John 3:1-3).

The idea of looking for the Lord’s coming reminds us of the command to be watchful. To spiritually watch (see Mat 24:42-43 for example) means that we are constantly looking in the Word of God for the hope of the Lord’s return. Some say the study of the end times is not important. That is not true. Much of the Bible relates to this topic and we are commanded to be watchful.

To hasting the coming (Gr: parousia see notes on 2 Pet 3:4) of the Lord is to hope for His speedy return. The word ‘hasting’ (Gr: speude) literally means to go quickly (see also Mat 6:25, Lk 1:39, Acts 20:16, 22:18, Lk 19:5-6 for same word). The hope of the Christian is fully realized when the Lord comes. Our hope should be on the fullness of our salvation that we will receive (1 Pet 1:8-9) in that we will see Christ and be conformed to Him (1 John 3:2-3). If we find ourselves with attractions to this world and are not watching and hoping that the coming of the Lord comes quickly, are faith may be spurious or weak. The characteristic of a mature Christian is that he is eagerly awaiting the return of Christ.

However, we also see in the above verse a reminder of the destruction of the heavens and the elements. This should remind us that we should also desire God’s justice to be revealed. This brings us to the next verse.

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness – The desire for righteousness is a common theme in the so-called imprecatory Psalms where the Psalmist under the inspiration of God pleads for judgment on the enemies of God (see Ps 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137, 139). This is not to say that we should rejoice in the destruction of the unsaved, but rather we should have a desire for the attributes of God to be fully realized. We should love the righteous judgment of God. Also, we trust that God will wipe away every tear and the remembrance of the former things will not come to mind (Is 65:17, Rev 21:4).

We should earnestly desire the fulfillment of the promises of God where the fullness of our salvation will be realized. The new heavens and the new earth (Is 65:17-19, Rev 21:1, Is 66:22, 2 Pet 3:13) are a new creation that is completely perfect and holy. There is no longer any evil or suffering. There is no sin. Only righteousness dwells there. As we have seen the original heavens and earth were corrupted by the fall of man. The new heavens and earth will be free from this corruption. As is stated in Rev 21:27, there shall in no wise enter anything that defiles or makes abominable.

PE2 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things – An important command to believers is to watch. Christians are to earnestly hasten and look for the day of Christ, our blessed hope (Titus 2:13). This is important since Christians do not place their hope in this world, but in future glory. If Christians have hope in this world only, they are of men most pitiable (1 Cor 15:19). Christians deserve an eternity in hell, but rather they have received mercy from the Father of Mercies (2 Cor 1:3). It is eternal life that is Christian’s hope and glory.

Be diligent – This is repeated from 2 Pet 1:5. There, we were reminded to give all diligence to godly pursuits. Here, we are reminded of the same thing.

That ye may be found of him in peace – To have peace is to cease from enmity with God (Eph 2:15-16, Ro 8:7). To be at peace means to be saved (Ro 5:1, Heb 13:20, Eph 6:15). At the return of Christ, we must strive to be found at peace with God. This means that we are saved, but it also means that we are in agreement with God. We find that God’s wisdom is peaceable (James 3:17). We are instructed to let the peace of God rule in our hearts (Col 3:15). Therefore, to be at peace with God is to be in agreement with His wisdom as found in the Word of God. This renews once more the thread of a correct knowledge of God. Christ is our peace (Eph 2:14).

Without spot, and blameless – This is a reminder to not be what the false teachers are (see 2 Pet 2:13). As we saw in 2 Pet 2:13, a spot is one who defiles an otherwise clean body. Blame is to have fault.

In 2 Pet 3:14, the three terms ‘peace, without spot, and blameless’ on the one hand refer to characteristics of one who is unsaved, but it is also a command for believers. Although these things should be and are true of a Christian, the Christian must still work on these issues. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12).

The Help for the Godly Mind (3:15)

PE2 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation – This phrase is a confirmation of what we have already seen in 2 Pet 3:9, namely that the longsuffering of God is meant to demonstrate faith in man and also to give time to have the entire number of God’s people brought into the kingdom. Just as the Lord waited in the days of Noah, so he waits today. Although there is much sin in the world, God does not immediately destroy the world in Judgment. God has a plan for all His elect to be saved.

Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you – We find a reference to the beloved brother Paul. First, we see that Paul is beloved. God does not love all men (Ps 5:5, 11:5-6, 45:7, Ro 9:13-15, Mal 1:2-3, etc). He hates the wicked. It should be understood how significant it is when Christians are called beloved. It is undeserved. By the grace of God, He loves us (Ro 5:8, John 3:16). We remember that Paul was a great persecutor of the church (Gal 1:13, Acts 9). However, the love of God transcends the works of man.

Second, we find Paul is noted as a brother. As Christians, we are all of the family of God. The earthly family is a spiritual portrait of the heavenly family. The Father refers to God. The son is Christ. The adopted sons are all Christians. The mother (and wife) is the church of God.

We also note that wisdom was given to Paul. Although he was a very intelligent accomplished man (Phil 3:1-9), he needed the wisdom of God to be given to him. This is a spiritual grace that is given by God (1 Cor 12:8). Ultimately, the wisdom given to all believers is Christ. Christ is called wisdom (1 Cor 1:24, 30, Lk 11:49). Paul, in the flesh, had man’s wisdom and he excelled beyond all (Gal 1:14, Phil 3:1-9). The wisdom of man is foolishness with God (1 Cor 1:19, 2:6, 3:19-20, Ro 1:22, Jer 4:22, Is 29:14). However, the Gospel given to Paul was not from himself. He received it not from man, but from a revelation from Jesus Christ (Gal 1:12). Finally, wisdom is also synonymous with the word of God (see Job 28, Pr 1:2, 2:2-10, 3:13, Eph 1:8, 1 Cor 1:17-2:13, 2 Cor 1:12, James 1:5, etc).

Although Paul was not one of the 12 disciples of Christ, he was an apostle (1 Cor 15:1-8). He withstood Peter face to face, but he is still a brother (Gal 2:11-15). However, as Peter was sent to the circumcision, Paul was sent to the Gentiles (Gal 2:9).

The reference to Paul writing points to the fact that the epistles of Paul are part of the inspired word of God (Rev 19:9, Jer 3:6, Hab 2:2, Mk 12:19, etc). More on this in the next verse.

Before proceeding, it is beneficial to examine the following chart comparing mockers (3:3) versus the believers who look for the new heavens and new earth (3:13). Consider the following chart:

Chart Comparing the Belief Systems and Actions of Believers and Non-believers

Mockers (Unfaithful)

Believers (Faithful)

Belief

All things continue as they were (God is not sovereign)

Recognize that God has a timetable (God is sovereign)

System:

Therefore, no judgment / no salvation

There is a Judgment Day / Resurrection

Resultant Actions:

Lust

Obedience

2 Pet 3:3-15 forms the basis to the above chart. As can be seen, the mockers (or unbelievers) tend to focus on the world and are not concerned about God’s sovereign hand in the course of man. They deny that any thing has really changed since creation. They deny that there is a future Day of Judgment. This type of attitude and belief system results in a focus on the lust of the flesh. On the other hand, Christians are focused on the things of God and His sovereign plan.They are convinced that there is a future Day of Judgment and Resurrection. Therefore, their life and works tend towards obedience to God.

The Ignorant Man’s Attack on the Godly Mind (3:16-18)

PE2 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

As also in all his epistles – It was apparently already common knowledge that Paul’s epistles were weighty. An epistle (Gr: epistole) simply means letter. This word is used in 2 Cor 3:1-3 as referring to the fact that believers are letters of commendation written on the heart. But, the spiritual significance of an epistle is that it is essentially a letter sent to us from God Himself. For example, in Acts 15:30, we see the letter sent from the Jerusalem council to the churches on matters of doctrine. Other uses of epistles all referring to the word of God are: Acts 23:33, Ro 16:22, 1 Cor 5:9, 2 Cor 7:8, Col 4:16, 1 Thess 5:27, 2 Thess 2:15, 3:14,17, 2 Pet 3:1, 16.

Paul wrote a significant portion of the New Testament under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16). The following epistles are attributed to Paul: Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon.

Speaking in them of these things – Paul’s doctrine is consistent with Peter’s doctrine because both are inspired by God. The same things that Peter has discussed in his epistles are also discussed in Paul’s. The warnings of false teaching and the promise of Judgment Day and of salvation are all contained in the writings of Paul. The significant amount of cross-references noted in this work testify that the Bible is a whole document.

In which are some things hard to be understood – Another important fact to understand about the Bible is that it is not written in a necessarily straightforward manner. Although it is true that the Gospel message of Christ is simple (2 Cor 11:3), the way the Bible is constructed requires much effort to understand the way God wants it to be understood. The Bible was not written as a topical Bible in that each spiritual topic is segmented and discussed in its entirety in one place. Rather, God uses the concept of a ‘little here’ and a ‘little there’ (Is 28:13) to bring forth His truth. God uses parables and other obscure language to teach His word. In fact, Mk 4:33-34 teaches us that Jesus used only parables when He spoke to the masses. When questioned about why He spoke in parables, He responded that it was so those who had would have more, and those did not have, even what they had would be taken away (Mat 13:13-16). In other words, parables and other symbolic language can be useful to the Christian who already has an understanding of the Word of God as taught to him by the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20-27) in that they will teach him additional insights into the truth. However, those who have not the Spirit are not interested, nor have the Scriptures illuminated to them as Christians do. Therefore, the symbolic language of the Bible can further blind these individuals since he is not interested in studying deeper spiritual meaning of the Bible. The following terms used in the Bible are all used to represent the Word of God:

Parable – His 12:10, Num 23:7,18, 24:3,15-23, Job 27:1, 29:1, Mat 13:3-34, Mk 4:34

Proverb – Pr 1:6, Ps 49:4, 2 Pet 2:22 w/ Pr 26:11 & John 10:6

Sayings – Ps 78:2, Pr 1:2, Num 12:8, Pr 4:10,20

Riddle – Pr 1:6, Ps 49:4, Jud 14:12-19, Ez 17:2

Vision – Acts 2:17, 10-11, Rev 9:17, His 12:10, Dan 2,4,7,8, 10:14, Ps 89:19, Pr 29:18, Is 1:1, 29:7, Ob 1, Ez 7:13,26, 12:22-27, Joel 2:28, Nah 1:1, Hab 2:2-3

Dream – Acts 2:17, Mat 2:12-22, Dan 2,4,7, Num 12:6, Gen 20:3-6, 31:10-11, 37, 40, 41, Is 29:7, Joel 2:28, Judges 7:13-15

Shadow – Heb 10:1, 8:5, Col 2:17

Mystery – Mat 13:11, Mk 4:11, 1 Cor 2:7, 4:1, 13:2, 14:2, 15:51, Eph 1:9, 3:3-9, 5:32, 6:19, Col 1:26-27,2:2, 1 Tim 3:9, Rev 1:20,10:7, 17:5-7

Figure – Heb 9:9, 24, 1 Pet 3:21, Ro 5:14, Heb 11:19, Pr 1:6, John 16:25,29, 10:6

Signs and Wonders – Lk 11:29-30, Rev 12:1, 15:1, Heb 2:4, 1 Cor 14:22, Acts 2:19-22, Ro 4:11, 15:19, etc

Allegory – Gal 4:24

Example – Jude 7, 1 Cor 10:6, Heb 4:11,8:5, James 5:10

As can be seen from these terms, the Bible is referred to as literature that is not necessarily straightforward. It takes much study and comparing of Scripture to Scripture to come to truth (1 Cor 2:13, Is 28:10-13, see also introduction and overview). But, why would God use such a manner to bring forth His Word? One answer may be that it is by God’s word that one is sanctified (John 17:17). It is by the Word of God that one develops and grows as a Christian. The Word of God effectively works in those who believe to produce fruit (1 Thess 2:13, 1 Pet 2:1-2, John 17:17, 2 Tim 3:15-16, Ps 119, Eph 2:10, Col 1:29, etc).

Which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction – However, because the word of God is written the way it is in dark sayings, parables, proverbs, etc, it is easy for false teachers to pervert the Word of God. This is a major theme in 2 Peter. The term in the above phrase ‘destruction’ is the same word (Gr: apoleia) that is used in 2 Pet 2:1-3 and literally means ‘loss’. Therefore, we see that the false teachers are referred to as those who are unlearned and unstable.

The thread of the importance of knowing the truth of the word of God is seen once more. The term unlearned (Gr: amathes, only occurrence in the Bible) literally means a non-disciple. Disciple is the Greek word matheto. Therefore, this word means not a disciple. The importance of being a disciple of Christ cannot be understated. If one is not a disciple, one is not a Christian. We see in John 8:30-32 that the true disciples of Jesus are the ones who know the word of God. In the Bible, to be a Christian is synonymous with being a disciple. The following verse should testify that one must be a disciple to be a Christian: John 8:31-32, Mat 6:19-21, 8:21-22, 9:9, 12:30, 16:24-27, 20:29-34, 24:27, 28:19-20, John 8:12, 6:48-58, 9:27, 10:3-5,26-28, 12:24-26, Lk 9:23-26,57-62, 11;23, etc, etc.

To be a disciple means to follow and learn from another. As Jesus’ 12 disciples left all and followed Christ and learned from Him, so must we do as Christians. Unfortunately, we find in 2 Pet as well as in the church of all time that there are many leaders in the church who themselves are not disciples of Christ. Their life’s goal is not to follow Christ and the Bible. It may be to flatter people to gain advantage (Phil 3:17-19). It may be to attract a great following to build an earthly organization. They deceive as they feast together with believers (2 Pet 2:13). They beguile unstable souls (2 Pet 2:14). Their hearts are exercised with covetous practices (2 Pet 2:14).

The reference to the false teachers as unstable (Gr: asteriktos) also supports the above ideas. The word essentially is the opposite of established. The term ‘establish’ was examined in 2 Pet 1:12 and 3:17. The term establish (see also Ro 1:11, 1 Thess 3:2, Acts 16:5, Lk 9:51) means to be focused on Christ in the word of God (see especially 2 Pet 1:12 and Lk 9:51). Therefore, we see the false teachers were not established firmly on Christ. It is similar to those who are Christian in name and go to church. However, they are not completely focused on the word of God. They may want to have church activities, lively church services, but the sermons and teaching on the word of God become truncated and diluted with the world’s wisdom. Sermons are only 20 minutes and very little Bible is used.

The false teachers wrest the Word of God. Because they are not firmly established on the truth of the Word of God and they are not indeed disciples of Christ, they tend to twist or pervert the Word of God to justify their own personal desires. The idea is similar to Gal 1:7 where a false gospel enters into a church body. It is similar to the truth of the Bible, but a little of man’s work is added to it. The issue in Galatia was that of circumcision. They held to other truths of the Bible, but they wanted to work for their salvation as well. This is a false gospel. It is similar to many issues in Christendom today where men wish to add to the Gospel with something they have done (e.g. free will, baptism, legalism, sacrament keeping, etc). This appeases men in that they feel good about themselves but it is a false gospel.

It should finally be noted that all the Scriptures, not just those penned by Paul, are twisted by men. This is the mode of operation by Satan himself. In the Garden of Eden, he initially questioned God (i.e. hath God said?, Gen 3:1-3). This is the mode of false teachers today. They do not deny that there is a God. They typically question and pervert the Word of God. There are many who corrupt the word of God (2 Cor 2:17) and handle the word of God deceitfully (2 Cor 4:2).

PE2 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before – The argument now turns to an exhortation to the true disciples of Christ. The term beloved as we have previously seen points to the fact that God loves Christians. True believers will have had their eyes opened (Mat 13:13-16) to see spiritual truth. The message of Peter as well as the while Bible is that of remembering the word of God (see notes on 2 Pet 1:12). The Christians had been taught the truth, but because of deceptive teachers crept in (Jude 3-4) they could possibly be deceived (Mat 24:24). That’s why it is so important to constantly study the Word of God over and over.

Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness – The term ‘beware’ (Gr: phulasso) literally means to keep guard. It is used in Acts 12:4, 23:35, 28:16 as soldiers watching over a prisoner or as a shepherd watching his flock (Lk 2:8). But, it is also used in the sense of keeping the law of God (mat 19:20, Lk 18:21, Acts 7:53, Acts 21:24, Ro 2:26, Gal 6:13, see also Lk 11:21, 8:29) and keeping oneself from error (1 John 5:21). Therefore, the exhortation to beware points to the fact that it takes effort stay one’s guard over what one believes. This again is an important theme throughout 2 Pet. One can be led away with the error of the wicked. The term error (Gr: plane) is the word to deceive. There are many wicked people who deceive. Also, it is important to realize that an otherwise nice person, if he is a deceiver concerning the word of God is wicked.

To fall in the Bible carries the meaning of damnation. Of course, once one is saved, they cannot lose their salvation (John 6:37-40, Jude 24, Phil 1:6). But, Christians must diligently examine themselves to see if they are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). Steadfastness (Gr: sterigmos) again is the same related word discussed in 2 Pet 1:12 and 2 Pet 3:16. The idea here is that one must rest on the truth of the Scriptures (2 Pet 1:12). We must diligently be on guard against the false teaching that is all around us by ourselves being disciples of Christ and searchers of truth (Acts 17:1-6).

PE2 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – To grow (Gr: auxano) is the solution for false teachers. This word is used in the sense of a plant growing (Mat 13:30, Mk 4:8, etc). The thread of the importance of growing in knowledge is once again in view. One must grow in grace and in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 2:2 says to grow by the milk of the Word of God. It is by the word that effectively works in us that we grow in grace (1 Thess 2:13). By speaking the truth of the Word of God in love, we must grow up in Christ (Eph 4:15). We must put off the milk and move on to the meat of the Word to become a mature Christian (Heb 5:11-14).

The word grow (Gr: auxano) is used elsewhere to symbolize the maturing of Christians. They grow into a holy temple (Eph 2:21). Believer’s faith grows (2 Thess 1:3). Children (symbol of believers) are said to grow (Lk 1:80, 2:40). Finally the word of God is said to grow (Acts 19:20).

To grow in grace points to the fact that a one matures as a Christian, they see more the importance of God’s grace and the fact that one grows at all is due to His grace. It is by God’s grace that we are saved and become His workmanship for good works (Titus 2:11, 3:7, Eph 2:8-10). It is the true grace of God by which we are to stand (1 Pet 5:12). Also, the grace of God is given to us by the varying gifts that He gives to His people. These gifts are discussed in Ro 12:3-6, 1 Cor 12:4,9, 28-31, 1 Pet 4:10, 1 Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 1:6, 2 Cor 1:11). Ultimately, the grace that God gives to us is the ability to be a witness to glorify Him and spread the Gospel (Acts 20:24, 32, 14:3). As Christians, we must apply ourselves to grow in the grace that He gives to us.

To Him be glory – To God alone belongs the glory (Ro 11:36, Lk 2:14, Ro 1:23, 2 Cor 1:20, Is 6:3, Ex 33:18‑22, Rev 4:8‑9). Christians exist to glorify God (Eph 1:12,14). To glorify God is to recognize His awesome attributes and give Him the glory He deserves.

Both now and forever – God is eternal (Rev 1:4‑5,8, Ro 1:20, 1 Tim 1:17, Eph 3:21, Heb 1:8, , Is 57:15,63:16, Lam 5:19, Ps 90:2). God does not change (Heb 13:8, 6:17, Mal 3:6, James 1:7, Ex 3:14, Ro 11:29, Ps 78:65, Num 23:19, Ps 102:25‑27, Heb 1:11‑12). His truth abides forever.

Amen – The word amen means faithful and true (Rev 3:14, 2 Tim 2:13, Deut 7:9, Is 11:5, Ps 36:5, Lam 3:22-23, Heb 10:23). Christ is the Faithful and True witness. It is His Word that is true (John 17:17). A fitting close to an epistle that is concerned with false teachers. Christ, as the Word of God, is the truth. We rest assured that the danger of false teaching is a significant concern to us.