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2 Peter Chapter Two

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Adversary of the True Knowledge

A.  False teachers will secretly bring in heretical doctrines (v.1-3a);

1. The ordained end of false teachers and heresies (v.1);

2. The actions of false teachers and their followers make the truth blasphemed (v.2);

3. The motive of false teachers’ spreading heretical doctrines ---- covetousness (v.3a);

B.  God’s response to the lawless men and things (v.3b-11);

1. They will be punished as the angels who sinned (v.3b-4).

2. They will perish as those who were ungodly in the ancient world (v.5-8).

3. God draws a clear-cut line between reward and punishment so even the mighty angels dare not to despise authority (v.9-11).

C.  The pattern of the false teachers’ conduct (v.12-22);

1. They speak evil of unknown things and carouse in their own deceptions (v.12-13).

2. They entice unstable souls and have a heart trained in covetous practices (v.14-16).

3. They speak great swelling words of emptiness and allure through the lewdness men to become slaves of corruption (v.17-22).

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

2Pet. 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people even as there will be false teachers among you who will secretly bring in destructive heresies even denying the Lord who bought them and bring on themselves swift destruction.”

YLT: “And there did come also false prophets among the people as also among you there shall be false teachers who shall bring in besides destructive sects and the Master who bought them denying bringing to themselves quick destruction ”

Meaning of Words: false prophets”: those who pretend to declare the divine words those who pretend to be prophets the lying prophets; false teachers”: those who teach false doctrines; secretly bring in”: creep in secretly; destructive”: of perdition of ruin; heresies”: disunion sects; bring on themselves”: inflict … upon themselves; 

Literal Meaning: “but there were also false prophets among the people” it was in the period of the Old Testament; “among the people”: among the people of the Israelites; “false prophets”: those who pretend to be prophets or take the liberty of speaking in the name of Jehovah or other false gods (see Deut. 18:20-22);

  “Even as there will be false teachers among you” it refers to any period after the period of the apostles; “among you”: in the church; “false teachers”: false Bible teachers;

  “Who will secretly bring in destructive heresies” “secretly bring in” it means that the way of teaching is not bright but secret and covert. “Destructive heresies” it points that the content of teaching may harm the good faith and entice man to be away from salvation; “heresy” is disunion or sect in the original so here it means creating divisions in the church.

  “Even denying the Lord who bought them” “them”: false teachers; “the Lord who bought them” it does not mean that they have been redeemed by the Lord but that the Lord Jesus had died for all (including them) (see Heb. 2:9). The Lord had already paid the cost of redemption for them but they would not receive it. Therefore it is they themselves keep them isolated from the Lord’s redemption. “Denying”: the rebellion in the external words and works as well as the internal thoughts and hearts;

  “And bring on them swift destruction” “swift”: impending;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     There were false prophets among the people of God and there are also false teachers (false preachers) among the people of God (believers) now in like manner.

2)     Since there are false preachers let believers not receive the words of preachers flippantly but judge and prove all things (see 1Cor. 14:29; 1Thess. 5:21).

3)     The character of heresies is “secretly bringing in” and “destructive” ---- they seem to be true but prompt men to run to errors in the end.

4)     “Even denying the Lord who bought them” it proves that the most important thing for a true Christian is: “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1Cor. 2:2).

5)     Though the Lord Jesus died for all His redemptive effect will only come to those who have truly believed and received Him. The so-called “Universal Salvation” has misunderstood the biblical truth.

6)     False teachers may claim to know Jesus Christ by mouth. However their souls may not magnify “the Lord” and their words may not relate to the truth of redemption on the cross.

7)     The proof of the true knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ is magnifying the Lord (see Luke 1:46) and living to the Lord and serving the Lord faithfully and teaching others for the Lord.

8)     He who brings in heresies destroys others as well as himself. He makes men the sons of hell (Matt. 23:15) and brings on himself swift destruction and will be judged to perdition (see v.3; 3:7).

9)     One cannot serve God and Mammon. If someone desires to serve God as well as himself he has just brought on himself swift destruction.

 

2Pet. 2:2 “And many will follow their destructive ways because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

YLT: “and many shall follow out their destructive ways because of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of ”

Meaning of Words: follow”: imitate yield to; “destructive”: sensual; “truth”: reality; “way”: path;

Literal Meaning: “and many will follow their destructive ways” “many” include true believers; since believers have not proved the heresies they become confused in knowledge and then err in conducts. “Follow”: follow false teachers; “destructive ways”: the false way that is opposite to “the way of truth” below;

  “Because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed” “the way of truth”: the right and true way; “because of whom”: because of the false teachers and their followers; “be blasphemed”: be dispraised by the false evaluations of strangers;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     No common path no common cause to cooperate. The way of truth is distinctly different from that of evil. The only reason why many Christians even walk in the evil way is that they receive the heresies so that they err from the right path.

2)     One’s conduct is often under the control of his thoughts ---- false thoughts cause false works. Therefore if one desires to behavior finely he has to firstly renew his thoughts and reject the heretical doctrines.

3)     False teachers gain men by brainwashing first to make them believe and receive the heretical doctrines. Thus the mind of men has been secretly changed ---- regard falsehood as truth and take evil as integrity. Once they have fallen into the “pit” it is difficult to escape from it.

4)     Heresy produces evil way and evil way produces lewdness. Such end it not too strange. Today even in Christianity “wickedness” and “lewdness” emerge in an endless stream that the truth of the Lord is blasphemed.

5)     There is only one “way of truth” namely Jesus Christ Himself (see John 14:6). If one follows men but not the Lord he has walked on the “evil path”.

 

Pet. 2:3 “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle and their destruction does not slumber.”

YLT: “and in covetousness with moulded words of you they shall make merchandise whose judgment of old is not idle and their destruction doth not slumber.”

Meaning of Words: covetousness”: greediness practices avarice; deceptive”: feigned fictitious;exploit”: trade buy and sell;judgment”: condemnation avenge;idle”: delay linger;for a long time”: of old; “slumber”: fall asleep delay;

Literal Meaning: “by covetousness it shows that the primary cause of the heretical doctrines is covetousness namely greediness. Such desire drives men to reject the way of truth.

“They will exploit you with deceptive words deceptive words” cunning words out of skillful schemes for the purpose of deceiving the hearts of the unsuspecting (see Rom. 16:18); “you”: believers; “exploit”: gain in riches reputation position followers etc.;

“For a long time their judgment has not been idle “judgment”: the response of God to men’s words and works; “for a long time”: in human history; “has not been idle” it has two meanings: a) the judgment of God is impending; b) the execution of the judgment must come. Though it seems to be slack it is not slack but longsuffering (see 3:9);

“And their destruction does not slumber” “their destruction”: the tragic end of false teachers; “does not slumber”: come soon;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    He who serves the Lord with a pure and simple mind does not seek statuses in the church to earn money nor suppose that gain is godliness (1Tim. 6:5) but cares for the rights like copyright etc.

2)    False teachers do not serve our Lord Christ but their own belly and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting (Rom. 16:18).

3)    “Deceptive words” the doctrines of false teachers seem to be persuasively. In fact they have distorted the truth in the Bible on purpose and replace God’s will with men’s will.

4)    Darby said “The devil can not be more evil when it carries the Bible”. The false teachers take the Bible on hand and sing the household gospel songs and quote biblical terms fluently seeming like the messengers who defend the righteousness of the word. However they are morally corrupted at heart and have harmed the people.

5)    There is a detailed description of the false teachers and their heretical doctrines in verse two and three: a) the basic reason for heretical doctrines ---- covetousness; b) the way of heretical teachings ---- deceptive words; c) the influence of heretical doctrines ---- lead to destruction; d) the result of heretical doctrines ---- judgment and destruction.

6)    False teachers see only the present profit but have not seen the loss in the end (see Matt. 16:25-26). True Christians choose rather to suffer the present loss than to be rewarded in future (see Matt. 16:25-26).

 

Pet. 2:4 “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved for judgment;”

YLT: “For if God messengers who sinned did not spare but with chains of thick gloom having cast down to Tartarus did deliver to judgment having been reserved ”

Meaning of Words: sin”: miss the mark; “spare”: forgive abstain be chary of; “cast…down to hell”: be imprisoned in the deep abyss; “darkness”: blackness gloom; “be reserved”: be kept be held:

Literal Meaning:for if God did not spare the angels who sinned “the angels who sinned”: the angels who did not keep their proper domain (see Jude 6) but followed Satan to rebel against God (see Rev. 12:4 9); “God did not spare” even the angels who sinned should be punished by God let alone men!

“But cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved for judgment” “hell” is “Tartarus” in the original the deepest abyss of Hades where the fallen angels were temporarily reserved. “Chains of darkness”: the dark abyss is the place where the fallen angels were held (see Jude 6); here even though “hell” and “chains of darkness” are different words they may refer to the same place. “Be reserved for judgment”: wait for the judgment of the great day (see Jude 6). Most probably it may be the first phase of the judgment before the great white throne (see Rev. 20:10-12).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The fallen angels should be imprisoned first and then be under judgment. Imprisonment makes them unable to do whatever they like or deceive men (see Rev. 20:3). The direct result of sins is disease and even death ---- this is another form of imprisonment that makes sinners unable to do as they desire.

2)     God does not accept persons (Gal. 2:6) but reward everyone according to his works (Rev. 22:12) and even the angels who sinned should also be punished. Though we believers have been saved we shall also give an account concerning the works after we are saved. God will not disregard our works after we are saved (see 1Pet. 4:17).

 

Pet. 2:5 “and did not spare the ancient world but saved Noah one of eight people a preacher of righteousness bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;”

YLT: “and the old world did not spare but the eighth person Noah of righteousness a preacher did keep a flood on the world of the impious having brought ”

Meaning of Words: ancient”: old; “world”: age generation; “flood”: inundation; “ungodly”: impious; “save”: keep reserve; “righteousness”: equity;

Literal Meaning: “and did not spare the ancient world” “not spare”: punish the lawless things; “the ancient world”: the early times of human history at that time nearly the whole world was corrupted (see Gen. 6:11-12).

  “Bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly” “bringing the flood”: the flood was brought on the earth so destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life (see Gen. 6:17); “ungodly”: he who is ungodly does not fear God ---- all evil works are thus produced.

  “But saved Noah one of eight people a preacher of righteousness” “saved”: deliver him from the disaster of flood by indicating him to make an ark (see Gen. 6:14 19) which typifies the redemption fulfilled by Jesus Christ; “a preacher of righteousness”: declare and proclaim righteousness; here “righteousness” means being upright before God and men. It is not clearly recorded in the old scriptures how Noah preached righteousness. Therefore it may not refer to preachment by mouth but show his uprightness and faith by his lifestyle and building the ark for many years ---- that is why he is called the preacher of righteousness (see Gen. 6:9; Heb. 11:7); “one of eight people” there were eight ones including Noah who were delivered from the flood.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     According to the nature and works of us we are truly unworthy of God’s lenience. However we are justified freely by the divine grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus (see Rom. 3:23-24).

2)     The manner of Christian’s life is the best sermon of “preaching righteousness”. Therefore our walking should be worthy of the gospel of Christ and the grace we have been given (Phil. 1:27; Eph. 4:1).

 

Pet. 2:6 “and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them to destruction making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;”

YLT: “and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah having turned to ashes with an overthrow did condemn an example to those about to be impious having set ;”

Meaning of Words: condemn”: judge against; turn … into ashes”: incarnate consume;those who afterward”: coming;example”: pattern exhibition;

Literal Meaning: “and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them to destruction” “Sodom and Gomorrah” both of them were filled with lewdness and fornication (see Jude7; Rom. 1:26-27) were condemned and destroyed by God (see Gen. 18:20; 19:24). Therefore the two cities were the cradle of homosexuality but it was abomination to God (see Lev. 18:22; 20:13; 1Cor. 6:19; 1Tim. 1:10). “Destruction”: since their homosexual deeds had turned the normal style set by God upside down God condemned them to catastrophe and turned them upside down; “turning … into ashes” it has two meanings: a) there were no relics to trace back; b) it could be set as an warning example;

“Making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly” “ungodly”: not respect the will of God but follow the will of men (see 1Pet. 4:2-3); “make … as example” whatever the elders have suffered those who do accordingly in the last days will also suffer it again (see 1Cor. 10:11).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     When the Scriptures here remind us to take precautions against the false teachers (see v.1) the case of condemnation caused by homosexuality is mentioned giving a timely warning to the clergies of the Liberal Christianity. They have gone against the biblical doctrines but still regard them as Bible scholars.

2)     In the sight of God homosexuality is not only a kind of disease but also is an abnormal reversal of human nature. Homosexuality is not another form of life but an abominable sin before God.

3)     The clergies and religious sects who hold that homosexuality should be pardoned must be influenced by false teachers so they put human views above God’s words. God will reward them.

 

Pet. 2:7 “and delivered righteous Lot who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked”

YLT: “and righteous Lot worn down by the conduct in lasciviousness of the impious He did rescue ”

Meaning of Words: deliver”: save; wicked”: lawless;oppress”: torment toss pain;righteous”: just equitable;  

Literal Meaning: “and delivered” it indicates that the rest were all condemned by God no matter whether they had committed homosexuality. “Who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked” this was the difference of Lot from all the people in that land. Lot did not accept the filthy conduct of the wicked but could do nothing to this. Therefore he suffered both the physical and mental pain (see v.8). However the rest in the city had got quiet used to such filthy conduct and did not regard it strange. “Righteous Lot” Lot was the man justified by God ---- though Abraham’s intercessions and God’s answers (see Gen. 18:22-33) had not mentioned Lot clearly it was still shown that Lot was one of the righteous.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     We are living in a deteriorating circumstance. Even though we have not been personally associated with the evil tide if we get used to it and become numb toward the wickedness around we will not be pleased by God.

2)     Newman has such famous words: “the shocking heart toward sin is the best guarantee against sins.” It is the beginning of corruption for believers of inactive conscience and blindness to sins.

3)     Even though we are imperfect in works if we keep upright in heart we can still be justified in the sight of God.

 

Pet. 2:8 “for that righteous man dwelling among them tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)--”

YLT: “for in seeing and hearing the righteous man dwelling among them day by day the righteous soul with unlawful works was harassing.”

Meaning of Words: lawless”: be against the law; “torment”: torture pain; 

Literal Meaning: this verse is the footnote of the previous verse describing the inner response of Lot to his circumstance.

  “For that righteous man dwelling among them” “that righteous man” refers to Lot; “dwelling among them”: dwell in Sodom (see Gen. 13:12; 19:1).

  “By seeing and hearing their lawless deeds” “seeing and hearing” eyes and ears are organs of a man to have contact with the outer world. A man with normal eyes and ears will see and hear things around him. “Their lawless deeds” people in Sodom and Gomorrah and cities around committed fornication and went after other flesh (see Jude 7).

  “Tormented his righteous soul from day to day” “his righteous soul”: his righteous and upright soul before God; “tormented … from day to day” it pointed that Lot’s soul was painful and afflicted everyday when he saw the lawless deeds of those who were around him.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Believers in the world cannot be separated from the people but only dwell among them. The real problem is that our spirits should “transcend the world” though our bodies still “dwell in the world”.

2)     The Lord said “Blessed are they that mourn” (Matt. 5:4). We may often be unable to hinder the corruption of men in the world but at least we shall feel afflicted at such condition. And the Lord will remember such mind and heart.

 

Pet. 2:9 “then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment ”

YLT: “The Lord hath known to rescue pious ones out of temptation and unrighteous ones to a day of judgment being punished to keep ”

Meaning of Words: know”: see perceive discern; “deliver”: save; “temptation”: trial; “unjust”: wicked; “punishment”: chastise infliction;

Literal Meaning: then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations” “the Lord knows”: it means that the Lord knows the limitation of our heart and difficulties and endurance. “Deliver the godly out of temptations”: the Lord will not suffer the godly one to be tempted above what they are able (see 1Cor. 10:13); “deliver … out of temptations”: deliver … out of the enticements and sufferings caused by sinful circumstances (see James 1:14; Heb. 2:18);

“And to reserve the unjust under punishment the unjust”: the lawless one (see v.8); “reserve … under punishment” according to the tense in the original the judgment upon the wicked has been on and will be kept until the final judgment.

“For the day of judgment” “the day of judgment” refers to the day of the ungodly ones on which they will be under judgment and punishment.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     We do not know we will meet what temptations or trials nor how to overcome the temptations or trials but “the Lord knows” ---- that is enough.

2)     The Lord delivers “the godly ones” but rejects “the unjust”. Man has to be born again first and then he shall obtain the respect of God.

3)     God will deliver the godly ones out of temptations and will not suffer them to be tempted over what they are able. Instead He will with the temptation make the issue also so that we should be able to bear (1Cor. 10:13).

 

Pet. 2:10 “and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries ”

YLT: “and chiefly those going behind the flesh in desire of uncleanness and lordship despising; presumptuous self-complacent dignities they are not afraid to speak evil of ”

Meaning of Words: according to”: after; flesh”: body;uncleanness”: filthiness;lust”: evil desire;despise”: disdain scorn disesteem;authority”: ruler;especially”: particularly;presumptuous”: audacious daring;self-willed”: arrogant self-pleasing self-willed;speak evil of”: speak impiously; “dignitary”: glory honor praise; “be afraid of”: tremble fear;

Literal Meaning: and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority” “flesh”: the physical body of a man with sin after man’s corruption; the flesh lusts against the Spirit (see Gal. 5:17; 1Pet. 2:11). Spiritual believers do not allow flesh to be the leader or ruler of anything (see Rom. 8:5-6). “Those who walk according to the flesh”: false teachers who walk according to the flesh (see v.18); “the lust of uncleanness”: the lust is out of control and the conduct is full of filth (see Eph. 4:19). “Despise authority”: despise those who have the authority given by God including those who have true spiritual authority (note: there are many people in the church today who proclaim that they have the representative authority given by God. However they have merely the apparent positional authority in fact but no true spiritual authority.).

They are presumptuous self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries” “presumptuous”: do not fear any result; “self-willed”: self-centered and self-pleasing; dignitaries” include leaders in society and in the church.

Peter used the present tense here suggesting that false teachers had already appeared at that time in the church.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Let the person (soul) of each believer walk in obedience to the Spirit not the flesh (see Rom. 8:5-6; Gal. 5:16).

2)     There are at least two characteristics of those who walk according to the flesh: a) do the uncleanness of the desires; b) despise authority and be not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries. It shows that such men cannot be controlled by themselves or others.

3)     He who fears God walks today in the fear of God but he will have peace in future. He who walks according to the flesh does not fear in his present walking but he will taste the fear in future (see 3:7).

 

Pet. 2:11 “whereas angels who are greater in power and might do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.”

YLT: “whereas messengers in strength and power being greater do not bear against them before the Lord an evil speaking judgment;”

Meaning of Words: power”: forcefulness strength; “”might: mighty word great power; “reviling”: reproaching impious; “Lord”: master; “before”: in front of; “accusation”: charge;

Literal Meaning: “where as angels who are greater in power and might” “angels”: the angels who keep their domain (see Jude 6); “who are greater in power and might” it is compared with human beings. Normally the position and power of angels are greater than that of men (see Heb. 2:6-7) but they have become ministering spirits for believers (Heb. 1:14). Believers shall judge the angels in future (1Cor. 6:3).

  “Do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord” “not bring a reviling accusation” here it is compared with the accusation of false teachers (see v.10). “Them” carries two meanings: a) the dignitaries (see v.10); Satan was once the archangel so Michael the archangel dared not bring against him a reviling accusation (see Jude 9); b) false teachers; “not bring a reviling accusation against them” the angels are ministering spirits to send out for service on account of believers (see Heb. 1:14). Even though they have seen through the false teachers they do not bring a reviling accusation against them.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The greater the power and might” are the more careful of speaking is. However the more flippant one’s speaking us the less “power” he has.

2)     The power and might of angels make them know the fact of things but they dare not accuse those who make mistakes. Therefore let us speak careful lest we should “speak evil of” others.

 

Pet. 2:12 “But these like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed speak evil of the things they do not understand and will utterly perish in their own corruption ”

YLT: “and these as irrational natural beasts made to be caught and destroyed -- in what things they are ignorant of speaking evil -- in their destruction shall be destroyed ”

Meaning of Words: natural brute”: irrational unreasonable; beasts”: animals;destroy”: perish ruin;not understand”: ignorant;

Literal Meaning:but these like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed “these”: false teachers; “like natural brute”: the lack of reason and rationality makes them “inhuman” for all “men” speak and walk after reason. “Natural…beasts”: they walk according to the nature of animals without any thinking which is a particular ability owned by human beings. “Made to be caught and destroyed he who leads a life like beasts will be finally treated as how the beasts are treated.

“Speak evil of the things they do not understand it shows that they judge and comment on spiritual things they do not understand (see 1Cor. 2:14).

“And will utterly perish in their own corruption” they hurt themselves when they hurt others.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Even men in the world walk according to “conscience” (see Rom. 2:15) let alone we believers (see Acts 23:1).

2)     Let us not judge or comment on unknown things by ourselves to avoid sins.

3)     God shall recompense us as we have recompensed others (see 18:6). However whatever we want men to do to us do also to them (see Matt. 7:12).

 

Pet. 2:13 “and will receive the wages of unrighteousness as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you ”

YLT: “about to receive a reward of unrighteousness pleasures counting the luxury in the day spots and blemishes luxuriating in their deceits feasting with you ”

Meaning of Words: unrighteousness”: injustice wrong iniquity; wages”: reward pay;daytime”: day by day;carouse”: indulgence;spots”: defect;blemish”: blot flaw;feast”: revel together entertain sumptuously in company with;deception”: delusion deceivableness;

Literal Meaning: “and will receive the wages of unrighteousness as a man sows so does he reap.

“As those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime “those”: false teachers; “count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime” it is not partaking in the wedding feasts or the loving feasts in the church but indulging in carousal and seeking fleshly pleasures (see Rom. 13:13-14); “daytime” normally it is working time (see Neh. 4:22) not pleasure time.

They are spots and blemishes it points there are problems in their character and thus unworthy of teachers of men (see Phil. 4:9; 1Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7-8).

“Carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you”while they feast with you” take part in the loving feast in the church or even the bread-breaking gathering; “carousing in their own deceptions”: do all the works in the church for the sake of satisfaction of one’s lusts;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Whatever a man sows that also shall he reap (Gal. 6:7). To him that works is the reward (Rom. 4:4). It is inevitable that whatever a man does that also shall he be rewarded.

2)    It is the characteristic of false teachers that they say and do not (see Matt. 23:2-3). True spiritual teachers set themselves as examples and let works in keeping with teachings (see 1Tim. 4:16).

 

Pet. 2:14 “having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices and are accursed children.”

YLT: “having eyes full of adultery and unable to cease from sin enticing unstable souls having an heart exercised in covetousnesses children of a curse ”

Meaning of Words: eyes full of”: be filled in eyes; “adultery”: criminal conversation amour; “not cease from”: not stop; “entice”: entrap allure beguile; “unstable”: unfixed; “heart”: thoughts; “practices”: exercises; “children”: daughters sons;

Literal Meaning: having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin” “adultery” according to the original it is “harlot” which is used to refer to false gods or idols in the Old Scriptures (see Hos. 1:2; 3:1) ---- have adorning and seek objects besides the true God. And idolatry is often mentioned with adultery together (see 1Cor. 6:9; Col. 3:5; Rev. 2:14 20). Therefore it is also right to translate the word as “adultery”. Since the false teachers do not fear the true God they have other pursuits including fleshly pleasures. And they can not help indulging in it nor cease from sin. 

“Enticing unstable souls” “entice”: it means “the bait lures fishes” in the original. The false teachers like to deceive believers by deceptions. “Unstable souls” believers who are young and weak in spirits who can not distinguish both good and evil (see Heb. 5:13-14) and are tossed and carried about by every wind of doctrines (Eph. 4:14).

They have a heart trained in covetous practices and are accursed children” “have a heart trained in covetous practices”: they are not covetous occasionally but are full of covetousness and scheming to gain riches fame status etc. (see 1Tim. 6:3-10); and are accursed children” they deserve the punishment of God (see v.3 9; 3:7).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     If believers have other pursuits besides the true God ---- e.g. “way to success” “pleasures in life” etc. ---- all such pursuits are of false teachers.

2)     Let us grow in spiritual life with diligence so as not to be enticed by false teachers.

3)     False teachers like to quote the scriptures to prove their doctrines are right and even the devil may quote the scriptures (see Matt. 4:6). Therefore we have to acquire full and perfect knowledge of the Scriptures so as to be firm in faith.

4)     The love of money is the root of all evil but godliness with contentment is great gain (see 1Tim. 6:6 10).

 

Pet. 2:15 “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray following the way of Balaam the son of Beor who loved the wages of unrighteousness;”

YLT: “having forsaken a right way they did go astray having followed in the way of Balaam the of Bosor who a reward of unrighteousness did love ”

Meaning of Words: forsake”: abandon; right way”: straight way; go astray”: err; follow”: imitate yield to; love”: love with whole heart (the same word with the divine love “agapao”); wages”: reward pay; 

Literal Meaning: “they have forsaken the right way and gone astray “the right way”: another expression of the way of truth (see v.2; Deut. 11:16; 1Sam. 12:23); the manner of conduct is upright and innocent. “Have forsaken the right way”: reject the way of truth; “gone astray”: go out of the right way;

“Following the way of Balaam the son of Beor Balaam the son of Beor Balaam the prophet of Midian was hired by Balak the king of Moab to curse the Israelites. However he failed because God prevented him again and again (see Num. 22-24). “Follow”: imitate closely; “the way of Balaam”: run to the way of perdition because of covetousness for money (see Jude 11).

“Who loved the wages of unrighteousness”loved the wages of unrighteousness”: hold gain to be piety (see 1Tim. 6:5);

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    He who is covetous in spiritual way has gone astray.

2)    Teachers of heresies have a common characteristic ---- covetousness for wages of unrighteousness. They themselves have been enticed away from the right way and they still entice others to walk in the wrong way.

 

Pet. 2:16 “but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.”

YLT: “and had a rebuke of his own iniquity -- a dumb ass in man's voice having spoken did forbid the madness of the prophet.”

Meaning of Words: iniquity”: transgression; rebuked”: reproach;dumb”: voiceless;voice”: sound noise;restrained”: prevent keep from hinder;madness”: insanity foolhardiness;

Literal Meaning: “but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.”

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     God often prevents us from sinning through uncommon situations. However we often regard it accidental and do not know to learn some lessons from the uncommon circumstances.

2)     Any work that does not obey the will of God is abnormal “madness”.

 

Pet. 2:17 “These are wells without water clouds carried by a tempest for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”

YLT: “These are wells without water and clouds by a tempest driven to whom the thick gloom of the darkness to the age hath been kept;”

Meaning of Words: without water”: no rainwater; “well”: fountain; “carry”: drive; “blackness”: gloom; “darkness”: shadiness obscurity; “reserve”: preserve keep;

Literal Meaning:these are wells without water “these”: false teachers; “without water”: they have vain appearance and yet bring no real profit but harm to men.

“Clouds carried by a tempest it shows that their doctrines are as valueless as “clouds” not as rainwater that will moisten the land but appear as a shroud over the land that blurs man’s vision. Besides they are easily to be blown away by tempests and thus the promises to men become a vapor suddenly (see v.19).

“For whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” “the blackness of darkness” it indicates that their future is full of darkness and they are worthy of eternal punishment in the dark hell. “For whom is reserved” it points that their end is fixed and in due course of time it will be manifested.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Heretical doctrines are not only unable to quench men’s thirst but also misused as traps everywhere which are difficult for those who have fallen into them to escape.

2)     Heretical doctrines have little help to men’s problems but throw men into thick clouds and in a dilemma without any “light” before them.

3)     Heretical doctrines are like the clouds carried by a tempest and are mysterious and elusive which make men follow in blindness without fixed direction and not know where to go and what to do.

4)     Heretical teachers today have made the dim and vague situation for men but have made the everlasting miserable end of blackness.

 

Pet. 2:18 “For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness they allure through the lusts of the flesh through lewdness the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.”

YLT: “for overswellings of vanity speaking they do entice in desires of the flesh -- lasciviousnesses those who had truly escaped from those conducting themselves in error ”

Meaning of Words: emptiness”: vanity depravity; “swelling”: insolent bulging over; “allure”: entice deceive; “error”: delusion deception;

Literal Meaning:for when they speak great swelling words of emptiness it shows that their speaking is so exaggerated that the hearers loathe them.

“They allure through the lusts of the flesh through lewdness they lead men to pay more attention to men’s physical needs and fleshly lusts than spiritual pursuit.

“The ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error”ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error” and “unstable souls” (v.14) have the same meaning: those who have just believed the Lord for a short time and are young in life or those who have barely overcome sins and are unstable in souls; 

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    There are three characteristics of heretical teachers and liberal sects: a) they provide luxurious wording and extensive evidences to attract the hearers but actually they bring men to vanity; 2) they entice the hearers to set the mind upon the fleshly needs and desires and seek the satisfaction of soul in the present lifetime; c) they deceive those who have superficial knowledge of spiritual things and those who have not forgotten the leeks and onions and garlic of Egypt (see Num. 11:5).

2)    There is an abnormal situation in Christianity ---- generally the heretical teachers and preachers of liberal sects have nimbler tongues so as to attract more interest of the hearers.

3)    Now the secret for preachers of absorbing new members and increasing the number is to preach more sermons concerning success and solicitude but preach seldom the cross or the denial of the flesh. Therefore a sea of people are drawn to them. However a church with such a large number of people is not pleased by the Lord (see Luke 13:23-24).

 

Pet. 2:19 “While they promise them liberty they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome by him also he is brought into bondage.”

YLT: “liberty to them promising themselves being servants of the corruption for by whom any one hath been overcome to this one also he hath been brought to servitude ”

Meaning of Words: promise”: declare announce upon engage to do something; “corruption”: ruin perish; “slaves”: bondmen: “brought into bondage”: enslave become servant;

Literal Meaning: “while they promise them liberty “liberty”: be not restrained by “moral laws”; they proclaim that they can do everything we please in Christ for He has released us (see Gal. 5:1).

“They themselves are slaves of corruption it indicates that they seem to be free but actually are still under the bondage of corruption as the slaves of the flesh and sins and the world and Satan.

“For by whom a person is overcome by him also he is brought into bondage” here this verse is explaining the meaning of “slaves” ---- be under the bondage and have to obey and keep the commands of the master;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Christians have no freedom of not hearing the Lord ---- if men are not governed by the Lord they will be salves of corruption. If men are willing to be slaves of Christ they have got true freedom (John 8:36).

2)     If a man has been a slave of corruption he has not right to choose right or evil ---- he desires the former and is unable to (see Rom. 7:18-19) and he cannot help doing the latter ---- finally he will perish.

 

Pet. 2:20 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ they are again entangled in them and overcome the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.”

YLT: “for if having escaped from the pollutions of the world in the acknowledging of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and by these again being entangled they have been overcome become to them hath the last things worse than the first ”

Meaning of Words: if”: suppose provided; knowledge”: discernment; of the world”: the worldly system; entangled”: entwined involved; latter end”: last uttermost; 

Literal Meaning: “for if … they through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ “if”: it is suppositive not factual. “They” it should be false teachers instead of “those who have escaped from those who live in error” (see v.18); “knowledge” is not objective knowledge but subjective and personal knowledge (namely the full and perfect knowledge); “the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” is a complete address to the Lord Jesus appearing in the New Testament for mere three times all in the Second Epistle of Peter (see 1:11; 2:20l; 3:18); “the Lord” refers to His authority; “Jesus” refers to His humanity; “Christ” refers to His glorious anointment.

“After have escaped the pollutions of the world” “have escaped the pollutions of the world”: escape from the world having enmity against God (see James 4:4) and the defilement of sins (see 1John 2:16).

“They are again entangled in them and overcome it means that they have become slaved of corruption (see v.19) and are dominated to submit to its commandments in their conversations.

“The latter end is worse for them than the beginning” “the latter end”: the condition of someone who has believed the Lord but finally apostatized; “than the beginning”: the condition of someone before he has not known the Lord;

Note that this verse cannot be used to prove there is also possibility of losing salvation for those who have believed the Lord. This paragraph aims to point that false teachers call themselves Christians and think they know Christ and true faith. However their works has gone against the truth completely. They knowledge they have profit them nothing and they will receive a stricter judgment (see James 3:1).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     If a man does not do what he has known his knowledge profits him nothing. To him who knows to do good and does not do it to him it is sin (James 4:17).

2)     The common people are regulated by the standard of national laws and social morality and slightly restricted by inner conscience. However there is nothing able to restrict the false teachers who declare they are Christians but walk unworthily.

3)     The parable by the Lord Jesus ---- “after the unclean spirit is cast out of the man he comes with seven other spirits more wicked than himself and they enter and dwell there. And the last state is worse than the first” (see Matt. 12:43-45) ---- is fulfilled on the false teachers.

 

Pet. 2:21 “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than having known it to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.”

YLT: “for it were better to them not to have acknowledged the way of the righteousness than having acknowledged to turn back from the holy command delivered to them ”

Meaning of Words: known”: know clearly; “turn from”: convert revert; holy commandment”: sacred precept; better”: nobler stronger;  

Literal Meaning: “for it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness” “have known” it suggests that responsibility after “having known it” is to put it into practice.

“Than having known it “the way of righteousness” and “the right way” are the same (see v.15) describing the characteristics of the way and life style from different perspectives: a) “the way of righteousness” it indicates that; b) “the way of righteousness”: the way of being righteous before God and men; “the right way”: the way that is in keeping with the truth;

“To turn from the holy commandment delivered to them” “turn from”: it suggests that they had once received the truth and then forsaken it namely apostasy. “Delivered to them” it indicates that the gospel had been preached to them but they received it apparently not truly (see Rom. 10:14-18). “The holy commandment”: the sacred commandment or life regulation in God’s word;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Besides the portion of eternal life the gospel also includes the responsibilities of the present life. However many Christians pay more attentions to things they will receive but ignore the responsibilities they shall fulfill today.

2)    For everyone to whom much is given from him much will be required. And to whom much has been committed of him they will ask the more (Luke 12:48). The

3)    If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer he is deceiving himself (see James 1:22-23). Today there are many Christians hearing the word but few doing the word.

4)    Teaching believers to keep the word is more important than preaching the word only. And the best way of teaching believers to keep the word is preachers learn to practice firstly (see 1Tim. 4:16).

 

Pet. 2:22 “But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit " and "a sow having washed to her wallowing in the mire."”

YLT: “and happened to them hath that of the true similitude; `A dog did turn back upon his own vomit ' and `A sow having bathed herself -- to rolling in mire.'”

Meaning of Words: proverb”: adage parable; true”: real; “vomit”: food disgorged;washed”: bathe cleanse;wallow”: roll;happen”: befall;

Literal Meaning: according to the true proverb” “proverb” the adage popular at that time; “according to” the proverb is proper to describe the situation of false teachers.

A dog returns to his own vomit it is quoted from the Book of proverbs (Pr0. 26:11). “Dog” is unclean in the Old Testament (see Lev. 11:27) which is used to address the false teachers like the Jewish legalists in the New Testament. “Returns to his own vomit” it shows that the dog likes uncleanness by nature.

“A sow having washed to her wallowing in the mire” it has not appeared in the Scriptures and probably it was a proverb at that time. “Sow” is also unclean in the Old Testament (see Lev. 11:7) which is used to address the wicked knowing not God (see Matt. 7:6); “having washed to her wallowing in the mire” it likes wallowing in the mire by nature.

“But it has happened to them” “it” indicates that the dog is accustomed to uncleanness inside and sow is accustomed to filth outside “them” refers to false teachers; “it has happened to them” false teachers are internally and externally filthy in the sight of God (see v. 3 12; 3:7).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    John Calvin said “The gospel is a medicine cleaning the spirit as well as a basin of water cleansing the sins”. False teachers declare that they believe the gospel apparently. However their evil nature and words expose that they have not truly received the gospel even worse than sows and dogs.

2)    Good beginning ---- vomit of the dog and washing of the sow ---- does not show that the problems have been resolved. We have to continue to observe ---- whether it has returned to his vomit and whether it has wallowed in the mire. The change of Christians’ life will be manifested in all their life.

3)    Some leaders in Christianity may repent openly after their evil works are exposed. However the real fact will be revealed sooner or later.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

Four Reasons for False Teachers’ Sins

A.  Deception ---- secretly bring in destructive heresies (v.1a);

B.  Denial of the Lord ---- even denying the Lord who bought them (v.1b);

C.  Destruction ---- their destructive ways (v.2);

D.  Covetousness ---- exploit men with deceptive words (v.3);

 

The Manners of False Teachers’ Deception

A.  Who will secretly bring in destructive heresies (v.1);

B.  Who use deceptive words (v.3);

C.  Who speak evil of others (v.10 12);

D.  Who are in their own deceptions (v.13);

E.  Who entice unstable souls (v.14);

F.  Who speak swelling words of emptiness (v.18a);

G.  Who allure through the lusts of the flesh through lewdness the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error (v.18b);

H.  Who promise men liberty (v.19);

 

False Teachers Characteristics

A.  Who will secretly bring in destructive heresies (v.1a) ---- who make men swallow the bait unconsciously;

B.  Who deny the Lord who bought them (v.1b) ---- who call the Lord by mouth but do not magnify the Lord in hearts and works;

C.  Who walk in destructive ways (v.2) ---- they are dissolute in conduct without any restriction of the truth;

D.  Who are covetous (v.3) ---- who make a trade of the word of God (2Cor. 2:17);

E.  Who exploit believers with deceptive words (v.3b) ---- who create new items names and sayings (see Acts 18:15);

F.   Who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness (v.10a) ---- seek the pleasures of the flesh;

G.  Who despise authority (v.10b) ---- who are supercilious and self-centered;

H.  Who are presumptuous self-willed (v.10b) ---- who act as they please and despise the laws and politics;

I.     Who are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries (v.10c) ---- they speak evil of others to exalt themselves;

J.   Who are like natural brute beasts (v.12) ---- there is no evidence that they walk in the Spirit (see Gal. 5:16 25);

K.  Who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime (v.13a) ---- who seek the pleasures of lewdness openly;

L.   Who carousing in their own deceptions (v.13b) ---- who boast of the capability of deception;

M.  Who have eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin (v.14a) ---- who are driven by filthy thoughts and finally commit immorality;

N.  Who entice unstable souls (v.14b) ---- who entice those who are young in spirit;

O.  Who have a heart trained in covetous practices (v.14c) ---- who are too covetous to be satisfied;

P.  Who have forsaken the right way (v.15) ---- who reject the way of the cross and turn to “Success Theology”;

Q.  Who are wells without water (v.17a) ---- who have no testimony of life;

R.  Who are clouds carried by a tempest (v.17a) ---- who are prone to make waves and run movements but without result;

S.  Who speak great swelling words of emptiness (v.18a) ---- who often boast of their spiritual achievements;

T.   Who allure men through the lusts of the flesh through lewdness (v.18b) ---- who drive men from the pursuit of spiritual things to that of pleasures in this age;

U.  Who allure the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error (v.18c) ---- who aim at those who have young in spirit;

V.  Who promise men liberty they themselves are slaves of corruption (v.19) ---- who are unable to do what they say and able to describe the “beautiful gate” and yet unable to enter in (see Acts 3:2).

W. Who have known the way of righteousness but still turn from the holy commandment delivered to them (v.21) ---- who are have known the way of righteousness and are not governed by it;

X.  A dog who returns to his own vomit (v.22a) ---- who commit things that they have condemned;

Y.  A sow having washed to her wallowing in the mire (v.22b) ---- who repent according to man and then commit again (see 2Cor. 10);

 

False Teachers’ Attitudes

A.   Toward God:

1.    Who even deny the Lord who bought them (v.1);

2.    Who turn from the holy commandment delivered to them (v.21);

B.   Toward men:

1.    Who exploit you with deceptive words (v.3);

2.    Who despise authority and speak evil of dignitaries (v.10);

3.    Who bring corruption to men (v.12);

4.    Who entice unstable souls and those who have actually escaped from those who live in error (v.14 18);

5.    Who promise them liberty (v.19);

C.   Toward oneself:

1.    Who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness (v.10);

2.    Who are spots and blemishes (v.13);

3.    Who have a heart trained in covetous practices (v.14);

4.    Who are slaves of corruption and are again entangled in and overcome by the pollutions of the world (v.19 20);

D.   Toward things:

1.    Who will secretly bring in destructive heresies (v.1);

2.    Who speak evil of the things they do not understand (v.12);

3.    Who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime and carouse in their own deceptions (v.13);

 

False Teachers’ Six Great Sins

A.   Lust of uncleanness ---- who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and have eyes full of adultery (v.10a 14a);

B.   Speaking evil of ---- who speak evil of dignitaries and the things they do not understand (v.10b 12);

C.   Corruption ---- who entice unstable souls (v.12b 14);

D.   Unrighteousness ---- who are spots and blemishes and cannot cease from sin (v.13-14);

E.   Covetousness ---- who love the wages of unrighteousness (v.14b-15);

F.    They have forsaken the right way and gone astray (v.15a);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou