Bible Commentaries
2 Peter 2

Verses 1-3

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Peter 2:1

It was surely true that there were false prophets in Israel. They were almost like swarms of flies or locusts. Many Bible texts bear witness to their presence among the people (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 1 Kings 22:5-28; Isaiah 9:15; 28:7-8; Jeremiah 2:8,26; 5:31; Ezekiel 13:1-23; Micah 3:5-12; Zephaniah 3:4). On one occasion the few real prophets of God were in hiding, but there were some four hundred-fifty prophets of Baal and another four hundred prophets of Asherah, all strutting around (1 Kings 18:19ff).

Peter makes plain that just as there were false prophets in Israel there would be false teachers among the new Christian churches. While Peter uses the future tense here, he uses the present tense in 2:17 and 3:5, indicating that these evil teachers were already present in the churches.^(F1)

These teachers came with great stealth as they introduced dangerous teachings. Peter calls these "heresies" (hairesis). Here the Greek word may refer to false teaching, but most early usage referred to a sect or faction. By the end of the first century, the word had mostly taken on the meaning of "heresy."^{hairesis clearly refers to false teaching by the beginning of the second century."">(F2)} Today in the church we are usually very strict in avoiding known heresy, but we think nothing of dividing ourselves into opposing groups within the church, not realizing that such division is also heresy (Galatians 5:20).

It is interesting how these teachers introduce their heresies. The word is pareisagōmeans and it means "to lead in by the side of others; to lead in along with others."^(F3) Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest says, "That is, these false teachers, teaching much true doctrine, would cleverly include false teaching with it…"^(F4) We can all probably remember some Christian teacher who taught a lot of good things but who also gave us some strange ideas that troubled us.

We note here the Greek word agorazō (bought) and we realize that the Lord has bought us or redeemed us from the hand of the enemy. The obvious question that arises is who and how many did the Lord purchase. Did the Lord arrange only a "limited atonement" or did Jesus die to purchase all people? It is important that we examine the scriptures about this subject. In 1 Timothy 2:6, we note that Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all. In 1 Timothy 4:10, we read that Jesus "…the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe." In 1 John 2:2 we read, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Pett says of this dilemma, "He is potentially there for all, but effective only for those who respond to him from the heart."^(F5)

These heretics will ultimately deny the Lord Jesus. Peter says that this will bring upon them a swift destruction. The Greek word for "swift" is tachinen, and from the root of this word we get "tachometer." Their destruction will be both swift and sudden.^(F6) Barclay adds here, "There is no more certain way to ultimate condemnation than to teach another to sin."^(F7)

"Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute" (2:2). We see "many" falling from the faith and this brings up the important question of whether or not a "saved" person can lose his or her salvation. It is obvious that these false teachers were preying on brand new believers who were not yet grounded in their faith.

Some of these were no doubt like the seed sown on rocky or thorny ground in Jesus' famous parable (Matthew 13:20-22). Also, we know in nature that there is such a thing as a miscarriage where the fruit is cast off In human life all around us we understand how everything that is born does not come to maturity. However, the word appears to be plain in verses like John 10:28-29, 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 and Romans 8:28-39, that the truly saved will continue to the end. It is clear here that the false teachers themselves were not among the redeemed because they are later called dogs and pigs, (2:22) and not sheep.^(F8)

It is generally felt that Peter was confronting an early form of Gnosticism in this letter. It is important to understand that there were two streams of development within this doctrine. The Greek ideas involved in this doctrine denigrated the natural in favor of the spiritual. One branch of Gnosticism was extremely aesthetic, while the other branch was antinomian. It seems this is the branch we are dealing with here. They apparently felt that since the spirit was important and the flesh was not important, one could do whatever that person wished with the body. It simply did not matter. They were sort of antinomian libertines.

Peter mentions that these teachers had depraved or shameful ways. The Greek word is aselgeia and Barclay describes it as a person who "…is lost to shame and cares for the judgment of neither man nor God." It is a blatant immorality that repels people from the church of God.^(F9) It is lasciviousness or uncleanness. This picture reminds us of the days of Isaiah and Jeremiah. Isaiah said, "…Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine…" (Isaiah 28:7). Jeremiah said, "And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his wickedness…" (Jeremiah 23:14).

John reminds us that the world listens to such as these (1 John 4:5). Craddock adds, "If anyone encouraged keeping the old lifestyle while embracing the new religion, no doubt many would find the combination to their liking."^(F10) Such teaching was designed to turn people from the way of truth, and Christianity was called the "way" in its early days as we see in Acts 9:2.

"In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping" (2:3). These teachers are full of greed (Gk. pleonexia). Barclay says of them that they are like the priests who teach for hire in Micah 3:11. They are like those who minister for dishonest gain or filthy lucre in Titus 1:11. They "identify godliness and gain, making their religion a money-making thing (1 Timothy 6:5)."^(F11)

Because of their greed they exploit (Gk. emporeuomai) the Lord's people. This word is often connected with engaging in business in Greek literature. In their greed they lure young believers with fabricated stories (Gk. plastoislogois).^(F12) This root here is the basis for our word "plastic." Obviously, none of us would wish for a plastic religion.

No doubt most of us have felt at times that we were being exploited by pastors and other religious teachers, especially some of those who appear regularly on television. We have no doubt had the feeling that they were making merchandise of us at times. Godby asks, "How many preachers, if paid money enough, will let their own members slip through their fingers into hell."^(F13) Craddock scoffs at them saying, "In offering their 'religious services' for money, regardless of its source, they are inferior to Balaam's jackass…"^(F14) We wonder sometimes if these teachers know that they will be judged more severely than others as James 3:1 tells us. We must all be careful that we do not peddle God's word for profit (2 Corinthians 2:17).

Paul sighs in Philippians 3:18-19, "For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things."

This is not to deny that pastors have the biblical right to financial support. This is attested to many places in scripture (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). Still, the pastor or other religious worker must never become focused on the financial aspect.

Verses 4-8

LESSONS FROM THE ANCIENT WORLD

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 2 Peter 2:4

Here we get a brief look into the antiquity. We note in scripture that God gives little press to the devil and his hosts. Calvin remarks of the fallen angels in this passage, "…since God in scripture has only sparingly touched on them, and as it were by the way, he thus reminds us that we ought to be satisfied with this small knowledge."^(F15)

We can determine from this account that sin did not begin with man in the garden. From other scriptures we know that sin began with Satan or Lucifer, as he in pride desired to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-19). From Revelation 12:4, we know that numerous angels, likely a third of them, followed after Satan. It is no mystery that sin was already represented in the Garden of Eden with the serpent. Also, it was represented there by the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9).

So this scripture states the bare fact that some angels sinned. These angels were quickly placed into dungeons where they now await their final judgment. How did the angels sin? Ancient Jewish teaching has much information on this event. In the pseudepigraphal books, many written before the coming of Christ, this history is related. The book of 1 Enoch is the basis for much that is told us in 2 Peter and also in Jude. We cannot recommend that people study this book but obviously it has some grains of truth in it. We see the Spirit of truth both here and also in Jude, pick up some of the material that is truthful.

Here is a short summary that should help us understand the background for this passage. In Genesis 6:1-4, the Sons of God (angels) lusted after the daughters of men and had sexual relations with them. The products of this unlawful union were the giants of old. Since the giants resulted from evil spiritual beings uniting with humanity, great evil resulted. God was swift to judge these angels, but the world was so corrupted that God decreed a great flood to destroy the giants as well as evil humanity.

The angels, as we see in this verse, were assigned to Tartarus (Gk. tartaroun). Here Peter is speaking of a well-known Greek conception. The Greeks felt that Tartarus was the very lowest hell.^(F16) Obviously, they were correct about this. Peter says that these rebellious angels were placed in gloomy dungeons as they awaited judgment. We cannot be totally sure that all the rebellious angels met this fate. Perhaps some did not unite with humanity, and perhaps these make up the demons who persecute humanity today.^(F17)

Now we realize that this may sound like some fairy tale to many moderns and post moderns. However, we should remember that giants are well attested in biblical history. They are also well attested in human consciousness, and are thus still seen in many children's stories. Clarke says, "…The tradition of their fall is in all countries and in all religions, but the accounts given are various and contradictory; and no wonder, for we have no direct revelation on the subject."^(F18)

This attempt of Satan and his hosts seems to be an attempt to preempt the incarnation. If this satanic invasion had been allowed to continue it probably would have made the redemption of Christ impossible. After all, how could Christ have redeemed humans if they were no longer humans, but some kind of mixture or mongrelization with fallen spiritual beings?

We might ask why Peter brought up this difficult subject. It is likely that the false teachers opposing Peter were using this well-known story of the angels to justify their evil actions. "Most probably what was happening was that the wicked men of Peter's time were citing the example of the angels as a justification for their own sin. They were saying, 'If angels came from heaven and took mortal women, why should not we?'"^(F19)

Obviously, Peter in this very long sentence is pointing out to these rebels how God was quick to judge the angels. He goes on to show how God judged the evil world, and how he judged evil Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet in all this he delivered the righteous.

Peter goes on saying, "if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; (2:5). Without pausing, Peter introduces the judgment of the great flood that destroyed evil giants as well as evil people. Apparently the deceitful teachers were not only denying God's judgment but were denying the return of Jesus. Schreiner says, "The universality of the judgment in Noah's day functions well as a preview of the universal judgment at the end of the age."^(F20)

The flood in the Greek language is called the kataklusmos, which would be known as cataclysm in our modern world. Peter tells us that Noah preached to the evil people in his day. We are never told this in the Old Testament but it certainly was true. It is almost unthinkable that he likely preached for 120 years without a single convert. This should serve as an encouragement to some ministers today who are laboring on difficult fields.

In the Greek of this passage Noah is called "the eighth man" (Gk. ogdoon). Schreiner enlightens us saying, "In early church writings the number eight was considered the number of perfection since Jesus was raised on the eighth day – Sunday. Hence, it may be that Noah is portrayed here as the beginning of a new creation after the flood…"^(F21)

No doubt much of the same argument was heard in Noah's day as was heard in Peter's day. The teachers were apparently saying that the Lord Jesus would not return (3:3-4),^(F22) and therefore they were living as they pleased. Many commentators have noted that this section corresponds very closely with Jude, verses 5-7. In both cases the sure wrath of God was about to fall upon the sinners, and they would not escape his judgment.

Peter continues the sentence almost without taking a breath. He says, "…if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;" (2:6). The story of the awful destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with some other cities of the plain, is a classic picture of God's judgment upon sinners (Genesis chs. 18-19). The cause of this destruction was primarily the sin of homosexuality. We realize that it is no longer "politically correct" to talk about this but we must, since it is biblically correct to speak about it.

The citizens of these doomed cities were not just homosexuals but they were blatant and militant homosexuals, determined to force their sins upon others, even upon the angels of God. This gives us some idea why God is so opposed to this particular sin (cf. Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). It goes against his divine plan for the procreation of the race. We must understand today that the homosexual movement is not just a movement for freedom of some oppressed peoples, but it is a militant movement determined to force homosexuality upon us all and to put an end to normal sexual relations.

Peter says, "and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) – " (2:7-8). In this den of iniquity Lot resided. In this verse we learn that he was still a righteous man. He had offered hospitality to strangers and he had later protected them from the raging mob by even offering his own daughters in their place. He lived in continued distress because of the evil around him. We need to remember the words of Newman here. He says, "Our great security against sin lies in being shocked at it."^(F23) We need to ask ourselves if we are distressed and tormented at the increasingly wicked sight before our own eyes.

We should not miss the message here. God will judge the wicked with awful judgment and he will deliver the righteous out of his judgment. Schreiner says about this, "The judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah is not merely a historical curiosity but functions as a type of what God will do in the future."^(F24) Wiersbe adds, "Our present age is not only like "the days of Noah," but it is also like 'the days of Lot.'"^(F25)

Verses 9-13

GOD'S RESCUE PROGRAM

… if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 2 Peter 2:9

We should not miss the fact in this passage that the righteous will be in the middle of God's judgment in the last days, but they will be delivered through it. This was true with Noah and the flood. God destroyed and remade the whole world with Noah and his family still in it (Genesis ch. 7; Matthew 24:37). Lot was in an extremely wicked city to its very end, but God delivered him just as the fire fell. There are other examples of this principle not mentioned in this text. The children of Israel were in Goshen when God destroyed Egypt but they were untouched.

There is a great deal of popular teaching today that says we Christians will not experience suffering, that we will be snatched out before any trouble comes. This was essentially the message of the false prophets throughout the ages. They cried "peace" when there was no peace (Jeremiah 6:14). They prophesied ease, peace and plenty.

So God is especially good at two things. He can deliver the righteous in the day of judgment and he can hold the wicked for that day, and insure that they will not escape. We note again that the righteous are delivered in the very Day of Judgment.

Regarding the wicked, we should notice the Greek present participle kolazomenous (continuing their punishment). Although it is not certain, it seems to indicate that the wicked are already receiving some of their punishment here (cf. Luke 16:23-24).^(F26) After all, the scripture does say that the way of the wicked is hard (Proverbs 13:15).

The righteous will be delivered, however, "The danger in a time of trial is apostasy (Luke 8:13; 22:28)…some scholars detect a reference to the test of faith that will conclude history."^(F27) In fact, several early church writers and fathers like Hermas, Hippolytus and Irenaeus warned Christians that times would get tough for them in the last days.^(F28)

Verses 10-14

THE ARROGANT WICKED

This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 2 Peter 2:10.

"Sin has taken such a strong hold on them that they are fully in its power, they cannot shake it off, they are its slaves."^(F29) In their corruption and sin these men have also become bold and arrogant. The Greek for bold is tolmētai and for arrogant is authadeis. Together they could be translated "boldly arrogant."^(F30)

These men despise dominion. No doubt this includes all authority from the local government, to the apostle Peter, to national governments and even to the celestial government. All these authorities would interfere with their selfish and sensual plans. Proverbs 21:24 describes such as these, "The proud and arrogant person – 'Mocker' is his name – behaves with insolent fury."

Not only do these teachers despise authority but they even slander celestial beings. They blaspheme "glories" (Gk. doxas), probably a reference to the good angels.^(F31) They no doubt realize that if all authority could be overthrown they could live as they please.

Now Peter gets into the specifics saying, "yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord" (2:11). At this point Peter begins to draw from Jude verse 4.^(F32) Of course, this could have been vice versa with Jude drawing from Peter. Including portions of one biblical book in another is not entirely strange. For instance, we see this sort of thing in Isaiah 2:3 and in Micah 4:2.

What is likely meant here is that good angels and even archangels will not bring a charge against fallen angels but rather they refer the matter of judgment to God. They seemed to sense that "to blaspheme angels was to shake the fist at heaven."^(F33) These angels seem to echo Alexander Pope's words, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."^(F34)

We read in Jude v. 9 about a dispute between the angel Michael and the devil over the body of Moses. The devil claimed his body probably because Moses was once a murderer and had killed an Egyptian. Even the great angel Michael would not bring a charge against the devil but said, "the Lord rebuke you!" (Jude v.9). Once again, as in Jude, we see the Spirit of truth going to extract an account from the pseudepigraphal book called The Assumption of Moses.^(F35) Again, we would not advise this book as a whole to be read for doctrine. However, we know a biblical idea is being taught here, since Jude uses it and since we see a very similar thing in in Zechariah 3:1-2.

This passage reminds us a great deal about some of the things that have gone on in the Spirit Filled and Charismatic camps. Many times I have heard people rebuke the devil in no uncertain terms. Sometimes they seem to be talking more to the devil than to the Lord. We all need to walk softly in this area an exercise great caution.

"But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish" (2:12). These false teachers are called "unreasoning animals." The Greek word for "unreasoning" is aloga, and it means that they are irrational.^(F36) Pett remarks about them, "And yet although being nothing better than animals they think that they can mess with heavenly powers. What folly."^(F37)

These teachers are like wild and dangerous beasts that are destined to be caught and exterminated. In the Greek, the word corruption (phthoran) in its various forms is used three times in this verse as the false teachers are described. This is not picked up in the NIV. The ASV says of these teachers that they "… shall in their destroying surely be destroyed." The NKJV says they "…will utterly perish in their own corruption."

We might ask if we have such teachers around today. The answer is obviously "yes." Often, these vicious teachers strut in the fancy robes as doctors in the field of theology. Yet, in their hearts and in their writings they are opposed to Jesus and his simple gospel. Paine says of them, "The characteristic of modern, liberal, critical teachers which amazes one most is their absolute confidence in their own conclusions, based upon evidence however trivial, and involving tremendously important departures from tenets maintained for centuries by the historic church."^(F38)

"They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you" (2:13). I remember a pastor who once preached a sermon entitled "Payday Someday." Although it often takes a great deal of time, God will settle his accounts. These false teachers obviously did not believe this. In their wild and unruly pleasure they caroused around in broad daylight. Adam Clarke, the British Methodist theologian, says, "Most sinners, in order to practice their abominable pleasures, seek the secrecy of the night; but these, bidding defiance to all decorum, decency, and shame, take the open day, and thus proclaim their impurities to the sun."^(F39)

Obviously, these false teachers were joining in with the regular love feasts, where the Lord's Supper was also celebrated. Peter calls them "blots" and "blemishes" in these holy festivals (cf. Ephesians 5:27). DeSilva says, "These were obviously crass enemies of moderation, self-control, and the mastery of the passions that marked the virtuous person."^(F40) Barclay adds of them that they were lacking, "not only religious truth but also sound common sense. The pleasures of the body are demonstrably subject to the law of diminishing returns. In themselves they lose their thrill, so that as time goes on it takes more and more of them to satisfy."^(F41)

"With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed – an accursed brood!" (2:14). Their eyes are full of an adulteress as the Greek word implies.^(F42) "They looked at every woman at Christ's table as a sex object."^(F43) Unlike Job of old they had lost control of their eyes (Job 31:1). They were far from taking Jesus' advice about a lustful look in Matthew 5:28.

These men were seducers who caught the unwary as with a bait (Gk. deleazontes), as one would do in fishing. They "hooked" people into a lascivious lifestyle.^(F44) It is no wonder that prostitutes through time have been called "hookers." It is especially interesting that one of the newest crazes on US college campuses is called having a "hookup." This is supposedly an idealistic sexual union that is to be done totally without feeling or commitment. Unfortunately, 41 percent of students who hooked up have ended up feeling sadness or even despair about their experience.^(F45)

These false teachers were "experts in greed." Somehow, sex and covetousness have a way of going together. We remember in Luke 12:15, how Jesus warned against covetousness. It says here that these deceitful teachers were exercising (Gk. gumnazo) their hearts in covetousness just as athletes exercised in a gymnasium,^(F46) or as health enthusiasts faithfully exercise at the spa. It is interesting how people mix covetousness, sex and religion all together. Barnes explains this saying, "For the religious principle is the most powerful of all principles; and he who can control that, can control all that a man possesses."^(F47)

Verses 15-16

FOLLOWERS OF BALAAM

They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. 2 Peter 2:15

In the Old Testament, the prophet Balaam was an excellent example of one who mixed religion with covetousness. The scripture hints that he also mixed illicit sex into the toxic brew as well. This man stands as a type of all false prophets. The story of Balaam is told to us in Numbers chapters 22, 23 and 24. In Revelation 2:14, we are told how Balaam helped lure the Israelites into forbidden sexual engagements with the Moabite women. This resulted in the disastrous national sin at Baal Peor. In the end, as they conquered their land, the Israelites slew Balaam with the sword (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:22).

The Jewish people see Balaam as the first Gentile prophet. In scripture he certainly gets the credit for his evil advice and actions (Numbers 31:16). Balaam had a true prophetic gift and makes some of the clearest messianic prophecies in the Bible, but he was a mixture. He wanted to serve God but his tongue was a mile long with covetousness. He tried his best to get God to give him permission to participate in King Balak's evil plans of cursing Israel. "As the Numbers story unfolds, we can see his fingers itching to get at the gold of Balak. True, he did not take it; but the desire was there."^(F48) All this reminds us of Judas who was anxious to receive the reward of iniquity (Acts 1:18).

We have seen in modern and postmodern times how ministry or prophecy, covetousness and sex have a way of going together. Our hearts have been broken as popular and powerful ministers have succumbed to one or all of these temptations. They have followed the way of Balaam. They have sought money and pleasure from their prophetic gifts.

"But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey – an animal without speech – who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet's madness" (2:16). The story of Balaam and his donkey is surely one of the strangest stories in scripture. Balaam somehow was not able to discern the Lord's instructions but the donkey did. Barnett says of this, "A dumb ass possessed sounder prophetic vision than a religious official whose moral sense had been perverted by gain from wrongdoing."^(F49)

It is amazing that this befuddled prophet found himself actually carrying on a conversation with the donkey as if it were not the least bit unusual.^(F50) Apparently the Lord spoke through a donkey similar to how the devil once spoke through the serpent. The early churchman Hilary of Arles says of this, "He had become a madman because of his disobedience to the commandments of God, and dumb animals are wiser than that, since they observe the law of nature."^(F51)

Verses 17-19

SPRINGS WITHOUT WATER

These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 2 Peter 2:17

There could be nothing more cruel and deceptive in the arid Middle East than to have the promise of water without producing any. How tragically deceptive is a dry well to a thirsty traveler. The Greek here speaks more of a spring than a well.^(F52) How sad it would be for a sign to be put up directing the traveler to a spring, only to find out that the promised spring had dried up. Wells and springs are the source of life in desert lands. Many a thirsty caravan perished because a well or spring had dried up. These supposedly "wise" teachers and deceptive guides have forsaken the spring of living water (Jeremiah 2:13). These false teachers do not even have the status of clouds, but rather they are wind driven mists. They have no chance of dropping moisture.

Blackest darkness is their lot. The Greek word for blackness (zophos) has the meaning of muskiness, darkness or thickest gloom. Bengel describes it as "the chilling horror accompanying darkness."^(F53) In speaking of these dangerous leaders, the Wesleyan evangelist of early days, William Godby, once cried out, "Good Lord, deliver me from a preacher's hell!"^(F54)

"For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error" (2:18). Bigg aptly explains what these false teachers are doing. He says, "Grandiose sophistry is the hook, filthy lust is the bait…"^(F55) Once more, with the Greek word deleazousin (entice), Peter is using a hunting and fishing symbol of laying baits for others as he did in verse 14.

We cannot miss the ones upon whom these phony teachers are preying. They are very new Christians who have just escaped out of the fallen world's errors. They have not yet gained stability in their walk and are easily influenced. These have not yet learned that they cannot use their new faith as an occasion to appease the flesh (Galatians 5:13) or as a cloak for covetousness (1 Peter 2:16).

"They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity – for 'people are slaves to whatever has mastered them'" (2:19). Ah, how the promise of freedom has led many a soul into deep bondage and slavery! As Craddock has it, "The misled soon discover that the magnificent promise of freedom is fulfilled in a new kind of bondage."^(F56) To the Jews who thought they were free Jesus said, "…I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). As long as we live in this world we will either remain slaves of sin or else we will willingly become slaves of the Lord Jesus, just as Peter himself was. There is no in-between. Pure freedom is pure illusion.

Verses 20-22

SIN'S ENTANGLEMENT

If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 2 Peter 2:20

There has been a long debate concerning these verses, as to whether Peter is speaking about the false teachers or about their followers. Pett suggests that it about the followers as seems to be made clear in 2:18.^(F57) If it is about the followers, those newly converted from paganism, it brings us face to face with the problem we dealt with earlier. Can one who is a new Christian fall from the grace of Christ? Pett says, "It would seem that these people had not yet come to saving faith in Christ. They were still learning the rudiments on which their faith would be built."^(F58) They may have been the seed on rocky soil or the seed sown among thorns that Jesus once spoke about.

The church has had a centuries-long struggle with the matter of people seriously backsliding and then returning in repentance. Many in the early church who had, under pressure, sacrificed to the Emperor were not easily readmitted to the church. Also, in the New Testament there are several passages that deal with the frightening subject of falling away (cf. Mark 9:42-43; 14:21; Hebrews 6:4-6). It is said, "The New Testament makes a distinction between those who are in the churches and those who are regenerate (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Timothy 2:18-19; 1 John 3:7-8; 2:19)."^(F59)

For those who know the Lord and then turn back or fall away, the scripture has some alarming things to say. No doubt Peter has in mind here the warning of Jesus in Matthew 12:45. He spoke of one who had been cleansed of an evil spirit but who left his house clean but unoccupied, "Then it [the expelled spirit] goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."

So far as these wicked teachers are concerned, they do not seem to possess a modicum of God's saving grace. They truly are pigs and dogs as Peter will say. If these men are connected in any way with those Jude describes, he says of them, "These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit" (Jude 19). Wiersbe also says of them, "There is no indication that the false teachers had ever experienced the new birth."^(F60)

"It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them" (2:21). Evangelical pastor and author, Ray Stedman, says, "Knowledge (especially 'full knowledge') without obedience is exceedingly dangerous! Jesus said of Judas that it would have been better for him not to have been born, than to have turned from the truth he had known (Matthew 26:24)."^(F61) There is a simple solution to this whole matter of falling away. It is found in the great commandment of Matthew 22:37, "…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…." When we do this there is absolutely no room in our hearts or minds for strange teachings or other loves.

"Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud'" (2:22). Peter gives us a thoroughly disgusting description of the false teachers. This verse seems to be based on Proverbs 26:11 which says, "As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly." We should note that both the pig and the dog are considered unclean animals by the Jews. Wiersbe sums it up saying "The pig looked better and the dog felt better, but neither one had been changed."^(F62)