2 Peter 2:1
Verse
Context
Deliverance from False Prophets
1Now 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 Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.2Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
Sermons
Francis Chan
Chuck Smith
Jacob Prasch
Willie Mullan
J. Glyn Owen
William MacDonaldSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But there were false prophets - There were not only holy men of God among the Jews, who prophesied by Divine inspiration, but there were also false prophets, whose prophecies were from their own imagination, and perverted many. As there shall be false teachers among you - At a very early period of the Christian Church many heresies sprung up; but the chief were those of the Ebionites, Cerinthians, Nicolaitans, Menandrians, and Gnostics, of whom many strange things have been spoken by the primitive fathers, and of whose opinions it is difficult to form any satisfactory view. They were, no doubt, bad enough, and their opponents in general have doubtless made them worse. By what name those were called of whom the apostle here speaks, we cannot tell. They were probably some sort of apostate Jews, or those called the Nicolaitans. See the preface. Damnable heresies - Αἱρεσεις απωλειας· Heresies of destruction; such as, if followed, would lead a man to perdition. And these παρεισαξουσιν, they will bring in privately - cunningly, without making much noise, and as covertly as possible. It would be better to translate destructive heresies than damnable. Denying the Lord that bought them - It is not certain whether God the Father be intended here, or our Lord Jesus Christ; for God is said to have purchased the Israelites, Exo 15:16, and to be the Father that had bought them, Deu 32:6, and the words may refer to these or such like passages; or they may point out Jesus Christ, who had bought them with his blood; and the heresies, or dangerous opinions, may mean such as opposed the Divinity of our Lord, or his meritorious and sacrificial death, or such opinions as bring upon those who hold them swift destruction. It seems, however, more natural to understand the Lord that bought them as applying to Christ, than otherwise; and if so, this is another proof, among many, 1. That none can be saved but by Jesus Christ. 2. That through their own wickedness some may perish for whom Christ died.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But there were false prophets also among the people,.... As well as holy men of God, who gave out prophecies, by the inspiration and impulse of the Holy Spirit; that is, among the people of the Jews, God's professing people, whose God was the Lord, and who had chosen them to be a special and peculiar people, above all people of the earth; and had distinguished them by his favours from all others: among these, though the Syriac version reads "in the world", there were false prophets, who ran, and were not sent; and who prophesied, and the Lord spake not to them: of these there were many in Jeremiah's time, and in the times of Ezekiel; and in Ahab's time, besides the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, slain by Elijah, there were four hundred that called themselves the prophets of the Lord; among whom went forth a lying spirit, encouraging Ahab to go up to Ramoth Gilead, promising him prosperity and success; Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah, with whom Micaiah, the true prophet, had much contention, was at the head of them; and such there were among that people in all ages, until the times of Christ, and in his likewise; see Mat 7:15 now from these, by an easy transition, the apostle proceeds to another part of his design in this epistle, to describe the characters of false teachers under the present dispensation, that saints may beware, and avoid their pernicious principles and practices: even as there shall be false teachers among you; which need not to be wondered at, or stumble any, it being no new or strange thing, but what was always more or less the case of the people of God. This is a prophecy of what should be, and agrees with the prediction of our Lord, Mat 24:11 and which regards not only the times immediately following, in which it had a remarkable fulfilment, for false teachers now began to arise, and appeared in great numbers in the age succeeding the apostles, but to all periods of time from hence, to the second coming of Christ; and these were to spring from, and be among such that bore the Christian name, and so regards not Mahometans and Deists; and it is to be observed, that the phrase is varied in this clause, and these are called not "prophets" but "teachers": because as prophecy was more peculiar to the former dispensation, so is teaching to the present: who privily shall bring in damnable heresies: errors in the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel; such as relate to a trinity of persons in the Godhead; and to the person of Christ, to his proper deity, distinct personality, eternal sonship, and real humanity; and to his office as Mediator, rejecting him as the true Messiah, and as the only Saviour of sinners; denying his sacrifice and satisfaction, and the imputation of his righteousness; and to the Holy Spirit, his deity, personality, and divine influences and operations: these are "damnable", or "destructive", or "heresies of destruction"; which lead to eternal destruction both those that introduce and propagate them, and those that embrace and profess them; for they remove, or attempt to remove, the foundation of eternal life and happiness: the manner in which these are usually introduced is "privily"; at unawares, secretly, under a disguise, and gradually, by little and little, and not at once, and openly; and which is the constant character and practice of such men, who lie in wait to deceive, creep into churches at unawares, and into houses privately; and insinuate their principles under specious pretences and appearances of truth, using the hidden things of dishonesty, walking in craftiness, handling the word of God deceitfully, and colouring things with false glosses and feigned words: and even denying the Lord that bought them; not the Lord Jesus Christ, but God the Father; for the word is not here used, which always is where Christ is spoken of as the Lord, but and which is expressive of the power which masters have over their servants (i), and which God has over all mankind; and wherever this word is elsewhere used, it is spoken of God the Father, whenever applied to a divine person, as in Luk 2:29 and especially this appears to be the sense, from the parallel text in Jde 1:4 where the Lord God denied by those men is manifestly distinguished from our Lord Jesus Christ, and by whom these persons are said to be bought: the meaning is not that they were redeemed by the blood of Christ, for Christ is not intended; and besides, whenever redemption by Christ is spoken of, the price is usually mentioned, or some circumstance or another which fully determines the sense; see Act 20:28 whereas here is not the least hint of anything of this kind: add to this, that such who are redeemed by Christ are the elect of God only, the people of Christ, his sheep and friends, and church, and who are never left to deny him so as to perish eternally; for could such be lost, or deceive, or be deceived finally and totally by damnable heresies, and bring on themselves swift destruction, Christ's purchase would be in vain, and the ransom price be paid for nought; but the word "bought" regards temporal mercies and deliverance, which these men enjoyed, and is used as an aggravation of their sin in denying the Lord; both by words, delivering out such tenets as are derogatory to the glory of the divine perfections, and which deny one or other of them, and of his purposes, providence, promises, and truths; and by works, turning the doctrine of the grace of God into lasciviousness, being disobedient and reprobate to every good work; that they should act this part against the Lord who had made them, and upheld them in their beings and took care of them in his providence, and had followed them with goodness and mercy all the days of their lives; just as Moses aggravates the ingratitude of the Jews in Deu 32:6 from whence this phrase is borrowed, and to which it manifestly refers: "do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise! is not he thy Father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?" nor is this the only place the apostle refers to in this chapter, see Pe2 2:12 compared with Deu 32:5 and it is to be observed, that the persons he writes to were Jews, who were called the people the Lord had redeemed and purchased, Exo 15:13 and so were the first false teachers that rose up among them; and therefore this phrase is very applicable to them: and bring upon themselves swift destruction; either in this life, being suddenly cut off in the midst of their days, and by the immediate hand of God, as Arius and other heretics have been; or eternal damnation in the other, which their tenets lead unto, and which will swiftly come upon them when they are promising themselves peace and safety. (i) Vid. Ammonium , in voce
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. In the end of the former chapter there is mention made of holy men of God, who lived in the times of the Old Testament, and were used as the amanuenses of the Holy Ghost, in writing the sacred oracles; but in the beginning of this he tells us they had, even at that time, false prophets in the church as well as true. In all ages of the church, and under all dispensations, when God sends true prophets, the devil sends some to seduce and deceive, false prophets in the Old Testament, and false Christs, false apostles, and seducing teachers, in the New. Concerning these observe, 1. Their business is to bring in destructive errors, even damnable heresies, as the business of teachers sent of God is to show the way of truth, even the true way to everlasting life. There are damnable heresies as well as damnable practices; and false teachers are industrious to spread pernicious errors. 2. Damnable heresies are commonly brought in privily, under the cloak and colour of truth. Those who introduce destructive heresies deny the Lord that bought them. They reject and refuse to hear and learn of the great teacher sent from God, though he is the only Saviour and Redeemer of men, who paid a price sufficient to redeem as many worlds of sinners as there are sinners in the world. 4. Those who bring in errors destructive to others bring swift (and therefore sure) destruction upon themselves. Self-destroyers are soon destroyed; and those who are so hardened as to propagate errors destructive to others shall surely and suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. II. He proceeds, in the second verse, to tell us the consequence with respect to others; and here we may learn, 1. Corrupt leaders seldom fail of many to follow them; though the way of error is a pernicious way, yet many are ready to walk therein. Men drink in iniquity like water, and are pleased to live in error. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the people love to have it so. 2. The spreading of error will bring up an evil report on the way of truth; that is, the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. The Christian religion is from the God of truth as the author, leads to true happiness in the enjoyment of the true God as the end, and works truth in the inward part as the means of acceptably serving God. And yet this way of truth is traduced and blasphemed by those who embrace and advance destructive errors. This the apostle has foretold as what should certainly come to pass. Let us not be offended at any thing of this in our day, but take care that we give no occasion to the enemy to blaspheme the holy name whereby we are called, or speak evil of that way whereby we hope to be saved. III. Observe, in the next place, the method seducers take to draw disciples after them: they use feigned words; they flatter, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple, inducing them to yield entirely to the opinions which these seducers endeavour to propagate, and sell and deliver themselves over to the instruction and government of these false teacher, who make a gain of those whom they make their proselytes, serving themselves and making some advantage of them; for all this is through covetousness, with a desire and design to get more wealth, or credit, or commendation, by increasing the number of their followers. The faithful ministers of Christ, who show men the way of truth, desire the profit and advantage of their followers, that they may be saved; but these seducing teachers desire and design only their own temporal advantage and worldly grandeur.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-3 Alongside authentic prophets (1:20-21), there have always been false prophets who receive God’s judgment. 2:1 They will: Peter’s use of the future tense in 2:1-3 does not imply that false prophets had not yet come, but it alludes to Jesus’ prediction that false teachers would arise (Matt 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; cp. Acts 20:29-31; 2 Tim 3:1-6). The false teachers who had arisen fulfilled that prediction. • deny the Master who bought them: The false teachers might have been overtly renouncing Christ, but it is more likely that their immoral conduct constituted a denial of Christ (cp. Titus 1:16).
2 Peter 2:1
Deliverance from False Prophets
1Now 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 Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.2Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Beware of Good Liars
By Francis Chan9.3K27:55MAT 7:152CO 11:13GAL 1:6EPH 5:111TI 4:12PE 2:11JN 4:1JUD 1:4
This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the importance of sacrificial love and compassion, drawing attention to the persecution faced by Christians in India and the need for believers to prioritize caring for the marginalized and oppressed. The speaker warns about false teachers who subtly introduce destructive heresies within the church, urging listeners to discern truth from deception and to live according to biblical principles.
(Blood Covenant) the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast - 2
By Milton Green4.7K1:08:02Blood CovenantMAT 24:27MRK 13:222PE 1:42PE 2:1REV 12:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of possessing the land and entering into God's rest. He emphasizes the need to fear falling short of this promise and encourages the audience to set their minds on things above. The preacher also warns against being deceived by false signs and images, referencing the book of Revelation. He concludes by urging the listeners to listen to the entire series of teachings in order to fully understand the message.
False Prophets
By Chuck Smith4.0K39:00ISA 5:20JER 23:16MAT 7:15JHN 14:62PE 2:1This sermon focuses on the dangers of false prophets and the importance of discerning the truth of God's Word. It highlights the consequences of following deceptive teachings, using examples from the book of Jeremiah where true and false prophets gave conflicting messages. The speaker emphasizes the need to rely on the genuine Word of God to avoid being misled by false prophets who distort the truth for personal gain or misguided beliefs.
Thessalonians - Understanding the Mixture
By Jacob Prasch3.2K1:04:47MixtureMAT 6:331TH 1:11TH 2:21TH 5:232PE 2:1In this sermon, the speaker criticizes the use of motivational psychology in churches, referring to it as "pop psychology" and "masturbating as biblical doctrine." He specifically mentions instances where people imitate animals or act drunk in the name of spirituality, warning against the mixing of psychology and spirituality. The speaker also discusses the unethical nature of hypnotic induction used by certain religious figures, citing examples of Rodney Howard Brown and Benny Hinn. Additionally, the sermon touches on the theological beliefs of E.W. Kenyon and his followers, who claim that Jesus died spiritually and was tortured in hell before being born again and rising from the dead.
(2 Peter) Precious Faith
By Willie Mullan3.0K1:13:32FaithJHN 1:35ROM 3:102PE 1:12PE 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing God and His promises. He encourages the audience to understand that God is working for them and will provide for their needs. The preacher also mentions a hymn with 894 verses that speaks about being lost but now being found. He then references Psalm 48 and highlights the greatness, fearfulness, and powerfulness of the Lord. The sermon concludes with the preacher sharing a personal experience of witnessing young men trembling in the presence of God.
(1 John #22) Testing 1,2,3,4
By J. Glyn Owen2.7K30:39TestingsMAT 22:39JHN 13:352PE 2:11JN 4:11JN 4:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the conflict between the church, which is indwelt by the Spirit of God, and the world, which is indwelt by the Spirit of error. The preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing how to test the spirits to determine if someone is speaking from God or not. The first guideline given is to see if the person confesses Jesus as having come in the flesh. This is a crucial factor in discerning if someone is speaking from God or the devil. The preacher shares an example of testing this guideline by visiting the Unification Church and asking them about their belief in Jesus as the Messiah.
Bristol Conference 1964 (Apostasy) - Part 4
By William MacDonald2.5K52:28Apostasy2PE 2:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the rise of false teachers and their impact on society. He begins by discussing the judgment of God upon apostasy, using the example of the angels who sinned and were cast down to hell. The preacher emphasizes that when a person's view of God deteriorates, their morals also decline. He then outlines the predicted rise of false teachers, highlighting their false doctrines, immorality, and greed. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is able to deliver the godly and punish the ungodly.
Surrender at the Cross
By David Ravenhill2.4K1:08:59GEN 2:15ACT 17:28ROM 12:11CO 8:6HEB 2:1HEB 2:102PE 2:1In this sermon, the speaker, an old man named James, addresses a young couple who are excitedly talking about their future plans and dreams. James expresses his concern that they have not mentioned anything about the will of God in their plans. He emphasizes the brevity of life, comparing it to a vapor that appears for a short time and then disappears. James encourages the couple to prioritize God's will and to be willing to serve Him, rather than solely pursuing their own ambitions. He references biblical passages that highlight the importance of submission to God and the need for His people to be vessels for His purposes.
The Approaching Apostasy
By Alistair Begg2.1K48:56ApostasyMAT 6:331TI 3:15HEB 3:122PE 2:1In this sermon on 1 Timothy 4, the speaker addresses the warning given by the Spirit that in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits. The readers are urged to be aware of false teachings that come from hypocritical liars with seared consciences. These false teachings include forbidding marriage and certain foods, which goes against God's creation and His intention for believers to receive all things with thanksgiving. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest as Christians, showing the world the beauty and enjoyment of a life lived in accordance with God's Word.
What Love Is This? - Part 4
By Dave Hunt1.9K09:49MAT 7:15ACT 17:11ROM 16:171CO 3:11GAL 1:6EPH 4:14COL 2:82TI 3:162PE 2:11JN 4:1
This sermon delves into the influence of Augustine on Calvinism and Reformed theology, highlighting Augustine's impact on Roman Catholic Church doctrines such as infant baptism, salvation through the church and sacraments, and allegorical interpretation of the Bible. It also explores the surprising connection between Augustine and the Protestant Reformation, with figures like Calvin and Luther heavily influenced by his writings. The sermon addresses the implications of these historical ties on modern church practices and the importance of understanding the origins of theological beliefs.
The Purpose of the Cross
By David Ravenhill1.9K1:18:51MAT 24:11ACT 20:281CO 6:19EPH 5:251PE 2:12PE 2:1REV 5:9
This sermon emphasizes the deeper purpose of the cross beyond just forgiveness of sins, highlighting the need for believers to surrender their lives to God and live for His glory. It warns about the danger of false teachings that can subtly infiltrate the church and lead people astray, emphasizing the importance of discernment and staying true to the true teachings of the Bible.
Profiteering Christianity
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:06GEN 3:12NUM 22:122KI 5:20MAT 6:33ACT 20:332CO 9:6PHP 2:41TI 6:102PE 2:1This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance of putting God first, seeking to bless others rather than seeking benefit for oneself, and the consequences of using God's blessings for personal profit. The message calls for a shift in mindset towards selflessness and generosity, focusing on giving rather than receiving.
Our Canadian Christian Heritage Under Fire #2 - Modernism Wrecking Churches
By Ian Goligher1.8K47:462PE 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of five fundamental points of Christian doctrine: the finished work of Calvary, the bodily resurrection of Jesus, his ascension into the presence of the Father, and his second coming. These points were used to distinguish between those who believed in the supernatural aspects of the gospel and those who were more modern in their beliefs. The speaker also mentions a summer campaign held in Massey Hall in Toronto, where J. Frank Norris was invited to preach and attracted a turnover of 50,000 people. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the issue of modernism and the formation of the Bible Baptist Union to combat it, with a focus on the inerrancy of the Bible, the virgin birth and deity of Jesus, and the doctrine of substitutionary atonement.
The Possibility of Apostasy
By Paris Reidhead1.6K54:21Apostasy2PE 2:12PE 2:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the warning given by Peter in 2 Peter chapter 2 about false teachers. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong offense, which is a positive testimony for Jesus Christ, as the best defense against opponents of the gospel. The preacher reads through the entire chapter, highlighting key verses that describe these false teachers as "wells without water" and "clouds carried with a tempest." He warns the congregation about the allure of these teachers who speak great swelling words of vanity and promise liberty, but are actually servants of corruption. The preacher concludes by urging the listeners to be cautious and not be swayed by seducing teachers, as turning away from the way of righteousness can have dire consequences.
False Prophets and the Broad Way - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:47MAT 24:10MAT 24:242CO 11:131TI 4:12TI 3:12PE 2:11JN 2:181JN 4:11JN 4:6
This sermon delves into the warning given by Jesus and the apostles about a great falling away before His second coming. It emphasizes the deception that will accompany this falling away, with false prophets leading many astray. The message highlights the need for discernment to distinguish between the genuine and the counterfeit, especially in the face of increasing lawlessness and a cooling of love towards God. The importance of holding onto true faith and avoiding those who only have a form of godliness without its power is underscored.
False Prophets and the Broad Way - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.3K09:52MAT 7:152PE 2:11JN 4:1
This sermon delves into the topic of false prophets, exploring how Jesus warned about them in Matthew 7 and the characteristics that identify them, emphasizing the importance of discerning beyond outward appearances and focusing on their intentions and actions. It highlights the deceptive nature of false prophets who may appear righteous but have selfish motives, seeking personal gain from those they deceive, drawing parallels to wolves in sheep's clothing preying on the vulnerable within the church community.
(Where Is the Church Going) 6. One Day We Will Give an Account to God
By Miki Hardy1.2K1:07:06Judgment SeatISA 30:10JER 23:16JER 23:31MAT 5:181TI 6:3JAS 3:172PE 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and not getting involved in messages that have no sense or are meant to entertain. He encourages Christians to keep sound doctrine and walk a holy life, fulfilling the requirements of the law. The preacher highlights the commandment of love as the foundation of Christian life, explaining that love is demonstrated through actions that resemble Jesus. He also references Jeremiah 23:1 to warn against shepherds who scatter and neglect the sheep, emphasizing the need for preachers and Christians to take their responsibility seriously as they will be held accountable by the Lord.
History of the Communist Use of Church and Religion (Reading)
By Richard Wurmbrand1.2K38:51CommunismMAT 6:332PE 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and trusting Jesus Christ as the Savior. He criticizes liberalistic, socialistic, and modernistic ideologies that deny the need for personal salvation and inner transformation. The preacher warns about the communist infiltration of churches and religious organizations, aiming to discredit the truth of the Bible and replace it with a social religion. He urges believers to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, as there are ungodly individuals who distort the grace of God and deny Jesus Christ as the only Lord.
How to Lay Down Your Life to Love Others - Part 2
By Milton Green1.1K45:58EXO 14:11MAT 22:391CO 10:121CO 10:212PE 2:12PE 2:19JUD 1:4In this sermon, the preacher expresses his disillusionment with the world and its superficiality. He finds joy in seeing people come to Jesus with genuine hearts. The preacher emphasizes that the world system is deceptive and everyone is playing a game, putting on acts to impress each other. He believes that the Bible is meant to be understood and shares his own humble background, emphasizing that he is chosen by God's grace. The preacher encourages the congregation to love one another, reach out to others, and let their light shine, rather than being prideful or judgmental.
Wolves Don't Advertise
By Shane Idleman1.0K1:03:48PSA 19:1ISA 5:20MAT 7:15MAT 7:20JHN 8:32ACT 4:12ROM 1:252PE 2:1This sermon emphasizes the danger of false teachers who disguise themselves as sheep but lead people astray, focusing on the importance of discerning true from false teachings. It highlights the need to be vigilant, discerning, and anchored in the truth of God's Word to avoid deception and destruction. The message calls for a deep examination of the fruits produced by teachings and urges listeners to seek the truth that leads to salvation and transformation.
The Truth About Prophecy - New Testament - Part 3
By Zac Poonen9751:00:30JER 23:16MAT 7:15ACT 11:271CO 14:32PE 2:1REV 19:10REV 22:9
This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophets from false prophets in both the Old and New Testaments. It highlights the characteristics of true prophets, such as edification, exhortation, and consolation, while warning against deceptive practices like directive prophecy and seeking personal gain. The message stresses the need to focus on Jesus, be faithful with money, guard the tongue, and maintain purity in thoughts and actions to avoid deception and false teachings.
Giving All Diligence - Part 2
By Alan Martin82900:00Diligence2PE 1:42PE 1:162PE 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the truth and the freedom that comes from knowing and living by the truth. He explains that God does not punish us for our wrong choices, but rather, we self-destruct by making poor choices. The preacher then discusses the need to diligently add virtues to our faith, such as knowledge, self-control, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. He warns that without these virtues, we become nearsighted and blind, only able to focus on the immediate and present, which can lead to dangerous situations. The sermon encourages listeners to be prudent and foresee evil from a distance, in order to avoid being punished for their simple and unaware actions.
Near and Present Danger
By Jim Cymbala61442:21Christian Life2PE 2:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need to defend the faith that God has entrusted to his people. He warns against the influence of ungodly individuals who promote immoral living under the guise of God's grace. These false teachers are described as grumblers and complainers who seek to satisfy their own desires and draw attention to themselves. The speaker emphasizes the importance of building oneself up in the most holy faith, continually growing stronger and filling oneself with the Word of God. He also prays for discernment to identify swindlers and preserve resources for righteous purposes.
The First Epistle of John
By Keith Daniel5391:36:00ISA 7:14MAT 7:21JHN 1:11TI 3:162PE 2:11JN 2:181JN 4:11JN 4:6
This sermon focuses on the profound mystery and significance of God manifesting in the flesh as Immanuel, meaning 'God with us,' as foretold in Isaiah 7:14. It delves into the revelation of God's manifestation in human form, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as God incarnate, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 3:16 and John 1:1. The sermon also addresses the essence of true prophecy in the context of anointed preaching and teaching of God's Word, cautioning against false prophets and emphasizing the need to discern spirits to uphold the purity of the church, echoing the teachings of John in his epistle.
The True Grace of God
By Zac Poonen4731:28:15MAT 7:15ACT 20:241PE 5:52PE 2:12PE 2:4JUD 1:4JUD 1:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the true grace of God, highlighting the dangers of turning the grace of God into a license for sin. It warns against false teachings that lead to deception and urges believers to follow the example of Christ in living a life free from sin, humility, and obedience to God's word.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But there were false prophets - There were not only holy men of God among the Jews, who prophesied by Divine inspiration, but there were also false prophets, whose prophecies were from their own imagination, and perverted many. As there shall be false teachers among you - At a very early period of the Christian Church many heresies sprung up; but the chief were those of the Ebionites, Cerinthians, Nicolaitans, Menandrians, and Gnostics, of whom many strange things have been spoken by the primitive fathers, and of whose opinions it is difficult to form any satisfactory view. They were, no doubt, bad enough, and their opponents in general have doubtless made them worse. By what name those were called of whom the apostle here speaks, we cannot tell. They were probably some sort of apostate Jews, or those called the Nicolaitans. See the preface. Damnable heresies - Αἱρεσεις απωλειας· Heresies of destruction; such as, if followed, would lead a man to perdition. And these παρεισαξουσιν, they will bring in privately - cunningly, without making much noise, and as covertly as possible. It would be better to translate destructive heresies than damnable. Denying the Lord that bought them - It is not certain whether God the Father be intended here, or our Lord Jesus Christ; for God is said to have purchased the Israelites, Exo 15:16, and to be the Father that had bought them, Deu 32:6, and the words may refer to these or such like passages; or they may point out Jesus Christ, who had bought them with his blood; and the heresies, or dangerous opinions, may mean such as opposed the Divinity of our Lord, or his meritorious and sacrificial death, or such opinions as bring upon those who hold them swift destruction. It seems, however, more natural to understand the Lord that bought them as applying to Christ, than otherwise; and if so, this is another proof, among many, 1. That none can be saved but by Jesus Christ. 2. That through their own wickedness some may perish for whom Christ died.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But there were false prophets also among the people,.... As well as holy men of God, who gave out prophecies, by the inspiration and impulse of the Holy Spirit; that is, among the people of the Jews, God's professing people, whose God was the Lord, and who had chosen them to be a special and peculiar people, above all people of the earth; and had distinguished them by his favours from all others: among these, though the Syriac version reads "in the world", there were false prophets, who ran, and were not sent; and who prophesied, and the Lord spake not to them: of these there were many in Jeremiah's time, and in the times of Ezekiel; and in Ahab's time, besides the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, slain by Elijah, there were four hundred that called themselves the prophets of the Lord; among whom went forth a lying spirit, encouraging Ahab to go up to Ramoth Gilead, promising him prosperity and success; Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah, with whom Micaiah, the true prophet, had much contention, was at the head of them; and such there were among that people in all ages, until the times of Christ, and in his likewise; see Mat 7:15 now from these, by an easy transition, the apostle proceeds to another part of his design in this epistle, to describe the characters of false teachers under the present dispensation, that saints may beware, and avoid their pernicious principles and practices: even as there shall be false teachers among you; which need not to be wondered at, or stumble any, it being no new or strange thing, but what was always more or less the case of the people of God. This is a prophecy of what should be, and agrees with the prediction of our Lord, Mat 24:11 and which regards not only the times immediately following, in which it had a remarkable fulfilment, for false teachers now began to arise, and appeared in great numbers in the age succeeding the apostles, but to all periods of time from hence, to the second coming of Christ; and these were to spring from, and be among such that bore the Christian name, and so regards not Mahometans and Deists; and it is to be observed, that the phrase is varied in this clause, and these are called not "prophets" but "teachers": because as prophecy was more peculiar to the former dispensation, so is teaching to the present: who privily shall bring in damnable heresies: errors in the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel; such as relate to a trinity of persons in the Godhead; and to the person of Christ, to his proper deity, distinct personality, eternal sonship, and real humanity; and to his office as Mediator, rejecting him as the true Messiah, and as the only Saviour of sinners; denying his sacrifice and satisfaction, and the imputation of his righteousness; and to the Holy Spirit, his deity, personality, and divine influences and operations: these are "damnable", or "destructive", or "heresies of destruction"; which lead to eternal destruction both those that introduce and propagate them, and those that embrace and profess them; for they remove, or attempt to remove, the foundation of eternal life and happiness: the manner in which these are usually introduced is "privily"; at unawares, secretly, under a disguise, and gradually, by little and little, and not at once, and openly; and which is the constant character and practice of such men, who lie in wait to deceive, creep into churches at unawares, and into houses privately; and insinuate their principles under specious pretences and appearances of truth, using the hidden things of dishonesty, walking in craftiness, handling the word of God deceitfully, and colouring things with false glosses and feigned words: and even denying the Lord that bought them; not the Lord Jesus Christ, but God the Father; for the word is not here used, which always is where Christ is spoken of as the Lord, but and which is expressive of the power which masters have over their servants (i), and which God has over all mankind; and wherever this word is elsewhere used, it is spoken of God the Father, whenever applied to a divine person, as in Luk 2:29 and especially this appears to be the sense, from the parallel text in Jde 1:4 where the Lord God denied by those men is manifestly distinguished from our Lord Jesus Christ, and by whom these persons are said to be bought: the meaning is not that they were redeemed by the blood of Christ, for Christ is not intended; and besides, whenever redemption by Christ is spoken of, the price is usually mentioned, or some circumstance or another which fully determines the sense; see Act 20:28 whereas here is not the least hint of anything of this kind: add to this, that such who are redeemed by Christ are the elect of God only, the people of Christ, his sheep and friends, and church, and who are never left to deny him so as to perish eternally; for could such be lost, or deceive, or be deceived finally and totally by damnable heresies, and bring on themselves swift destruction, Christ's purchase would be in vain, and the ransom price be paid for nought; but the word "bought" regards temporal mercies and deliverance, which these men enjoyed, and is used as an aggravation of their sin in denying the Lord; both by words, delivering out such tenets as are derogatory to the glory of the divine perfections, and which deny one or other of them, and of his purposes, providence, promises, and truths; and by works, turning the doctrine of the grace of God into lasciviousness, being disobedient and reprobate to every good work; that they should act this part against the Lord who had made them, and upheld them in their beings and took care of them in his providence, and had followed them with goodness and mercy all the days of their lives; just as Moses aggravates the ingratitude of the Jews in Deu 32:6 from whence this phrase is borrowed, and to which it manifestly refers: "do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise! is not he thy Father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?" nor is this the only place the apostle refers to in this chapter, see Pe2 2:12 compared with Deu 32:5 and it is to be observed, that the persons he writes to were Jews, who were called the people the Lord had redeemed and purchased, Exo 15:13 and so were the first false teachers that rose up among them; and therefore this phrase is very applicable to them: and bring upon themselves swift destruction; either in this life, being suddenly cut off in the midst of their days, and by the immediate hand of God, as Arius and other heretics have been; or eternal damnation in the other, which their tenets lead unto, and which will swiftly come upon them when they are promising themselves peace and safety. (i) Vid. Ammonium , in voce
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. In the end of the former chapter there is mention made of holy men of God, who lived in the times of the Old Testament, and were used as the amanuenses of the Holy Ghost, in writing the sacred oracles; but in the beginning of this he tells us they had, even at that time, false prophets in the church as well as true. In all ages of the church, and under all dispensations, when God sends true prophets, the devil sends some to seduce and deceive, false prophets in the Old Testament, and false Christs, false apostles, and seducing teachers, in the New. Concerning these observe, 1. Their business is to bring in destructive errors, even damnable heresies, as the business of teachers sent of God is to show the way of truth, even the true way to everlasting life. There are damnable heresies as well as damnable practices; and false teachers are industrious to spread pernicious errors. 2. Damnable heresies are commonly brought in privily, under the cloak and colour of truth. Those who introduce destructive heresies deny the Lord that bought them. They reject and refuse to hear and learn of the great teacher sent from God, though he is the only Saviour and Redeemer of men, who paid a price sufficient to redeem as many worlds of sinners as there are sinners in the world. 4. Those who bring in errors destructive to others bring swift (and therefore sure) destruction upon themselves. Self-destroyers are soon destroyed; and those who are so hardened as to propagate errors destructive to others shall surely and suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. II. He proceeds, in the second verse, to tell us the consequence with respect to others; and here we may learn, 1. Corrupt leaders seldom fail of many to follow them; though the way of error is a pernicious way, yet many are ready to walk therein. Men drink in iniquity like water, and are pleased to live in error. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the people love to have it so. 2. The spreading of error will bring up an evil report on the way of truth; that is, the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. The Christian religion is from the God of truth as the author, leads to true happiness in the enjoyment of the true God as the end, and works truth in the inward part as the means of acceptably serving God. And yet this way of truth is traduced and blasphemed by those who embrace and advance destructive errors. This the apostle has foretold as what should certainly come to pass. Let us not be offended at any thing of this in our day, but take care that we give no occasion to the enemy to blaspheme the holy name whereby we are called, or speak evil of that way whereby we hope to be saved. III. Observe, in the next place, the method seducers take to draw disciples after them: they use feigned words; they flatter, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple, inducing them to yield entirely to the opinions which these seducers endeavour to propagate, and sell and deliver themselves over to the instruction and government of these false teacher, who make a gain of those whom they make their proselytes, serving themselves and making some advantage of them; for all this is through covetousness, with a desire and design to get more wealth, or credit, or commendation, by increasing the number of their followers. The faithful ministers of Christ, who show men the way of truth, desire the profit and advantage of their followers, that they may be saved; but these seducing teachers desire and design only their own temporal advantage and worldly grandeur.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-3 Alongside authentic prophets (1:20-21), there have always been false prophets who receive God’s judgment. 2:1 They will: Peter’s use of the future tense in 2:1-3 does not imply that false prophets had not yet come, but it alludes to Jesus’ prediction that false teachers would arise (Matt 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; cp. Acts 20:29-31; 2 Tim 3:1-6). The false teachers who had arisen fulfilled that prediction. • deny the Master who bought them: The false teachers might have been overtly renouncing Christ, but it is more likely that their immoral conduct constituted a denial of Christ (cp. Titus 1:16).