2 Peter 2:17
Verse
Context
Deliverance from False Prophets
16But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.17These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.18With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
Sermons
David Wilkerson
John Gill
Jonathan Edwards
George Fox
Thomas Brooks
Horatius BonarSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These are wells without water - Persons who, by their profession, should furnish the water of life to souls athirst for salvation; but they have not this water; they are teachers without ability to instruct; they are sowers, and have no seed in their basket. Nothing is more cheering in the deserts of the east than to meet with a well of water; and nothing more distressing, when parched with thirst, than to meet with a well that contains no water. Clouds that are carried with a tempest - In a time of great drought, to see clouds beginning to cover the face of the heavens raises the expectation of rain; but to see these carried off by a sudden tempest is a dreary disappointment. These false teachers were equally as unprofitable as the empty well, or the light, dissipated cloud. To whom the mist of darkness is reserved - That is, an eternal separation from the presence of God, and the glory of his power. They shall be thrust into outer darkness, Mat 8:12; into the utmost degrees of misery and despair. False and corrupt teachers will be sent into the lowest hell; and be "the most downcast, underfoot vassals of perdition." It is scarcely necessary to notice a various reading here, which, though very different in sound, is nearly the same in sense. Instead of νεφελαι, clouds, which is the common reading, και ὁμιχλαι, and mists, or perhaps more properly thick darkness, from ὁμου, together, and αχλυς, darkness, is the reading in ABC, sixteen others, Erpen's Arabic, later Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Vulgate, and several of the fathers. This reading Griesbach has admitted into the text.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Jde 1:12-13.) wells--"clouds" in Jude; both promising (compare Pe2 2:19) water, but yielding none; so their "great swelling words" are found on trial to be but "vanity" (Pe2 2:18). clouds--The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "mists," dark, and not transparent and bright as "clouds" often are, whence the latter term is applied sometimes to the saints; fit emblem of the children of darkness. "Clouds" is a transcriber's correction from Jde 1:12, where it is appropriate, "clouds . . . without water" (promising what they do not perform); but not here, "mists driven along by a tempest." mist--blackness; "the chilling horror accompanying darkness" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
These are wells without water,.... Which look large and deep, promise much, and have nothing in them; so these men looked like angels of light, transformed themselves as ministers of righteousness, had a form of godliness, and boasted of their great knowledge; promised great advantages to their followers, but were like deceitful brooks, or dry wells, and so disappointed those that came to them, and attended on them; having nothing but the filth and slime of error and iniquity, being destitute both of the grace of God, comparable to water, and of the truth of heavenly doctrine, which is like the rain that fills the wells, pools, and fountains. Clouds that are carried with a tempest; these false teachers may be compared to clouds for their number, for many antichrists and false prophets soon came into the world; and for their sudden rise in the churches, into which they crept privily and unawares; and because of the general darkness they spread, for when errors and heresies prevail it is a dark and cloudy day with the churches, a day of gloominess and darkness, of thick darkness, a day of trouble, rebuke, and blasphemy; and because of the height of them, especially light clouds, as these are compared to, who are high in their own conceits and imaginations, and think, and give out themselves to be some great persons; and also because of their sudden destruction, which lingers and slumbers not, but comes upon them in a moment, and their glory passes away like the morning cloud: and these may be said to be as clouds "carried with a tempest": of their own lusts and passions, by which they are governed, and are led, and carried away with the force of them, and have no power to resist them, being under the dominion of them, and captives to them; and of Satan's temptations, who works effectually in them, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, and being taken in his snare, are led captive by him at his will: Jude says, "carried about of winds", Jde 1:12, with every wind of false doctrine, like meteors in the air; are never at a point, always unsteady and unsettled, and ready to embrace every new and upstart notion: to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever; the nature of their punishment is expressed by "darkness", the blackest darkness, the mist of darkness, and which Jude calls blackness of darkness, the same with utter darkness; and which signifies a most forlorn and uncomfortable condition, and is a righteous judgment, and just retaliation upon them who studied to darken counsel by words without knowledge; and the certainty of their punishment is signified by its being "reserved", even as the happiness of the saints, and the safety and sureness of it are represented by an inheritance reserved in heaven: and as God has his treasures, magazines, and stores of grace and mercy, felicity and glory, for his people; so he has his wrath and vengeance reserved, laid up in store with him, and sealed up among his treasures, which he will surely bring forth in his own time: and the duration of this punishment is "for ever"; it is a worm that never dies, a fire that is never quenched, Isa 66:24 Mar 9:44; it is everlasting fire and burnings, the smoke of which ascends for ever and ever.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17-22 Peter continues his description of the false teachers by explaining their effect on other people.
2 Peter 2:17
Deliverance from False Prophets
16But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.17These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.18With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell Whats It Like - Whos Going There
By David Wilkerson89642:30HellISA 14:15MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 10:33MAT 23:332PE 2:17JUD 1:13REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a man who experienced a tragic accident on an oil rig. Despite being mocked by a young man prior to the accident, the injured man selflessly saved him from the fire. The preacher then transitions to discussing the reality of hell and the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. He emphasizes that hell is a place of darkness, both literally and spiritually, and shares the story of Iranian young people who were deceived by false promises of paradise. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to accept the simple and free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 2:17
By John Gill0Spiritual DiscernmentFalse TeachersISA 66:24MAT 7:15MRK 9:442CO 11:14GAL 1:6EPH 4:141TI 4:12TI 4:32PE 2:17JUD 1:12John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:17, illustrating the deceptive nature of false teachers who appear promising but ultimately provide nothing of substance, likening them to dry wells and clouds without rain. He emphasizes their ability to mislead through their outward appearances and empty promises, leading many into spiritual darkness and despair. Gill warns of their eventual judgment, which is described as a mist of darkness reserved for them forever, highlighting the seriousness of their error and the consequences of their actions. The sermon serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of discernment in faith and the dangers posed by those who distort the truth.
That They Cause Those Who Have Them to Be Fluent, Fervent, and Abundant, in Talking of the Things of Religion, Is No Sign
By Jonathan Edwards0PRO 25:14MAT 7:21MAT 15:82PE 2:17JUD 1:12Jonathan Edwards warns against judging the genuineness of one's faith based solely on their fluency, fervency, and abundance in talking about religion, as this can lead to both unjust condemnation and misguided confidence. Speaking passionately about religion can stem from either holy or unholy affections in the heart, with strong affections prompting individuals to speak earnestly regardless of the nature of those affections. Merely being vocal about religious matters does not necessarily indicate true grace, as false affections can often manifest more prominently in outward declarations.
To Friends in the Ministry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
By George Fox0PRO 13:14JER 2:13JAS 3:112PE 2:17REV 7:17REV 8:10REV 14:7REV 16:4REV 21:6The preacher delves into the significance of 'springs' (pege) in the Bible, highlighting how it symbolizes a source of living water, both physically and spiritually. Jesus used 'pege' to represent a spiritual well of inner nourishment associated with eternal life. However, false teachers are likened to 'springs without water,' promising refreshment but failing to deliver, much like mists driven by a storm that offer no real substance. The contrast is drawn between the true satisfaction found in the 'springs of the water of life' promised by God and the empty promises of those who lack spiritual depth.
Epistle 63
By George Fox0Guidance by God's LightUnity in ChristISA 42:6MAL 2:5JHN 1:9JHN 3:19JHN 14:6ACT 3:222CO 4:61PE 2:252PE 1:212PE 2:17George Fox emphasizes the importance of being guided by the life and light of God, urging believers to remain connected to the source of life to avoid darkness and strife. He encourages the faithful to cultivate patience, righteousness, and brotherly kindness, while warning against divisions and strife that arise from the flesh. Fox calls for a collective awakening to the righteousness of Christ, who is the way to the Father, and stresses the necessity of waiting in the light to receive wisdom and unity. He highlights the covenant of life and peace offered through Christ, urging all to witness and embody this divine gift. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation to remain humble and receptive to God's guidance, ensuring they are preserved from worldly influences.
A House Without Light!
By Thomas Brooks0HellDivine JudgmentISA 66:24MAT 25:30MRK 9:44LUK 16:23JHN 8:12COL 1:132PE 2:17JUD 1:6JUD 1:13REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the terrifying reality of hell as a 'house without light,' where the unprofitable servant is cast into utter darkness, devoid of any comfort or hope. He contrasts the burning fire of hell, which inflicts pain without the relief of light, with earthly fire that provides both heat and illumination. Brooks highlights the eternal chains of darkness that bind the damned, illustrating the extreme miseries and torments they endure. The absence of light in hell serves as a profound reminder of the divine wrath and the eternal separation from God. He concludes with the hope found in Colossians 1:13, where believers are rescued from darkness and brought into the light of Christ's kingdom.
Worldliness a Mark of the Unconverted
By Horatius Bonar0WorldlinessTrue ConversionMAT 6:24JHN 3:3ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 6:14EPH 2:1COL 3:2JAS 1:82PE 2:171JN 2:15Horatius Bonar addresses the issue of worldliness among those who claim to be religious but are, in reality, only superficially connected to their faith. He emphasizes that such individuals are torn between their worldly desires and their religious obligations, leading to a hollow and ineffective spiritual life. Bonar warns that this half-hearted approach to religion is a delusion that cannot withstand the tests of time or eternity. He calls for a true conversion that involves a complete surrender to Christ, urging the worldly formalist to abandon false hopes and embrace the transformative love of Jesus. Ultimately, Bonar encourages a radical re-evaluation of one's faith to ensure it is genuine and rooted in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These are wells without water - Persons who, by their profession, should furnish the water of life to souls athirst for salvation; but they have not this water; they are teachers without ability to instruct; they are sowers, and have no seed in their basket. Nothing is more cheering in the deserts of the east than to meet with a well of water; and nothing more distressing, when parched with thirst, than to meet with a well that contains no water. Clouds that are carried with a tempest - In a time of great drought, to see clouds beginning to cover the face of the heavens raises the expectation of rain; but to see these carried off by a sudden tempest is a dreary disappointment. These false teachers were equally as unprofitable as the empty well, or the light, dissipated cloud. To whom the mist of darkness is reserved - That is, an eternal separation from the presence of God, and the glory of his power. They shall be thrust into outer darkness, Mat 8:12; into the utmost degrees of misery and despair. False and corrupt teachers will be sent into the lowest hell; and be "the most downcast, underfoot vassals of perdition." It is scarcely necessary to notice a various reading here, which, though very different in sound, is nearly the same in sense. Instead of νεφελαι, clouds, which is the common reading, και ὁμιχλαι, and mists, or perhaps more properly thick darkness, from ὁμου, together, and αχλυς, darkness, is the reading in ABC, sixteen others, Erpen's Arabic, later Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Vulgate, and several of the fathers. This reading Griesbach has admitted into the text.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Jde 1:12-13.) wells--"clouds" in Jude; both promising (compare Pe2 2:19) water, but yielding none; so their "great swelling words" are found on trial to be but "vanity" (Pe2 2:18). clouds--The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "mists," dark, and not transparent and bright as "clouds" often are, whence the latter term is applied sometimes to the saints; fit emblem of the children of darkness. "Clouds" is a transcriber's correction from Jde 1:12, where it is appropriate, "clouds . . . without water" (promising what they do not perform); but not here, "mists driven along by a tempest." mist--blackness; "the chilling horror accompanying darkness" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
These are wells without water,.... Which look large and deep, promise much, and have nothing in them; so these men looked like angels of light, transformed themselves as ministers of righteousness, had a form of godliness, and boasted of their great knowledge; promised great advantages to their followers, but were like deceitful brooks, or dry wells, and so disappointed those that came to them, and attended on them; having nothing but the filth and slime of error and iniquity, being destitute both of the grace of God, comparable to water, and of the truth of heavenly doctrine, which is like the rain that fills the wells, pools, and fountains. Clouds that are carried with a tempest; these false teachers may be compared to clouds for their number, for many antichrists and false prophets soon came into the world; and for their sudden rise in the churches, into which they crept privily and unawares; and because of the general darkness they spread, for when errors and heresies prevail it is a dark and cloudy day with the churches, a day of gloominess and darkness, of thick darkness, a day of trouble, rebuke, and blasphemy; and because of the height of them, especially light clouds, as these are compared to, who are high in their own conceits and imaginations, and think, and give out themselves to be some great persons; and also because of their sudden destruction, which lingers and slumbers not, but comes upon them in a moment, and their glory passes away like the morning cloud: and these may be said to be as clouds "carried with a tempest": of their own lusts and passions, by which they are governed, and are led, and carried away with the force of them, and have no power to resist them, being under the dominion of them, and captives to them; and of Satan's temptations, who works effectually in them, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, and being taken in his snare, are led captive by him at his will: Jude says, "carried about of winds", Jde 1:12, with every wind of false doctrine, like meteors in the air; are never at a point, always unsteady and unsettled, and ready to embrace every new and upstart notion: to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever; the nature of their punishment is expressed by "darkness", the blackest darkness, the mist of darkness, and which Jude calls blackness of darkness, the same with utter darkness; and which signifies a most forlorn and uncomfortable condition, and is a righteous judgment, and just retaliation upon them who studied to darken counsel by words without knowledge; and the certainty of their punishment is signified by its being "reserved", even as the happiness of the saints, and the safety and sureness of it are represented by an inheritance reserved in heaven: and as God has his treasures, magazines, and stores of grace and mercy, felicity and glory, for his people; so he has his wrath and vengeance reserved, laid up in store with him, and sealed up among his treasures, which he will surely bring forth in his own time: and the duration of this punishment is "for ever"; it is a worm that never dies, a fire that is never quenched, Isa 66:24 Mar 9:44; it is everlasting fire and burnings, the smoke of which ascends for ever and ever.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17-22 Peter continues his description of the false teachers by explaining their effect on other people.