2 Peter 2:19
Verse
Context
Deliverance from False Prophets
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.19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
While they promise them liberty - Either to live in the highest degrees of spiritual good, or a freedom from the Roman yoke; or from the yoke of the law, or what they might term needless restraints. Their own conduct showed the falsity of their system; for they were slaves to every disgraceful lust. For of whom a man is overcome - This is an allusion to the ancient custom of selling for slaves those whom they had conquered and captivated in war. The ancient law was, that a man might either kill him whom he overcame in battle, or keep him for a slave. These were called servi, slaves, from the verb servare, to keep or preserve. And they were also called mancipia, from manu capiuntur, they are taken captive by the hand of their enemy. Thus the person who is overcome by his lusts is represented as being the slave of those lusts. See Rom 6:16, and the note there.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
promise . . . liberty--(Christian)--These promises are instances of their "great swelling words" (Pe2 2:18). The liberty which they propose is such as fears not Satan, nor loathes the flesh. Pauline language, adopted by Peter here, and Pe1 2:16; see on Pe1 2:16; (compare Pe2 3:15; Rom 6:16-22; Rom 8:15, Rom 8:21; Gal 5:1, Gal 5:13; compare Joh 8:34). corruption--(See on Pe2 2:12); "destroyed . . . perish . . . corruption." of whom--"by whatever . . . by the same," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
While they promise them liberty,.... Not Christian liberty, which lies in a freedom from sin, its dominion, guilt, and condemnation, and in serving God with liberty, cheerfulness, and without fear; but a sinful carnal liberty, a liberty from the law of God, from obedience to it as a rule of walk and conversation, and from the laws of men, from subjection to the civil magistrate, and from servitude to masters, and obedience to parents; a liberty to lay aside and neglect the ordinances of the Gospel at pleasure, and to live in all manner of sin and wickedness; a liberty which is contrary to the nature, will, and work of Christ, to his Spirit, and to the principle of grace in the heart, and to the Gospel, and to the conduct and conversation of real saints. Now this was the snare by which the false teachers beguiled unstable souls; liberty being what is greatly desirable to men, and is suited to their carnal lusts and interests: but a vain promise was this, when they themselves are the servants of corruption; of sin, which has corrupted all mankind in soul and body; and particularly the lust of uncleanness, which these men walked in, and by which they not only corrupted themselves, but the good manners of others also; and which tended and led them both to ruin and destruction, signified by the pit of corruption: and yet these very preachers, that promised liberty to others, were the servants of sin; they were under the power and government of sin. They were not only born so, and were homeborn slaves to sin, but they sold themselves to work wickedness; voluntarily and with delight, they served divers lusts and pleasures, and were slaves and drudges thereunto; as likewise to Satan, whose lusts they would do, and by whom they were led captive; so that their condition was mean, base, and deplorable, and therefore could never make good their promise, or give that which they had not themselves: and which is confirmed by the following reasoning, for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage: as this is a certain point in war, that when one man is conquered by another, he is no longer a free man, but the other's prisoner and captive, and is in a state of servitude and bondage; so it is when a man is overcome by sin, which must be understood not of a partial victory or conquest, for a good man may be surprised by sin, and overtaken in a fault, and be overcome and carried captive by it for a time, as was the apostle, see Rom 7:23; and yet not be a servant of corruption, or properly in a state of bondage to it; but this is to be understood of a total and complete victory, when a man is wholly under the dominion of sin, it reigns in his mortal body, and he obeys it in the lusts of it, and yields his members instruments of unrighteousness; such a man is neither a free man himself, nor can he much less promise and give liberty to others.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:19 One of the great lures of false teaching through the centuries has been the promise of freedom from authority, but such freedom is illusory (Rom 6:16). The false teachers, while reveling in their freedom from authority (see 2 Pet 2:10), were in fact slaves to sin and corruption.
2 Peter 2:19
Deliverance from False Prophets
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.19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ministers of Lasciviousness
By Carter Conlon4.2K1:03:52LasciviousnessACT 2:472PE 2:192PE 3:4JUD 1:4REV 3:17In this sermon, the preacher begins by explaining the context of the passage in Exodus where the people of Israel, led by Moses, are waiting for him to come down from Mount Sinai. The preacher emphasizes that the people had been in bondage in Egypt for 400 years and had cried out to the Lord for deliverance. However, when Moses delays in coming down from the mountain, the people gather around Aaron and ask him to make gods for them to worship. The preacher then connects this story to the present day, warning against ministers who preach a gospel that is focused on personal pleasure and rejects the lordship of Jesus Christ. The preacher urges the audience to turn away from delusion and sensationalism and instead surrender their lives to Christ and seek the supernatural working of God within their hearts.
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.
Crocodile Sinners
By Thomas Brooks0JudgmentSinPSA 51:5ECC 8:8MAT 25:46JHN 8:34ROM 6:23GAL 6:7HEB 9:27JAS 1:152PE 2:19REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes that unbelievers remain entrenched in their sins until death intervenes, using the analogy of a candle that, once extinguished, forces players to stop their game. He illustrates that if sinners were allowed to live indefinitely, they would continue to sin without restraint, growing increasingly monstrous in their behavior. Brooks likens habitual sinners to crocodiles, which grow larger without limit, highlighting the perpetual nature of sin without divine intervention. The sermon underscores the righteousness of God's judgment against unrepentant sinners, who would otherwise sin eternally.
Judges 16:21
By Chuck Smith0Consequences of SinSpiritual BlindnessJDG 16:21PRO 6:27PRO 14:12ISA 59:2JHN 8:36ROM 6:16GAL 5:11TI 4:2JAS 1:152PE 2:19Chuck Smith discusses the tragic consequences of sin as illustrated in the life of Samson, emphasizing how sin blinds individuals to their true state, binds them in chains, and leads to a grinding existence devoid of joy. He explains that sin desensitizes the conscience, making it easier to indulge repeatedly without remorse, ultimately leading to spiritual blindness. Smith warns that many, like Samson, may not realize the Spirit of God has departed from them due to their sinful choices. He highlights the binding power of sin, which can start innocently but can lead to devastating consequences, and concludes with the hope that Jesus can set individuals free from the grip of sin.
The Bond of Iniquity
By Thomas Brooks0SinSpiritual BondagePSA 107:10ISA 61:1JHN 8:34JHN 8:36ACT 8:23ROM 6:16GAL 5:1EPH 4:22HEB 12:12PE 2:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of sin, describing it as a 'bond of iniquity' that enslaves the soul. He illustrates how sin acts as a chain that binds the sinner to curses, wrath, and ultimately hell, making it the worst form of bondage. Brooks urges listeners to view their sins as chains that should evoke loathing and a desire for freedom. He highlights that unlike any earthly chains, the chains of sin are the most grievous and should compel one to seek liberation through Christ. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on the nature of sin and the urgent need for spiritual emancipation.
A Miserable Estate
By Christopher Love0PSA 15:4ISA 43:4DAN 11:21JHN 8:34JHN 8:36EPH 5:8COL 2:131PE 2:72PE 2:19REV 3:17Christopher Love preaches about the eight particular properties of a man without Jesus Christ, highlighting how such a person is base, a bondman, beggarly, blind, deformed, disconsolate, dead, and damned. He emphasizes that without Christ, individuals are spiritually impoverished, enslaved to sin, blind to the truth, deformed by sin, lacking true comfort, spiritually dead, and destined for damnation. Love urges listeners to seek Jesus Christ as the only source of true life, freedom, and salvation.
2 Peter 2:19
By John Gill0True Liberty in ChristFalse TeachingsJHN 8:34ROM 6:16GAL 5:1JAS 1:142PE 2:19John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:19, emphasizing the false promises of liberty made by deceitful teachers who offer a carnal freedom that leads to sin rather than true Christian liberty, which is freedom from sin and obedience to God. He warns that these teachers, who are themselves enslaved by corruption and sin, cannot genuinely provide the freedom they claim to offer. Gill illustrates that true liberty is found in serving God and living righteously, contrasting it with the destructive nature of the false liberty that caters to carnal desires. He concludes that those who are overcome by sin are in bondage and cannot promise freedom to others, as they are captives themselves.
Concerning True Liberty
By George Fox0True LibertyChristian FreedomJHN 8:36ACT 6:9ROM 6:181CO 8:92CO 3:17GAL 2:4GAL 5:1GAL 5:131PE 2:162PE 2:19George Fox emphasizes the importance of true liberty in Christ, urging believers to stand firm in their freedom while serving one another in love. He warns against using this liberty as a cover for wrongdoing and highlights the dangers of false freedom that leads to corruption. Fox references the apostolic teachings, reminding the faithful to be vigilant against those who would seek to undermine their liberty in Christ. He encourages Christians to discern between true and false liberty, ensuring their actions glorify God. Ultimately, he prays for the preservation of believers in the heavenly order of Christ.
Concerning Mortal Sins, Pardonable Sins, and Sins of Omission
By St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite0PSA 18:3PRO 18:3PRO 23:13MAT 25:27MAT 25:421CO 3:14JAS 3:22PE 2:191JN 1:81JN 3:4St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite preaches about the importance of understanding the different categories of sins - mortal, pardonable, and sins of omission. Mortal sins corrupt the love for God or neighbor, making one an enemy of God, while pardonable sins do not have this effect. Sins of omission are neglecting to do good works or thoughts, which are also considered sins. St. Nikodemos emphasizes the need to guide sinners away from despair, as every sin can be forgiven through repentance and God's mercy.
Epistle 362
By George Fox0Christian LibertyServing OthersACT 6:9ROM 8:211CO 8:91CO 10:29GAL 2:4GAL 5:1GAL 5:131PE 2:162PE 2:192PE 2:22George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the liberty granted by Christ, urging believers to use their freedom not for selfish desires but to serve one another in love. He warns against the dangers of false liberty that leads to corruption and encourages the faithful to be vigilant against those who would seek to undermine their freedom in Christ. Fox highlights the apostolic teachings that call for a careful and responsible exercise of this liberty, ensuring it does not become a stumbling block for others. Ultimately, he calls for a life lived in the heavenly order of Christ, filled with His spirit and power, for the glory of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
While they promise them liberty - Either to live in the highest degrees of spiritual good, or a freedom from the Roman yoke; or from the yoke of the law, or what they might term needless restraints. Their own conduct showed the falsity of their system; for they were slaves to every disgraceful lust. For of whom a man is overcome - This is an allusion to the ancient custom of selling for slaves those whom they had conquered and captivated in war. The ancient law was, that a man might either kill him whom he overcame in battle, or keep him for a slave. These were called servi, slaves, from the verb servare, to keep or preserve. And they were also called mancipia, from manu capiuntur, they are taken captive by the hand of their enemy. Thus the person who is overcome by his lusts is represented as being the slave of those lusts. See Rom 6:16, and the note there.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
promise . . . liberty--(Christian)--These promises are instances of their "great swelling words" (Pe2 2:18). The liberty which they propose is such as fears not Satan, nor loathes the flesh. Pauline language, adopted by Peter here, and Pe1 2:16; see on Pe1 2:16; (compare Pe2 3:15; Rom 6:16-22; Rom 8:15, Rom 8:21; Gal 5:1, Gal 5:13; compare Joh 8:34). corruption--(See on Pe2 2:12); "destroyed . . . perish . . . corruption." of whom--"by whatever . . . by the same," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
While they promise them liberty,.... Not Christian liberty, which lies in a freedom from sin, its dominion, guilt, and condemnation, and in serving God with liberty, cheerfulness, and without fear; but a sinful carnal liberty, a liberty from the law of God, from obedience to it as a rule of walk and conversation, and from the laws of men, from subjection to the civil magistrate, and from servitude to masters, and obedience to parents; a liberty to lay aside and neglect the ordinances of the Gospel at pleasure, and to live in all manner of sin and wickedness; a liberty which is contrary to the nature, will, and work of Christ, to his Spirit, and to the principle of grace in the heart, and to the Gospel, and to the conduct and conversation of real saints. Now this was the snare by which the false teachers beguiled unstable souls; liberty being what is greatly desirable to men, and is suited to their carnal lusts and interests: but a vain promise was this, when they themselves are the servants of corruption; of sin, which has corrupted all mankind in soul and body; and particularly the lust of uncleanness, which these men walked in, and by which they not only corrupted themselves, but the good manners of others also; and which tended and led them both to ruin and destruction, signified by the pit of corruption: and yet these very preachers, that promised liberty to others, were the servants of sin; they were under the power and government of sin. They were not only born so, and were homeborn slaves to sin, but they sold themselves to work wickedness; voluntarily and with delight, they served divers lusts and pleasures, and were slaves and drudges thereunto; as likewise to Satan, whose lusts they would do, and by whom they were led captive; so that their condition was mean, base, and deplorable, and therefore could never make good their promise, or give that which they had not themselves: and which is confirmed by the following reasoning, for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage: as this is a certain point in war, that when one man is conquered by another, he is no longer a free man, but the other's prisoner and captive, and is in a state of servitude and bondage; so it is when a man is overcome by sin, which must be understood not of a partial victory or conquest, for a good man may be surprised by sin, and overtaken in a fault, and be overcome and carried captive by it for a time, as was the apostle, see Rom 7:23; and yet not be a servant of corruption, or properly in a state of bondage to it; but this is to be understood of a total and complete victory, when a man is wholly under the dominion of sin, it reigns in his mortal body, and he obeys it in the lusts of it, and yields his members instruments of unrighteousness; such a man is neither a free man himself, nor can he much less promise and give liberty to others.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:19 One of the great lures of false teaching through the centuries has been the promise of freedom from authority, but such freedom is illusory (Rom 6:16). The false teachers, while reveling in their freedom from authority (see 2 Pet 2:10), were in fact slaves to sin and corruption.