2 Peter 2:9
Verse
Context
Deliverance from False Prophets
8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—9if all 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.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly - The preservation and deliverance of Lot gave the apostle occasion to remark, that God knew as well to save as to destroy; and that his goodness led him as forcibly to save righteous Lot, as his justice did to destroy the rebellious in the instances already adduced. And the design of the apostle in producing these examples is to show to the people to whom he was writing that, although God would destroy those false teachers, yet he would powerfully save his faithful servants from their contagion and from their destruction. We should carefully observe, 1. That the godly man is not to be preserved from temptation. 2. That he will be preserved in temptation. 3. That he will be delivered out of it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
knoweth how--He is at no loss for means, even when men see no escape. out of--not actually from. temptations--trials. to be punished--Greek, "being punished": as the fallen angels (Pe2 2:4), actually under sentence, and awaiting its final execution. Sin is already its own penalty; hell will be its full development.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That "fear him", as the Syriac version renders it; or that "rightly worship", as the Arabic; such as Noah and Lot, men that know God in Christ spiritually and experimentally; that believe in him, love him, fear him, worship him in spirit and truth, and live soberly, righteously, and godly. This verse is a conclusion from the preceding instances and examples, respecting both the mercy and justice of God; the mercy of God in delivering the godly and righteous "out of temptations"; by which are meant, not the temptations of Satan to sin, distrust, and despondency, though the Lord knows how, and is both able and willing to, and does deliver them from them; but afflictions and tribulations, such as Noah and Lot were exposed to; and which are so called, because they try the graces, particularly the faith and patience of the godly; and to deliver from these is the Lord's work: he grants his presence in them; he supports under them; he sanctifies them to them, and in his own time delivers out of them; for he knows how, and by what means, and when to do it, and is both able and willing: he has determined to do it, for the nature, measure, and duration of afflictions are fixed by him, and in his providence he does do it, as the instances before given prove. And to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. This is that part of the conclusion from the above premises, respecting the justice of God; and by "the unjust" are designed, persons without a righteousness, and that are full of all unrighteousness, and take pleasure in it, and live unrighteous lives, committing acts of injustice, both with respect to God and men; and the Lord, that has reserved the fallen angels in chains of darkness unto judgment, knows how to reserve "in prison", as the Arabic version renders it, the souls of those in hell, and their bodies in the grave "unto the day of judgment"; of the last and general judgment, when Christ shall judge both quick and dead, and bring every secret thing to light, which that day shall declare, God has appointed to judge the world in; in order "to be punished" in soul and body, with everlasting and complete destruction, which, as yet, is not. This phrase, "the day of judgment", is used in Judith and is a Jewish one. "Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred! the Lord Almighty will take vengeance of them in the day of judgment, in putting fire and worms in their flesh; and they shall feel them, and weep for ever.'' (Judith 16:17)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:9 the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials: As illustrated by Noah’s family (2:5) and Lot (2:7), the Lord is faithful to his own people. Peter’s readers needed assurance that their struggles to live godly lives in the face of false teaching and the world’s scorn would be rewarded.
2 Peter 2:9
Deliverance from False Prophets
8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—9if all 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You - Part 1
By David Wilkerson2.2K40:01PSA 34:4ISA 41:10JER 29:12MAT 11:28MRK 9:24HEB 11:12PE 2:9This sermon emphasizes the theme of deliverance, drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the assurance that God hears the cries of His people and delivers them from all troubles. It highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and trusting in God's promises for deliverance in the midst of trials and battles.
The Lord's Knowledge, Our Safeguard
By C.H. Spurgeon2.2K41:12GEN 19:17ACT 12:6ACT 12:212PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on faith rather than relying on what we can see with our physical eyes. He shares personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed by tasks that seemed impossible, but realizing that he could not accomplish them in his own strength. The preacher encourages the audience to search their hearts and examine their relationship with God, reminding them that even the strongest believers have faced doubts and fears. He concludes with the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison, highlighting God's ability to deliver His people from temptation and urging the listeners to remain faithful even in the face of adversity.
Obey Your Leaders
By Tim Conway69252:26PRO 5:11ROM 13:1EPH 5:22EPH 6:1COL 2:8HEB 12:1HEB 13:171PE 5:52PE 2:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of obeying and submitting to church leaders, highlighting the responsibility and accountability leaders have in watching over souls. It addresses the challenges of anti-authoritarianism, pride, democratic mindsets, internet influences, church hopping, and defiance against authority. The sermon stresses the need to be persuaded by the teaching of leaders focused on Christ to prevent drifting away from the faith and to ultimately make it to the end.
Our Daily Homily - 2 Peter
By F.B. Meyer0Eternal RewardGod's TimelessnessPSA 90:4ISA 40:28MAT 25:21LUK 16:92CO 5:10HEB 11:62PE 1:52PE 1:112PE 2:92PE 3:8F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of entering the eternal kingdom with an abundant and choral welcome, contrasting two types of entrances: one weary and unrecognized, and the other celebrated and joyful. He encourages believers to cultivate Christian graces diligently, as these will lead to a glorious reception in heaven, akin to a Roman conqueror's triumphant return. Meyer illustrates God's protective presence through a story of a pastor who was spared from harm by divine intervention, highlighting that God knows how to deliver the godly. He also reflects on God's timeless nature, reminding us that what seems long to us is but a moment to Him, urging faith in His ability to accomplish great things swiftly.
The Hallway to the Saints' Rest
By Richard Baxter0MAT 8:27MAT 25:23ROM 8:11CO 6:21CO 15:521TH 4:161TI 6:152PE 2:9REV 1:6REV 6:16Richard Baxter preaches about the pathway to Paradise, emphasizing the removal of barriers by Christ to enter Heaven. He discusses the significance of the Second Coming of Christ, the Resurrection of the Body, the Judgment, and the Coronation as key events leading to Paradise. Baxter highlights the assurance of triumph for believers, the resurrection of the body, the solemnity of judgment, and the royal coronation awaiting the faithful.
The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
By David Wilkerson0God's FaithfulnessFaith Testing1CO 10:131PE 1:62PE 2:9David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of faith being tested, as articulated in 1 Peter 1:7, where trials are seen as precious opportunities for growth and strength in believers. He explains that God allows these tests not for His glory but for the results they yield in our faith, encouraging us to trust in His power during adversities. Wilkerson draws parallels to the Israelites at the Red Sea, highlighting God's desire for His people to recognize their helplessness and remember His past deliverances. Ultimately, he reassures that God is faithful and will provide a way through every trial we face, urging believers to rejoice in His promises.
Surely He Shall Deliver Thee From the Snare of the Fowler
By C.H. Spurgeon0Mercy and RestorationGod's DeliverancePSA 30:5PSA 34:19PSA 91:3ISA 43:2JER 3:22LUK 15:20ROM 8:381CO 10:13JAS 4:72PE 2:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes God's dual deliverance from the snares of the fowler, illustrating that He protects His people from entering traps and also rescues them if they fall into them. He explains that troubles can serve as God's means of delivering us from greater evils, and that spiritual strength helps believers resist temptation. Spurgeon reassures backsliders that despite their struggles, God offers mercy and the promise of restoration. He encourages those who feel trapped to remember that God will bring them out of their troubles and restore their joy. Ultimately, no believer is beyond the reach of God's grace and deliverance.
2 Peter 2:9
By John Gill0God's DeliveranceJustice and MercyPSA 34:19ISA 41:10MAT 25:46JHN 16:33ROM 8:281CO 10:13HEB 10:301PE 5:102PE 2:9REV 20:12John Gill emphasizes that the Lord knows how to deliver the godly from their afflictions and tribulations, just as He did for Noah and Lot. He reassures believers that God is both able and willing to support them through trials, ultimately delivering them in His perfect timing. Conversely, Gill warns of God's justice in reserving the unjust for punishment on the day of judgment, highlighting the distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous. This sermon serves as a reminder of God's mercy towards the faithful and the inevitable justice awaiting those who live unrighteously.
Principles of Interpretation
By Sir Robert Anderson0PSA 22:16ISA 53:8JOL 2:28ZEC 9:9MAT 11:14ACT 1:7ROM 5:212PE 2:9REV 6:12Sir Robert Anderson emphasizes the importance of interpreting prophecies with wisdom, sobriety, and reverence, as Lord Bacon advised, to avoid division and misinterpretation. He warns against setting specific dates for Christ's return, as it is a matter of faith and not for us to know the times. Anderson urges for a calm and thoughtful approach to prophetic study, avoiding extravagant views and focusing on the principles of interpretation gained from Scripture. He highlights the danger of loose and superficial reading of prophecies, especially in relation to the Antichrist and the Papacy.
Testing: Surrounded by Enemies
By David Wilkerson0Thanksgiving in AdversityFaith in TrialsEXO 14:11CO 10:13JAS 1:22PE 2:9David Wilkerson emphasizes that God does not intend for His children to remain in trials but desires to deliver them through testing. He illustrates this with the story of Israel at the Red Sea, where God placed them in a seemingly impossible situation to reveal their helplessness and reliance on Him. Wilkerson encourages believers to respond to trials with a sacrifice of thanksgiving, as demonstrated by James, who urges us to count it all joy in the face of adversity. The essence of the message is that our reactions in crises shape our relationship with God and our spiritual growth. Ultimately, God provides a way of escape through our faithfulness in testing times.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly - The preservation and deliverance of Lot gave the apostle occasion to remark, that God knew as well to save as to destroy; and that his goodness led him as forcibly to save righteous Lot, as his justice did to destroy the rebellious in the instances already adduced. And the design of the apostle in producing these examples is to show to the people to whom he was writing that, although God would destroy those false teachers, yet he would powerfully save his faithful servants from their contagion and from their destruction. We should carefully observe, 1. That the godly man is not to be preserved from temptation. 2. That he will be preserved in temptation. 3. That he will be delivered out of it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
knoweth how--He is at no loss for means, even when men see no escape. out of--not actually from. temptations--trials. to be punished--Greek, "being punished": as the fallen angels (Pe2 2:4), actually under sentence, and awaiting its final execution. Sin is already its own penalty; hell will be its full development.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That "fear him", as the Syriac version renders it; or that "rightly worship", as the Arabic; such as Noah and Lot, men that know God in Christ spiritually and experimentally; that believe in him, love him, fear him, worship him in spirit and truth, and live soberly, righteously, and godly. This verse is a conclusion from the preceding instances and examples, respecting both the mercy and justice of God; the mercy of God in delivering the godly and righteous "out of temptations"; by which are meant, not the temptations of Satan to sin, distrust, and despondency, though the Lord knows how, and is both able and willing to, and does deliver them from them; but afflictions and tribulations, such as Noah and Lot were exposed to; and which are so called, because they try the graces, particularly the faith and patience of the godly; and to deliver from these is the Lord's work: he grants his presence in them; he supports under them; he sanctifies them to them, and in his own time delivers out of them; for he knows how, and by what means, and when to do it, and is both able and willing: he has determined to do it, for the nature, measure, and duration of afflictions are fixed by him, and in his providence he does do it, as the instances before given prove. And to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. This is that part of the conclusion from the above premises, respecting the justice of God; and by "the unjust" are designed, persons without a righteousness, and that are full of all unrighteousness, and take pleasure in it, and live unrighteous lives, committing acts of injustice, both with respect to God and men; and the Lord, that has reserved the fallen angels in chains of darkness unto judgment, knows how to reserve "in prison", as the Arabic version renders it, the souls of those in hell, and their bodies in the grave "unto the day of judgment"; of the last and general judgment, when Christ shall judge both quick and dead, and bring every secret thing to light, which that day shall declare, God has appointed to judge the world in; in order "to be punished" in soul and body, with everlasting and complete destruction, which, as yet, is not. This phrase, "the day of judgment", is used in Judith and is a Jewish one. "Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred! the Lord Almighty will take vengeance of them in the day of judgment, in putting fire and worms in their flesh; and they shall feel them, and weep for ever.'' (Judith 16:17)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:9 the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials: As illustrated by Noah’s family (2:5) and Lot (2:7), the Lord is faithful to his own people. Peter’s readers needed assurance that their struggles to live godly lives in the face of false teaching and the world’s scorn would be rewarded.