2 Peter 2

Hendriksen

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-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 38 2 8 0 0 2. False Teachers) (2:1 22)) ) Outline) 2:1 22 IV. False Teachers ) 2:1 A. Destructive Heresies ) 2:2 3 B. Shameful Ways ) 2:4 10a C. Condemnation ) 2:4 1.

Angels ) 2:5 2. Flood ) 2:6 8 3. Cities ) 2:9 10a 4. Sin ) 2:10b 16 D. Flagrant Misconduct ) 2:10b 11 1. Slander ) 2:12 2.

Blasphemy ) 2:13 14 3. Adultery ) 2:15 16 4. Wickedness ) 2:17 22 E. Inevitable Doom ) 2:17 19 1. Description ) 2:20 22 2. Doctrine ) ) ) ) IV.

False Teachers) 2:1 22) 2 1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.) 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 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) 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.) Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.) 13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey a beast without speech who spoke with a man s voice and restrained the prophet s madness.) 17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.

Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: A dog returns to its vomit, and, A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud. ) ) A. Destructive Heresies) 2:1) The topic Peter discusses in this chapter appears to be opposite from the theme he develops in the previous chapter. In chapter 1, Peter hints at the pernicious influence of false teachers when he assures the readers that the apostles had not followed cleverly invented stories (v. 16). He implies that these stories, perpetrated by teachers who opposed Christ, were circulating within the broader Christian community.) When we consider the false teachings that the early church faced, we can understand Peter s desire to encourage the believers to be strong in their spiritual lives. Peter provides all the necessary ammunition for the Christians so that they may successfully oppose the false teachers and defeat their purposes. He alerts the Christians to the war they must fight and equips them with spiritual armor to resist and dispel the anti-Christian forces.) For Peter, the time has come to depict these enemies of Jesus Christ.

In the first three verses of this chapter he portrays the objectives of these false teachers (v. 1), shows the intended result of their activities (vv. 2 3a), and mentions their impending condemnation and destruction (v. 3b).) 1a. But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.) Peter marks the contrast between chapters 1 and 2 with the word but. He introduces a new subject that is familiar to anyone who knows the history of Israel. By mentioning the term false prophets, Peter is able to call to mind the spiritual struggle in which Israel was engaged in earlier years. While true prophets conveyed God s Word to the people of Israel (see 1:19), false prophets introduced their own inventions. Here are a few instances in which God reveals his opposition to false prophets:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.13.5|AUTODETECT|”

He instructs the people of Israel to put to death a prophet who preaches rebellion against the Lord God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.13.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 13:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also see 18:20).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.14|AUTODETECT|”
He compares the false prophets to Sodom because they commit adultery and live a lie 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.14|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also see 6:13).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.22.28|AUTODETECT|”
Among the people upon whom God pours out his wrath are the prophets who utter false visions and lying divinations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.22.28|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 22:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 These prophets were false for two reasons: because of their message and their claim to the prophetic office. God condemned them for the lie they taught and lived. Furthermore, they were residing among God s people with the purpose of leading them astray.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.4-40.24.5|AUTODETECT|” Just as there were false prophets in Israel, Peter writes, so there will be false teachers among you. Notice that he uses the future tense to warn the people about the coming of false teachers. He is aware of their presence and knows that others will come. He is saying that the believers in the Christian era can expect just as many false teachers as God s people encountered in Old Testament times. Peter repeats the warning Jesus gave in the discourse on the signs of the time: Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, I am the Christ, and will deceive many 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.4-40.24.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:4 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This is an apostolic warning; Paul, John, and Jude also utter this same warning.��1��) 1 3 2 8 0 0 1b. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them bringing swift destruction on themselves.) Mark the following questions:) a. What is the objective of these teachers? Peter uncovers their practices and motives when he reveals that these false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies. Furtively and unlawfully, they enter the Christian community to disseminate their heresies.��2�� In the parallel account, Jude has virtually the same wording: Certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you (v. 4).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.5|AUTODETECT|” b. What are heresies? The word heresies derives from the Greek verb which signifies to take something for one s self, to choose, or to prefer. It refers to a chosen course of thought or action that an individual takes or that a group of people adopts as an article of faith or way of life. The inevitable result is the act of separation which gives the term heresy an unfavorable connotation. Thus, the Pharisees separated themselves from the Jewish people, and the Christians were known as a sect 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.5|AUTODETECT|” Acts 24:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|”

1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.22|AUTODETECT|” 28:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ). In the early church, Paul instructs Titus to warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.15-40.18.17|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.15-40.18.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:15 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.10|AUTODETECT|” II John 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��3��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. What is the result? Peter leaves no doubt that he uses the term heresy in a negative sense, for he says that false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies. The literal reading is, heresies of [for] destruction. The false teachers, then, slyly entered the Christian community with doctrines designed to destroy the spiritual and moral lives of the Christians. The term destruction occurs twice in the last part of this verse. Peter writes that these teachers, because of their anti-Christian activities, bring swift destruction on themselves. By furtively entering the church for the purpose of destroying its members with false doctrines, these teachers destroy themselves. Indeed, they are on a suicidal mission.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.29|AUTODETECT|” d. Were the false teachers former members of the church? The answer to the question must be affirmative. Peter writes that these teachers are even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them. Note that Peter emphatically adds the word even. In addition to subverting the believers, these teachers continue to say that they have nothing to do with the sovereign Lord, who bought them. The expression sovereign Lord applies equally to God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.29|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ) and Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Jude 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” ). To Jesus has been given all authority and power in heaven and on earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ). In the Greek, the word is despots, from which we have the derivative despot. It is closely connected with the verb to buy. In the New Testament, this Greek verb occurs twenty-five times in a commercial setting, but on five other occasions it describes the buying of Christians. This clearly reflects the contemporary terminology of the slave-market 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.23|AUTODETECT|” 7:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.1|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.3|AUTODETECT|” 14:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 [redeemed]).��4�� With his blood Christ has bought his people that they may do his will. But these false teachers who refuse to obey him demonstrate the height of insolence toward the sovereign Lord.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.29|AUTODETECT|” Just as a master has bought slaves from whom he expects obedience, so Jesus as sovereign Lord has bought his servants and demands obedience. But instead of obeying Jesus, these servants continue to reject him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.29|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They are apostate Christians who have disowned their Master. ��5�� In due time, therefore, Jesus will swiftly destroy them.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 ) Doctrinal Considerations in 2:1) The clause who bought them presents difficulties for the interpreter. Can those whom Christ has redeemed ever be lost? Did the false teachers lose their salvation? Some commentators assert that Christ bought them at the tremendous price of his blood to be his own forever. ��6�� But the fact that the teachers faced swift destruction contradicts this interpretation.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” Commenting on this clause, Henry Alford confidently states, No assertion of universal redemption can be plainer than this. ��7�� But if Jesus had given these teachers eternal life, they would never have fallen away. Scripture clearly teaches that those people to whom Jesus has given eternal life shall never perish 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” John 10:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29-45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29-45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:29 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32-45.8.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32-45.8.35|AUTODETECT|” 32 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3-49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3-49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” Although Christ s death was sufficient to redeem the whole world, its efficiency comes to light only in God s chosen people. Were the false teachers recipients of God s saving grace? Apparently not, for they repudiated Christ. If we look at the words denying the sovereign Lord who bought them in the light of the broader context, we discover a clue. We notice that at one time these false teachers professed the name of Christ, for they said that they knew him and the way of righteousness (2:20 21). They made it known that Jesus had bought them, but they eventually rejected Christ and left the Christian community. As John writes, They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:4 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.26-58.10.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.26-58.10.29|AUTODETECT|” 10:26 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Hence, their denial of Christ showed that they were not redeemed.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 B. Shameful Ways) 2:2 3) Peter reveals to what conditions adherence to false teaching leads. He presents a graphic description of the lot of gullible Christians who follow false teachers. He shows that their example serves as a grim warning.) 2. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.15|AUTODETECT|” The effect of this infiltration into the Christian community is detrimental, for many will follow these false teachers. In spite of apostolic teaching and admonition, numerous Christians are ready to listen to cleverly invented stories (1:16). Jesus pointedly warns, Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Unfortunately, however, many Christians will eagerly adopt the teachings and the lifestyle of these heretics (observe that the same verb occurs in 1:16). Instead of shunning their evil practices, gullible Christians follow their shameful ways. ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 What are these shameful ways? In the Greek, Peter uses the expression again when he describes the sexually immoral residents of Sodom and Gomorrah. He writes, [God] rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (v. 7, italics added). The words in italics are a translation of that same Greek term. Accordingly, we understand the term to mean sexual excesses and extremes.) Teaching and conduct go together. What the false teachers taught, they also practiced, with the inevitable result that Christians who followed them brought the Christian way of life into disrepute.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.30|AUTODETECT|” A Christian lives in a glass house, so to speak, because unbelieving neighbors are always observing the Christian s conduct. By accepting false doctrine and falling into immorality, these Christians were bringing shame upon the way of truth. Mark that Peter borrows the expression way of truth from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.30|AUTODETECT|” Psalms 119:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” . Also, he has a fondness for using the term way: the way of truth (v. 2), the straight way (v. 15), the way of righteousness (v. 21). These phrases are synonymous and reflect the idiom the Way that designates Christianity in its early stages 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” 19:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|” 24:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In his first epistle, Peter tells the believers to live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God (2:12; and see 3:16; 4:15). Christianity is not merely a way of life. Christianity is guided by the truth of the gospel. True doctrine must issue in true living. ��8��) 1 3 2 8 0 0

In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.) Observe two points:) a. Purpose) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” What is the motive of these false teachers? Peter s answer is brief: greed. They are interested in money that Christians have. When they achieve their purpose, they discover that greed impels them to get more. Greed spawns greed. The false teachers, Peter says, are experts in greed (v. 14). In his epistles, Paul warns against this sin. He identifies greed with idolatry 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29|AUTODETECT|” ). People who have fallen into the sin of greed exclude themselves from the kingdom of God, for they have severed the bond between God and the creature 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.10|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They worship money instead of God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.17|AUTODETECT|” The false teachers, Peter warns his readers, will exploit you with stories they have made up. They enter the Christian community with fabricated stories that unsuspicious believers accept as gospel. Paul also is acquainted with such unscrupulous peddlers who are interested in not the souls but the possessions of the people. He writes, Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 2:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Peter employs the word exploit to portray the activities of these teachers. This is a term borrowed from the marketplace, where the merchant is interested in making a profit. The unwary buyer becomes an object of exploitation. Notice that Peter writes the personal pronoun you to tell the believers about the perfidious scheme of these peddlers.) b. Punishment) What is the destiny of these false teachers? God is in control of every situation and he has assigned them to doom and destruction. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. Peter s statement appears as typical Hebrew parallelism. The second clause supports the first one, for the nouns and verbs of these clauses correspond.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” God pronounced a verdict upon these people long ago 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Jude 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). What is the significance of the term long ago? Peter explains this term in the succeeding context where he describes the destiny of fallen angels, the destruction of ungodly people in the days of the flood, and the condemnation of Sodom and Gomorrah (vv. 4 9). In short, the phrase points to similar incidents in the past.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 The words Peter adopts are derived from the courtroom. God is the Judge who hands down the verdict. The verdict that God has rendered is ultimate destruction of the guilty party. Already Peter has stated that this destruction will be swift (v. 1; and see 3:7). These teachers who have received God s verdict are like prisoners on death row; their condemnation is hanging over them. Literally the Greek says, Their judgment has not been idle (NKJV).

Peter personifies the word destruction by describing it as not sleeping. Judgment and destruction are two forces that are at work and awake to fulfill their mandate in obedience to God. God will not permit these wicked men to escape their punishment.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:3) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.13|AUTODETECT|” �� the adjective in the dative case (dative of means) describes the words that are spoken. It derives from the verb �� 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.13|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and connotes fabrication or pretense.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.13|AUTODETECT|” �� this compound verb signifies to travel for business 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.13|AUTODETECT|” James 4:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) or to trade for profit (transitive). It occurs twice in the New Testament.��9�� Here the direct object of the verb is the unassuming Christian.) 1 10 2 8 0 0 �� from the verb �� (I judge), this noun with the -�� ending denotes the result of the process of judging, that is, the verdict.) C. Condemnation) 2:4 10a) 1. Angels) 2:4) Peter provides three illustrations from the past to show that God judges those who oppose him and protects those who love him. The first example concerns the fallen angels (v. 4), the second is a portrayal of the flood (v. 5), and the third refers to the doom of Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 6). Here is the first illustration:) 4. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment.) This is the beginning of one lengthy sentence that introduces the repetitive first parts of a condition.

The recurring if clause in verses 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 (in the NIV) finally has its conclusion in verse 9. In this lengthy discourse, Peter presents examples from history.) a. For if God did not spare angels. Peter reminds the readers that the example he gives is based on historical fact, which he uses to prove his point. He writes, If God did not spare angels. This clause is not so much a condition as a statement of fact, because the punishment of angels has actually taken place.) Peter chooses his first illustration from the angelic world in which the angels are next to God and surround his throne.

But numerous angels sinned against God and no longer appear before him. When did the angels fall into sin? Scripture provides little information. The Bible is God s revelation about the creation, fall, and redemption of man but not about angels. The angelic world is mentioned only tangentially in Scripture.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.2|AUTODETECT|” God s Word teaches us that many of the angels rebelled against God, yet we do not know the nature of their sin. Therefore, we ought not to speculate and say that angels sinned when they, the sons of God, married the daughters of men 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.30|AUTODETECT|” ). Angels are spiritual beings without physical bodies and are incapable of procreation. In fact, Jesus explains that at the resurrection, people, like the angels in heaven, will neither marry nor be given in marriage 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 b. When they sinned, but sent them to hell. Peter states only that angels sinned but omits the details of their sin. These details are not important for his discussion. We infer that the angels who followed Satan fell into sin before Satan tempted Adam and Eve in Paradise. We have no information on God s decision to put some of them into gloomy dungeons while others were permitted to afflict mankind.

In his first epistle Peter writes about the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago (3:19 20). And in Jude s parallel account, the writer says that these angels did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home (v. 6).) God sent the fallen angels to hell, Peter writes. He borrows the word hell from Greek mythology, which designated a place called Tartarus an abode for the wicked. Peter uses this term not to teach or approve of Greek mythology but to speak the language of his readers. They understood the term to describe that part of hell where the worst offenders were kept. Just as Paul could quote an apt verse of the pagan poet Aratus (Acts xvii. 28), so could Peter make use of this Homeric imagery. ��10�� Within the Christian community, the term Tartarus was not unfamiliar, as is evident from Jewish-Greek literature in the first century.) c.

Putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment. Because of a variant reading in the Greek, another translation has these words: delivered them into chains of darkness (NKJV).��11�� That is, due to the variation of one letter in the Greek word in question, one translation has the term dungeons and the other chains. Scholars are unable to decide their translation on the basis of manuscript evidence, for both readings have equal support. However, in view of the context that features the term hell, most translators favor the reading dungeons. On the other hand, in apocryphal literature we encounter this text: For with one chain of darkness they all were bound (Wis. 17:17, RSV). Indeed, the choice is difficult.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” The evil angels remain in hell awaiting the judgment of God. This does not mean that on the day of judgment they will be set free. Certainly not! The evidence is being gathered so that when God pronounces the verdict on that fearful day, they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 13 2 8 0 0 By implication, the conclusion to this verse results in an argument from the greater to the lesser. If God did not spare the angels who beheld his glory in heaven but cast them into hell, will he not punish teachers who are bent on leading his people astray? To ask the question is to answer it.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:4) �0 the introductory particle of the simple-fact condition stands at the head of one lengthy sentence (vv. 4 10) that forms the protasis. The apodosis appears in verse 9.) ��x� �� these two nouns stand next to each other to express contrast. The aorist active participle �� (from ��, I sin) denotes single action in the past and states the cause for God s anger toward the evil angels.) �� this is the aorist active participle from the verb �� (I hold captive in Tartarus).) 2. Flood) 2:5) Of the three examples Peter gives to support his claim that the false teachers face doom and destruction, the first one relates to the fallen angels.

Whereas the first example reveals only God s wrath and eventual judgment for these angels, the second illustration reveals both divine wrath and divine protectiveness. God destroys the ungodly world with the flood but protects Noah and his family.) 5. If he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others.) Note the following points:) (a) Ancient world) In both his epistles, Peter uses the theme of the flood to depict the disobedience of the ungodly and the salvation of the righteous. In his first epistle he writes, The spirits in prison & disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water (3:19 20). He refers to the evil spirits who successfully led the entire ancient world into disobedience, except for Noah and the seven members of his family.

Once again he mentions the ancient world and the destructive power of the flood when he says in his second epistle, By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed (3:6).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.37-40.24.39|AUTODETECT|” Who were these ungodly people of the ancient world? In Genesis we read that every inclination of the thoughts of [man s] heart was only evil all the time (6:5), and the earth was corrupt and full of violence (vv. 11 12). In many respects, we see a parallel to modern times in which news reporters daily feature the sad accounts of crime and corruption in our society. They remind us that we are living in an increasingly violent world and even predict that the human race will destroy itself someday. Jesus compares the days that precede his return to the time when Noah was building the ark 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.37-40.24.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:37 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 (b) Flood) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.5-1.8.19|AUTODETECT|” Scripture reminds us that the flood was God s judgment upon the ungodly world in the time of Noah. God destroyed the human race and the animals, except for the eight persons and the pairs of animals he protected in the ark. Whether the flood was universal or local is not relevant at this point. Of importance is that God pronounced judgment upon the ungodly world and destroyed it with the waters of the flood 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.5-1.8.19|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:5 8:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 (c) Noah) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Peter calls Noah a preacher of righteousness. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews confirms this observation. He says that when Noah built an ark to save his family, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The construction of a boat on dry ground afforded numerous opportunities to preach righteousness to the wicked inhabitants of the world. For 120 years Noah built the ark and exhorted the people to repent. Yet no one accepted his teaching, for everyone perished.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 In addition to his emphasis on the destruction of the world, Peter stresses the protection of Noah and his family. Of those whom God spared from the raging flood, Noah was the eighth, as the Greek text literally indicates. Translators convey the meaning of this phrase by saying that God protected Noah and seven others. The seven included Noah s wife, three sons, and their wives. God spared their lives because they were righteous in his sight. These eight people continued the human race.) If God did not spare the ancient world in the days of Noah, how much less can he be expected to spare the false teachers in Peter s day?

Yet as God protected believing Noah and his household, so he will spare believers who remain true to the teaching of Scripture. In other words, Peter s message is designed to exhort and encourage the readers of his epistle.) 3. Cities) 2:6 8) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.24-1.19.29|AUTODETECT|” The third example that Peter cites depicts the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.24-1.19.29|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:24 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.26|AUTODETECT|” ). From the devastation of the flood, he turns to the burning of two cities. And as eight people were saved from the deluge, so only three escaped the burning salt and sulfur that rained down upon the cities in the plain of the Jordan. Even Lot s wife turned into a pillar of salt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.26|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Only Lot and his two daughters survived.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 6. If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.) (a) Places) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.14.2|AUTODETECT|” Peter mentions only the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as representative places. The other cities were Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela, also known as Zoar 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.14.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 14:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.10|AUTODETECT|” ). When Lot chose to dwell near Sodom, the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 13:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.4-1.19.5|AUTODETECT|” ). Even in those days Sodom and Gomorrah were chief cities known for the wickedness and especially for the homosexuality of their inhabitants 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.4-1.19.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:4 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.24|AUTODETECT|” ). The sin of these people was so grievous that God determined to destroy the entire plain of the Jordan. By means of natural causes he permanently devastated this area. In all likelihood since volcanic eruption is geologically improbable it was an earthquake accompanied by the explosive ejection of gas, bitumen and rock salt that wrought destruction to Sodom and Gomorrah. ��12�� God destroyed all living beings in the plain of Jordan with burning sulphur 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 (b) Example) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.23|AUTODETECT|” Jewish people were thoroughly familiar with the history of Sodom and Gomorrah. Through his prophets, God reminded them of the sin, condemnation, and destruction of these city dwellers. For example, Moses refers to the fierce anger of the Lord that caused the total devastation of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.23|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.15|AUTODETECT|” ). He uses this calamity as an example of what God will do to the Israelites if they disobey the Lord. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, and Amos also cite the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of God s anger against sin.��13�� Even Jesus compares the destiny of these two cities to the doom that awaits the unbeliever 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.23-40.11.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.23-40.11.24|AUTODETECT|” 11:23 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.29|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 In his parallel account, Jude specifies the sin of these condemned cities. He writes, In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire (v. 7).) 7. And if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 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).) (a) Rescued) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.16|AUTODETECT|” The second illustration of the flood is paralleled by the third illustration of the cities. Both examples contrast the destruction of the wicked with the rescue of the righteous. In the third example, Lot is the counterpart of Noah. However, the difference between Noah and Lot is that God protected the one and rescued the other. This difference in wording is not merely stylistic. Rather, Peter accurately describes the historical circumstances of Lot s life in Sodom. Lot hesitated to leave the city. Indeed, the angels had to grasp his hand and the hands of his wife and daughters to lead them to safety 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Through his angels, God literally rescued Lot and his daughters. But Lot s wife perished when she disobediently looked back at the burning of Sodom.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 (b) Righteous) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.5|AUTODETECT|” Notice that both Noah and Lot are described as righteous men, even though the life of Lot (portrayed in Genesis) is not commendable. When the Sodomites surrounded Lot s house and demanded that he deliver his two guests to them, so that we can have sex with them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.30-1.19.38|AUTODETECT|” ), Lot offered his two virgin daughters to these lecherous men. His reasoning seems to have been that it would be better that they satisfy their uncontrollable sexual cravings through natural acts than by grossly unnatural excess. ��14�� We cannot excuse Lot s reasoning and conclude that he was morally weak. Moreover, Lot s drunken stupor which brought the sin of incest into his own family put a permanent stain on his personal morality 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.30-1.19.38|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:30 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.32|AUTODETECT|” Abraham, however, considered Lot a righteous man, because he pleaded with God not to destroy the cities if there were only ten righteous people living there 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.32|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.28|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus mentions Lot in his discourse on the the end of time 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.28|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And in apocryphal literature Lot is called a righteous man (Wis. 10:6; 19:17). Observe that Peter emphatically describes Lot three times with the adjective righteous:) 1 4 2 8 0 0 ) A righteous man (v. 7);) That righteous man (v. 8a);) His righteous soul (v. 8b).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.16|AUTODETECT|” We should understand Lot s righteousness against the background of God s mercy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In his mercy God rescued Lot, and he also knows how to rescue us from trials (v. 9). Peter portrays Lot as a man whose righteous soul was distressed by the immoral practices of the Sodomites. As a believer, Lot objected to the sins of the people among whom he lived day after day, for he was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard. Lot and his family were not swallowed up by the tide of immorality that had swept through the cities of the plain. Like Noah and his household in earlier days, so Lot and his family withstood the onslaught of sin. In brief, Lot s soul was not numbed by the lawless deeds that he saw daily.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 (c) Tormented) We should not take this word, which in the Greek is in the imperfect tense to indicate continuous action in the past, too lightly. In this verse the word connotes Lot s state of mind; the lawless deeds of the Sodomites affected Lot s soul.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.10-1.13.11|AUTODETECT|” If we assume that Lot preached to his fellow citizens, even though he is not known as a preacher of righteousness (v. 5), we place him next to Noah. However, Lot chose to live in Jordan s fertile valley not for evangelistic reasons but because of economic considerations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.10-1.13.11|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 13:10 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Accordingly, Lot lost all his material possessions when he had to flee for his life.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Perhaps we should translate the participle living in verse 8 as either cause or concession. That is, we translate the verse either because he lived among them & or although he lived among them day after day, he was tormented. ��15�� The phrase day after day shows that Lot persisted in his opposition to the sinful acts of his neighbors. For this reason, Peter writes that Lot s righteous soul was tormented by lawless deeds. What Lot saw and heard came from people who lived without the law of God. They either knew the law of God but purposely lived in disobedience or were completely ignorant of divine law. Whatever the case, these people daily tormented Lot s righteous soul until God in his mercy rescued him.) ) Doctrinal Considerations in 2:7 8) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” God loves the sinner but abhors sin. He loves the homosexual person but detests his sinful acts. In the Scriptures God repeatedly reveals his love toward man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.22|AUTODETECT|” ). But in these Scriptures he also expresses his abhorrence of sin. In clear language, the Old Testament condemns the acts of a homosexual as repulsive to God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.22|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 18:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” 20:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9-46.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ). And in the New Testament, Paul states unequivocally that neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders & will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9-46.6.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:9 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God pronounces his divine judgment on the sexually perverse acts of these persons. Hence Paul writes,) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26-45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26-45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:26 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 17 2 8 0 0 However, what should be the reaction of a Christian to homosexuality? He must distinguish carefully between condition and conduct.��16�� He ought to express Christian love toward the homosexual person, but disapprove of his homosexual acts. A Christian must regard unnatural sexual behavior as a sin against his fellow human beings and a defiance of God s law. Nevertheless, he ought to extend compassion to the homosexual person and understand that he needs social acceptance. Therefore, guided by the teachings of God s Word, he must love the sinner but condemn sin. He should direct him to Jesus Christ, who invites sinners to come to God.) Come ye needy, come and welcome,) God s free bounty glorify;) True belief and true repentance,) Ev ry grace that brings you nigh,) Without money, without money,) Without money,) Come to Jesus Christ and buy.) Joseph Hart) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:6 8) Verse 6) �� the aorist active participle from �� (I reduce to ashes, I cover with ashes) occurs only here.) �� with the aorist active indicative �� (he condemned to destruction), the noun describes the ruin of Sodom.

The dative is instrumental. Some manuscripts omit this noun, perhaps due to an oversight in transcription.) �� this noun occurs three times in the second epistle of Peter (2:5, 6; 3:7) and means ungodly men. Here it is in the dative plural as an indirect object. A variant reading is the present active infinitive ��, which has strong textual support. However, from the point of view of intrinsic probability, the noun gives better sense than the verb . ��17��) Verse 8) �� this present active participle occurs once in the New Testament. It denotes either cause or concession.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.29|AUTODETECT|” �� the imperfect active from �� (I torment) expresses continuous activity. This verb is also used by demons who shout to Jesus, Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 5 2 8 0 0 4. Sin) 2:9 10a) After giving examples of fallen angels, Noah s contemporaries, and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, Peter is ready to formulate his conclusion. He informs his readers how the truth stated earlier applies to them and their godless companions. In this conclusion, he speaks a word of encouragement to the righteous, but for the wicked he reveals God s continuing punishment.) 9. If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.) In his conclusion to the section on the ruin of the ungodly and the protection of the believer, Peter speaks as a pastor who encourages the members of his flock. He first addresses the believers with a message of encouragement and then discloses the future of the unbelievers. His words also sound a warning to those people who are drifting from the truth of God s Word.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.13|AUTODETECT|” a. The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials. The New International Version has added a short statement that summarizes the essence of the preceding verses. With the addition of this clause, the sentence itself has a proposition and a conclusion. What is the point of presenting three illustrations? In one word, assurance. Peter wants his readers to know that God is in control of every situation and that they have this assurance. As Paul puts it, God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The readers experienced the pernicious influence of the false teachers who infiltrated the Christian church. They saw the evidence of the erroneous doctrines in the shameful conduct of these teachers. And they undoubtedly asked why God allowed his people to be harassed by evil men.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 John Calvin formulates a question that disheartened Christians usually ask: If the Lord would have his own to be safe, why does he not gather them all into some corner of the earth, that they may mutually stimulate one another to holiness? Why does he mingle them with the wicked by whom they may be defiled? ��18��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.16|AUTODETECT|” In his role as pastor, Peter knows that despondency is apt to appear. Peter says that the Lord knows how to rescue. He probably chooses the expression Lord either as a variation of the word God (with which he began the series of examples [v. 4]) or as a name that conveys the grace and mercy of the Lord. God s mercy is linked to the verb rescue (v. 7) in the case of Lot 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The Lord has shown in numerous instances how he rescues godly men from difficult circumstances. The examples of Noah and Lot are cases in point. If God is able to protect Noah s family from a perverse humanity and rescue Lot and his daughters from a godless society, he knows how to deliver Christians from immoral and corrupt people today.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” The language Peter uses at this point is reminiscent of the last petition in the Lord s Prayer: And lead us not into temptation [trial], but deliver [rescue] us from the evil one 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ). God tested Noah when he told him to build the ark. And God permitted Lot to enter into temptation when Lot chose to live near Sodom. But as God delivered both of these men from an evil world in ancient times, so he will rescue godly people from trials and temptations today 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.15|AUTODETECT|” b. And to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. In the second half of verse 9, Peter reveals what is happening to people who revel in sin. Because they willfully violate God s law, God keeps them in custody for the day of judgment. Jesus speaks of this day, for example, when he refers to the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��19�� And Peter discloses that the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men (3:7).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.14|AUTODETECT|” What will happen on that judgment day? The ungodly who refuse to turn away from their sinful life will receive everlasting punishment. They will be thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” As prisoners are held in custody until the day they appear in court, so God keeps the ungodly for the judgment day. However, Peter adds the clause while continuing their punishment. We can interpret this clause with either a present or a future connotation. Here is a representative translation that clearly expresses the present tense: The Lord, indeed, knows & how to continue the punishment of the wicked up to the day of judgment (NAB). And in the following version the future tense is evident: The Lord knoweth how to & reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished (KJV). Although both translations are current, I favor the first one, because the Greek has a present participle to which we cannot easily attribute a future tense. ��20�� Moreover, in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus teaches that the ungodly suffer while waiting for the day of judgment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:19 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Granted that we have no indication that the false teachers at the time of Peter s writing endured divine punishment, we know that by their conduct they were advancing their own destruction.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 10a. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.) Modern translations divide this text into two parts. The first part of verse 10 forms a conclusion to the preceding context, while the second part is an introduction to the verses that follow.) This first part, then, summarizes what Peter has said about the false teachers and their ultimate ruin. He mentions two characteristics of these godless people: they are sexually corrupt and they are spiritual anarchists. The phrase this is especially true puts the present situation of the readers in sharp focus. The false teachers engaged in shameful ways, Peter writes (v. 2), and they introduced destructive heresies (v. 1).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.5|AUTODETECT|” Even though Peter resorts to euphemism in his description of these ungodly practices, the message is sufficiently clear: [They] follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature [literally, flesh]. In his parallel, Jude gives a similar report: These dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings (v. 8). Both Peter and Jude intimate that these godless people are engaging in homosexual practices similar to those pursued by the Sodomites 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The result of their practices will be utter destruction.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” The wording of this text indicates that these sexually immoral people are slaves to their corrupt desires. They are not leaders, but travel or trail along and follow their sinful nature which poses as their leader 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Jude 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��21�� Instead of shunning defilement, these false teachers take great pleasure in moral impurity. A literal translation, therefore, has the reading those who walk & in the lust of uncleanness (NKJV). The Greek word translated uncleanness refers to the act of polluting oneself and others. It is preceded by the term lust and forms the phrase lust of uncleanness. The phrase means a hankering after unlawful and polluting use of the flesh. ��22��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” The doctrines espoused by these teachers lead to deliberate rejection of divine authority. Peter says only, [They] despise authority. These words communicate that these teachers scorned the authority of Jesus Christ (refer to v. 1). The verb despise in the Greek signifies that a person expresses his hatred toward Christ through ridicule and contempt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The false teachers hate Jesus Christ.) 1 20 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:9 10a) Verse 9) �� this present middle infinitive expresses God s constant care for his people.) !�� note the lack of the definite article to express the absolute character of this awesome day.) �� the present passive participle from the verb �� (I punish) implies a divine agent. The present tense denotes continuous activity.) Verse 10a) �� the lack of the definite article emphasizes the nature of the persons who lust for pollution. The genitive is either objective or descriptive.) �� the present tense of this middle participle and the present tense of the active participle �� describe the daily activities of the false teachers.) D. Flagrant Misconduct) 2:10b 16) 1. Slander) 2:10b 11) Some translators see this passage as a continuation of the preceding section. Others introduce verse 10b as the beginning of a new paragraph and regard this verse as an introduction to the following segment.

In it Peter vividly describes the conduct of these arrogant men who are unafraid to slander angels.) 10b. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11. yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.) Note these observations:) (a) Attitudes) Peter calls these false teachers bold and arrogant. They are bold in the sense of being rashly insolent and so adhere to the well-known saying, Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. The term bold in this verse points to presumptuous and conceited individuals whose pursuits in life are self-gratification and physical pleasures. Moreover, they are self-willed to the extent of being arrogant.) (b) Angels) To what extent are these teachers bold and arrogant? They are unafraid to slander angels.

Here we encounter an exegetical difficulty in the Greek text which centers on one word and which, because of its brevity, is hard to explain. In the Greek the word glories appears, which translators have tried to render in one of two ways, literal or interpretive. For instance, the New International Version (among others) translates the expression glories celestial beings. ��23��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Even if we take the Greek text literally, we still must indicate who the glorious beings are. Some interpreters apply the word glories to those human dignitaries who give leadership either in the church or in civic matters.��24�� But the succeeding context (v. 11) seems to speak not of church or civil authorities but of angels 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Jude 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). If we interpret the term glories to refer to angels, the question arises whether they are fallen angels or good angels. We readily identify the good angels as glorious beings, for they surround God s throne, share in God s glory, and serve as his messengers.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 However, verse 11 clearly indicates that angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. The tacit implication is that not the good angels but the evil angels merit condemnation. ��25�� Granted that the text (v. 11) appears to suggest this interpretation, numerous questions remain. Here are two of them. Why are fallen angels called glorious when obviously they are condemned? What were the accusations that were hurled against Satan and his followers? We are unable to answer these questions because the text itself provides no further clues.) (c) Accusations) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Peter reveals that the angels refrain from accusing fallen angels in the presence of the Lord. He uses a comparative clause to describe the angels by describing them as stronger and more powerful. With whom is Peter comparing the angels? The comparison could be with the false teachers or the celestial beings. Within the structure of verse 11, the juxtaposition of the celestial beings to the angels makes the devils a point of comparison. The angels who are upright have reason to accuse those who at one time belonged to their ranks but have since fallen away from God. Nevertheless, God s faithful angels carefully avoid raising accusations against Satan and his cohorts 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Jude 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but leave the matter of judging the devils in the hands of God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.8-65.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Conversely, we think that the comparison is between the angels and the false teachers. Note that the dominant subject in this section is not that of the celestial beings but that of the heretics. These people are bold and arrogant; they are unafraid to slander celestial beings; they blaspheme even the devils and in their arrogance transgress the limits God has set. Writes I Peter H. Davids, The devil himself is not to be the object of insult. The N[ew] T[estament] looks on such mockery as gross presumption, a pride based on a false claim to knowledge and power 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.8-65.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Jude 8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.10-61.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.10-61.2.12|AUTODETECT|” II Pet. 2:10 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ��26�� These people, then, are devoid of any sense of propriety and show no hesitation in hurling insults at the devils.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.7-66.12.9|AUTODETECT|” In their arrogance, the apostates are of the opinion that they are stronger than demons. They repudiate the power and might of these fallen angels and think that they can insult them by bringing slanderous accusations against them. But notice that God s angels, who stand in the presence of God, do not dare to accuse demons. By contrast, Satan and his followers are denied a place in heaven. They lost the battle against the archangel Michael and his forces, were thrown out of heaven, and were hurled to the earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.7-66.12.9|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 12:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In short, devils now find their place among men. Bold and arrogant apostates, however, fail to realize the might and power of Satan s forces on earth. With their slanderous accusations they seal their own destruction, as Peter explains in the next verse.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:10b 11) Verse 10b) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.7|AUTODETECT|” �P�� this adjective in plural form derives from the pronoun �P�� (self) and the verb %�� (I am pleased with). See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 7 2 8 0 0 �� the present active participle is supplementary to the main verb �� (they tremble) and is therefore equivalent to the present infinitive, These men are not afraid to slander. ��27��) Verse 11) E�� figuratively as a particle, this word introduces a conditional statement that is translated insofar as. ��28��) �� the comparative adjective from �� (great), even though it appears without an object of comparison, functions as a true comparative.��29��) 2. Blasphemy) 2:12) 12. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.5|AUTODETECT|” What a denunciation! Peter minces no words in describing the heretics. These people claim to have knowledge but in effect live and act in abysmal ignorance that inevitably leads to their own destruction. They have rejected wisdom that God grants to all who ask him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.5|AUTODETECT|” James 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and are teaching destructive heresies instead (v. 1; also see vv. 3, 18).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Three times in as many verses (vv. 10 12) Peter mentions the slander and blasphemy of these teachers. He notes that they sin in self-willed ignorance, while they parade as teachers of religion.) Implicitly, Peter calls attention to two kinds of knowledge: spiritual and natural. The heretics have spurned spiritual knowledge, for in their ignorance they slander celestial beings. They possess only natural knowledge, which brute beasts also possess. Such knowledge eventually leads to destruction.��30��) In his epistle, Jude writes a parallel to this verse: Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals these are the very things that destroy them (v. 10). Even though the two texts in Peter s and Jude s epistles present the same message, Peter s wording is more descriptive than that of Jude.

Both writers refer to the ignorance and slander of the false teachers, but Peter compares this ignorance to that of animals. He describes animals as creatures of instinct. ) They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct. Animals lack the power of reasoning that man possesses and thus rely on created instinct for meeting the necessities of daily existence. Although this innate quality guides and directs them, they nevertheless run the risk of being caught and destroyed by man or beast.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.49.12|AUTODETECT|” [They are] born only to be caught and destroyed. Peter uses this illustration to imply that man was not born to be captured and killed, but rather to live in freedom and with spiritual knowledge, in full reliance on God.��31�� But these men who have deliberately departed from God are like the beasts of the field. They live by instinct and because of their spiritual ignorance they will soon perish 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.49.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 49:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Like beasts they too will perish. A generally accepted interpretation of commentators is that these false teachers meet a sudden and violent death, much the same as animals that are hunted and killed by men.��32�� Another translation puts the emphasis on the destructive work which the false teachers do: [They] shall in their destroying surely be destroyed (ASV; also see JB). In the context of the passage, this translation has merit.) ) Practical Considerations in 2:10b 12) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” The sin of cursing and swearing is a blight on mankind. Countless people not only misuse the names of God and Christ, but also resort to using the words hell and damn in numerous connections. But in their cursing, these people reveal their absolute ignorance of spiritual matters. In fact, calloused by the frequency of its use, they are virtually unaware of the profanity they utter. They show their ignorance especially when they are asked about the existence, power, and influence of the devil. For them, Satan is a figment of the imagination whom cartoonists have portrayed as a goat with a tail that ends in an arrow.

They do not think that the devil pictured with a three-pronged spear in his hand has any power over them. They are of the opinion that any reference to the devil is made in jest. They imagine that they are in control of their lives and thus they can even taunt Satan to tempt them. They do not know that Jesus calls Satan the prince of this world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” John 12:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.30|AUTODETECT|” 14:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 16:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ), and that the apostle John writes, The whole world is under the control of the evil one 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 5:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.14|AUTODETECT|” The sad fact, however, is that Satan is tempting them with the mortal goal of destroying them. Satan s authority is awesome indeed and his power of deception is unrivaled 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ). Only the person who in faith prays the sixth petition of the Lord s Prayer, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ), is able to resist the might and power of the devil. Fully aware of the spiritual battle that we fight, Paul exhorts us to put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 9 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:12) �� from the verb �� (I destroy), this noun can be translated in an active form or as a passive .) �P�� translators generally understand this pronoun to refer to the noun beasts.) 3. Adultery) 2:13 14) We face a question of paragraph division at this juncture. Some translators place a comma after verse 12, and then continue with verse 13. Others see a definite break and begin a new sentence or paragraph with verse 13. Unfortunately, the ancient manuscripts of the Greek New Testament are of little help at this point, for they provide no indication of a break. The New International Version marks a division and presents verse 13 as the beginning of a new paragraph.) 13.

They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.) In the first sentence, the Greek has a play on words that Peter has chosen intentionally. Literally translated it means suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong (NASB). But the verb suffering wrong with the phrase the wages of doing wrong can also be translated being cheated of the profits of their wrong-doing. ��33�� A number of Greek manuscripts, however, have another verb at this point, which a few translations have adopted as the better reading: [But these] will receive the wages of unrighteousness (NKJV; also see KJV, JB). However, it is likely that Peter introduced a play on words and that scribes in the first few centuries altered the text.

Therefore, translators favor the reading with verbal witticism.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.22.8|AUTODETECT|” The intent of Peter s message is to point out the truth of the adage, A man reaps what he sows 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.22.8|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 22:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.10.12-28.10.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.10.12-28.10.13|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 10:12 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). That is, the false teachers will be paid in full for the wrongs they have perpetrated. What, then, is the harm these apostates have done? In verses 13 through 15 Peter presents a catalogue of evils. Here are the first two:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.19|AUTODETECT|” a. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. The object of this sentence is not to imply that carousing at night is acceptable. Sin is usually committed under cover of darkness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.19|AUTODETECT|” John 3:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ); for instance, Paul writes, Those who get drunk, get drunk at night 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.7|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.11-45.12.13|AUTODETECT|” ; also compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.11-45.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:11 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ). But these people scorn all norms of behavior and carouse even during the day. Apparently the heretics have no desire to be gainfully employed, are idle during the day, and spend their time in drunken revelry 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��34�� Apart from the verb to carouse, the sentence itself conveys a positive message, for pleasure and broad daylight are delightful gifts of God. But the verb changes the entire message: pleasure and daylight are pressed into the service of sin. These people are slaves of Satan.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” b. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. The words blots and blemishes are the reverse of Peter s description of the believers. He urges them to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with [the Lord] (3:14). In describing Jesus Christ, Peter portrays him as a lamb without blemish or defect 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The people described in this text, however, are the exact opposite of Christ and his church. They enter the homes of church members and partake of the food and drink which the host provides.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12|AUTODETECT|” How is it possible for these revelers to have table fellowship with the believers? The parallel verse in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Jude 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 has, These men are blemishes at your love feasts. The better manuscripts of Peter s epistle do not have the reading love feasts, but rather a noun that has a primary meaning deceptions and a secondary meaning pleasures. Many versions have chosen the primary translation, but the secondary reading fits perfectly. Peter perhaps seeks to avoid the explicit use of the term love feast. What was this feast?) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) [It] was a meal at which not only bread and wine but all kinds of viands were used, a meal which had the double purpose of satisfying hunger and thirst and giving expression to the sense of Christian brotherhood. At the end of this feast, bread and wine were taken according to the Lord s command.& The agape [love feast] was thus related to the eucharist as Christ s last Passover to the Christian rite which He grafted upon it.��35��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.22|AUTODETECT|” Perhaps already in Peter s time, the communal meal was separated from the Lord s Supper. The love feast stressed the brotherhood of the participants; the eucharist marked the unity the believers have in Christ. Paul instructs the Corinthian Christians to make a distinction between these two celebrations when he asks, Don t you have homes to eat and drink in? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.22|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Whether the revelers defiled the Lord s table in Peter s day, the text does not say. Peter, however, indicates that they were feasting to the point of being blots and blemishes in the Christian community.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 14. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed an accursed brood!) In a series of short clauses Peter continues his enumeration of vices. In a company of revelers, the consumption of alcohol often leads to lust and sexual abuse. Hence Peter provides this graphic description:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.28|AUTODETECT|” a. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning. The literal reading of the term adultery is adulteress. In this sentence the word refers to eyes that are full of (desire for) an adulteress, always looking for a woman with whom to commit adultery. ��36�� Peter s descriptive language echoes the words of Jesus: Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Translators have connected the two clauses that are dependent on each other in forming one sentence. Peter portrays these teachers as adulterers who because of their lustful looking at women never stop sinning. What a degrading view of the opposite sex! In the eyes of these men, a woman is not a person but a tool designed to fulfill their sexual craving.��37��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.14|AUTODETECT|” b. They seduce the unstable. Peter borrows a word from the fisherman who casts out a lure to catch an unwary fish 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.14|AUTODETECT|” James 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ). These teachers try to ensnare men and women, especially those Christians who are unstable in their faith, into sexual sins. They look for church members who have neglected to put on the armor of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and who have not heeded Peter s admonition to be firmly established in the truth (1:12). They are persons who, because of instability, distort the Scriptures (3:16) and thus become an easy prey for the devil and his henchmen.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” c. They are experts in greed. Once again Peter resorts to imagery. He borrows from the world of gymnastics and says that the false teachers have been exercising (as in a gymnasium) their hearts in greed. The sin of greed is not only a transgression of the tenth commandment of the Decalogue; it is equivalent to idolatry 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” ). That is, man worships not God but the idol of covetousness. At the beginning of his description of these teachers, Peter warns the believers against the danger of exploitation. He says, In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up (v. 3). Because they have made money their idol 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), these people receive God s curse.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” d. An accursed brood! Peter reveals his Hebraic background, for he emphatically exclaims, Children of a curse! The expression children of is Semitic and occurs in a number of forms: for example, children [objects] of wrath 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ), children of light 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ), and children of obedience [obedient children] 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.14|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ). It is similar to the phrase sons of disobedience 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.6|AUTODETECT|” 5:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , NKJV).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.26|AUTODETECT|” What is the result of God s curse upon man? A curse is the opposite of a blessing. When a curse is pronounced upon someone or something, blessings are withheld and disaster ensues. Thus, the curse pronounced upon anyone rebuilding Jericho 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.26|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 6:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) became effective when, during the reign of King Ahab, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. Hiel lost two sons in consequence of the curse that Joshua had uttered centuries earlier.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.44|AUTODETECT|” Peter refrains from placing a curse on the false teachers, for Scripture teaches that Christians should not curse their fellow man but rather bless him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.44|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.28|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Peter observes and describes the people who deliberately and constantly sin and therefore are recipients of God s wrath and condemnation.��38��) 1 5 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:13 14) Verse 13) �� & �� suffering the injustice of the wages of injustice. Although this combination involves a very rare construction, & the author seems to have tolerated the unusual grammatical construction in the interest of contriving a play on [these two] words. ��39��) �t� & �� the definite article precedes the noun to specify the distinctive nature of involvement. Also see the close connections of the noun with the compound present participle �� (carousing).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12|AUTODETECT|” �� in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Jude 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12|AUTODETECT|” the reading is �� (love feasts). Some leading manuscripts have the same reading in Peter s letter. However, the word �� (deceptions; pleasures) probably is original; it is free from the claim of assimilation to the text of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Jude 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Verse 14) �� from the compound form (not), �� (down), and the verb �� (I stop), this verbal adjective occurs once in the New Testament and is translated restless. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” �� this word means persons 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” 1 Peter 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 7 2 8 0 0 �� as a perfect passive participle from �� (I train), this term has the derivative gymnasium in English. The perfect tense denotes action that began in the past with obvious effect in the present.) 4. Wickedness) 2:15 16) 15. They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.) We consider two points:) (a) Observation) Peter continues to describe the apostates of his day and observes that they have forsaken the path of obedience. He says, They have left the straight way. The Greek text signifies that because these false teachers left the straight way they began to wander.

With the other writers of the Bible, Peter speaks metaphorically. The phrase the straight way is an idiom that points to the path the children of God must walk in accordance with his Word.��40��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” By implication, Peter indicates that the heretics at one time pursued the straight way but subsequently left it. As a consequence of this decision, Peter comments, they now wander in darkness. These were the people of whom the apostle John says that if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ; also compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:4 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). These people are following the path that leads to death and destruction.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 (b) Illustration) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.4|AUTODETECT|” [They] follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. In the parallel passage Jude cites three Old Testament examples: Cain s hatred, Balaam s greed, and Korah s rebellion (v. 11). Peter, however, uses the example of Salaam (Num. 22 24). He wanted to curse the Israelites but through the Spirit of the Lord was forced to bless them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.4|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 23:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.25.1-4.25.9|AUTODETECT|” ). Peter sees a reflection of the false teachers in the life and circumstances of Balaam. In the historical setting of Balaam and the people of Moab, he observes the sexual immorality of the Moabites, who in alliance with Balaam tried to seduce the Israelites 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.25.1-4.25.9|AUTODETECT|” Num. 25:1 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.31.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.31.16|AUTODETECT|” 31:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Next, Peter is aware of Balaam s interest in personal honor and material gain at the expense of God s people. And last, Balak king of Moab wanted Balaam to curse, not bless, the Israelites.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The similarities are obvious. The heretics of Peter s day are trying to lure the believers into revelry and immorality; their greediness is evident to everyone in the community; and they teach destructive heresies designed to cause the believers to deviate from the way of truth. Indeed, they are an accursed brood.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.31.8|AUTODETECT|” Peter states that Balaam loved the wages of wickedness. Balaam, although driven by greed, was fully aware that the Israelites were God s chosen people whom God himself protected. But because he joined forces with God s enemies, he received the wages of wickedness. Balaam was driven by a love for material rewards, not by a love for God and his people. Within a short period of time, Israel s army killed Balaam in the battle against the Midianites 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.31.8|AUTODETECT|” Num. 31:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 With this historical illustration Peter reveals the motives of the false teachers. He describes them as followers of Balaam and intimates that they shall have their reward. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping (v. 3). Their reward is the same as that of Balaam.) 16. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey a beast without speech who spoke with a man s voice and restrained the prophet s madness.) This verse actually is an indirect word of encouragement for the readers of Peter s epistle. They see the blots and blemishes of the heretics within the Christian community, they know that the express purpose of these people is to seek the destruction of the church, and they realize that God knows how to rescue [them] from trials (v. 9). If the donkey of Balaam rebuked the erring prophet, then believers are able to reprove the false teachers with the teachings of God s Word.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.22.21-4.22.28|AUTODETECT|” Balaam s donkey, seeing the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword, tried to avoid inevitable disaster 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.22.21-4.22.28|AUTODETECT|” Num. 22:21 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Even when God gave the donkey the facility of human speech, Balaam still did not realize the danger confronting him. In his mercy, God opened Balaam s eyes so that he could see the angel of the Lord with a sword poised to kill him.) 1 7 2 8 0 0 Why does Peter relate the account of the talking donkey? For a number of reasons: to compare Balaam s insensitivity with that of the false teachers; to show that as Balaam proceeded blindly on the path of destruction so the heretics are doomed; to reveal God s intervention in causing Balaam to bless Israel; and to give the believers of Peter s day the assurance that God protects them.) Peter calls Balaam a prophet, not to indicate that he was a true prophet, but that God used him in spite of his madness. If he had been a true servant of God, his conduct would never have been characterized by madness. His obstinacy caused his downfall and death.) ) Doctrinal Considerations in 2:15 16) Critics of the Christian faith discredit the accounts of miracles that are recorded in the Old and New Testaments. They consider these stories to be legends and myths whose content must be discarded in the light of modern science. And they regard anyone who accepts these miracles in faith as someone who fails to use his reasoning powers.

They portray the Christian as a gullible person who would believe the Bible whether it said that Jonah swallowed the whale or that the whale swallowed Jonah.) The believer, however, looks at all the miracles in the Bible and sees the hand of God. He knows that God performs miracles either in response to the faith of his people or to instill and strengthen faith in the believers.) Among the numerous miracles in Scripture, Balaam s talking donkey is not an exceptional case. This incident occurred during a moment of crisis in the history of Israel when hostile forces wanted to see Israel cursed. God intervened and not only caused Balaam s donkey to speak, but also caused Balaam to bless instead of curse God s people. A miracle, therefore, is an act of God. And because of this act of God, the Christian believes.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.14|AUTODETECT|” Is the Christian gullible? For him the greatest miracle God performed is that of Christ s resurrection. All other miracles are secondary. If we do not believe the physical resurrection of Christ, then the message of the gospel is worthless and our faith is useless 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.14|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 14 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:15 16) Verse 15) �� some manuscripts have �� (aorist active) instead of the present active. The difference is that the present tense shows simultaneous action with that of the main verb, while the aorist tense indicates preceding action. Basically the effect is the same. The participle denotes cause.) �� from the verb �� (I cause to wander), the aorist signifies ingressive action; the passive voice points to an implied agent.) Verse 16) 0�� the use of the adjective 0�� is emphatic: his own. The noun appears only here in the New Testament. It derives from the preposition �� (from the side of) and �� (law) and means wrongdoing. ) E.

Inevitable Doom) 2:17 22) 1. Description) 2:17 19) Peter paints a telling portrait of his adversaries by using striking colors and detailed sketches. With his verbal brush, he describes these people with images borrowed from nature and daily life. He avoids exaggeration and strives for accuracy so that his readers are able to recognize the false teachers without any difficulty.) Nature) 17. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12-65.1.13|AUTODETECT|” What a picture! Jude has an expanded description in which only the first and the last lines are similar to Peter s version. Here are the lines from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.12-65.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Jude 12 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 :) 1 7 2 8 0 0 ) They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.) We readily adopt the rule that the shorter version of a text is generally the original reading, because copyists tend to expand, not shorten, a text. If we apply this rule to the text in Jude, we must allow for the possibility that Jude had the text of Peter s letter in his possession. However, we also may assume that Peter and Jude knew each other as fellow workers in the church and that together they discussed problems which the church in the second half of the first century faced. They shared what they discussed and wrote, so that their documents display interdependence.) But let us return to Peter s description of the apostates. He borrows images from nature and in three short clauses discloses the true nature of these infidels.) a.

These men are springs without water. This is a picture of a desert in which the traveler looks for a spring. But when he has discovered the water hole, he finds to his dismay that it is dry. Similarly, the false teachers have nothing to offer the members of the Christian community: they are like dry wells.) The second illustration is equally fitting:) b. Mists driven by a storm. What a disappointment to people who, having endured a drought, finally see storm clouds from which they expect abundant rain.

But the storm pushes along swirling clouds that are waterless. So the heretics cause excitement in the community but offer nothing that is substantial and worthwhile. In a sense, they bring dejection.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.5|AUTODETECT|” c. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. Near the end of the first century John writes, God is light 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.5|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The opposite of light is absolute darkness. Whereas God s children share in his light, the children of the devil walk around in the darkness they have chosen. For them God s judgment, which Peter describes as blackest darkness, is reserved.��41�� In the Greek, Peter uses the word blackest, which is the same as the term gloomy in verse 4 ( God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Design) 18. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.) From the metaphors which he borrowed from God s creation, Peter moves to a description of the design that these false teachers have drawn. Almost in summary form of what he has said in the earlier part of the chapter, Peter sets forth the methods and aims which the heretics pursue.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” a. For they mouth empty, boastful words. The term words has two descriptive adjectives in this translation. The first one, empty, relates to the content of the words that are uttered. They are futile, void of any meaning, without purpose. The second adjective, boastful, refers to the form and the sound of these words. These are puffed-up, haughty, and exaggerated utterances. They are meaningless because they lack every semblance of truth and integrity. Yet the false teachers use the words for their own purpose 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Jude 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 9 2 8 0 0 b. By appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people. This is a variation of verse 14: With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable. They utter these empty and boastful words for the purpose of ensnaring unstable people. How do they accomplish their objective? They arouse the sexual desires in man that induce him to lust and sensual gratification.

Peter s habit of redundancy is evident once again. He literally writes, They entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality (NASB).��42�� The Greek expression lustful desires is strengthened by the term sensuality, which signifies the indecent conduct and sexual excess that prevailed in Sodom and Gomorrah.��43��) c. They entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. Like carnivorous animals that prey on the weakest members of a herd, so the false teachers focus their attention on recent converts. Believers who have not had sufficient time to grow in grace and understanding of the Christian faith now have to endure the enticements of apostates. Peter adds the word just, which means barely.

Another translation of this section of the verse is this: They allure & the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error (NKJV, italics added; based on a variant reading).) However, the point of Peter s message appears to be that the false teachers are more likely to be successful in enticing new converts than seasoned Christians who in the past escaped from an evil way of life. Furthermore, a present participle in leading Greek manuscripts indicates that the act of escaping was recent. Peter is referring to a minority in the Christian community, not the entire church. His concern is for the new Christians who still have not had, sufficient training in the faith to oppose the evil one. In general, novices in the Christian faith readily can be lured back to the ways of the world.) Translators favor the reading that features the present tense and the adverb just. For example, They & trap those who are just beginning to escape from among people who live in error (GNB).��44�� Incidentally, the Latin Vulgate departs from the Greek text by placing the two clauses in apposition: They who escape little by little, that is, who live in error.

The ancient Syriac translations also differ from the Greek reading: Those who run away from straight words and those who live in error or those who with few words run away from those who live in error. These versions, however, could be mere attempts to improve the Greek text.) Who are those who live in error ? They can hardly be the false teachers, for if this were true we would expect Peter to be more explicit. The wording is insufficiently clear to hold that these teachers are trying to recapture the new converts who had just escaped from their influence and power. It is better to understand the clause to refer to the Gentile population that continued to live in spiritual darkness.) Bondage) 19. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.) Golden promises?

But what an irony to hear the false teachers talk about freedom which they themselves do not possess. They are unable to fulfill their promise of freedom because they are in bondage to sin. Slaves of sin are promising their fellow men freedom.) Peter calls these people slaves of depravity. The degree of depravity is evident in the distortion of the facts.��45�� Peter does not describe these teachers as people who, in ignorance and lacking full knowledge of the gospel, are preaching the benefits and blessings of Christ. ��46�� Instead, they purposely distort the truth to undermine the advance of the gospel of Christ.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.4|AUTODETECT|” Freedom in Christ means that we are set free from the burden of sin, that Christ has fulfilled the law for us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and that we obey the law of God to express our gratitude to him. But this is not the freedom the errorists offer the recent converts to the Christian faith. Their so-called freedom is utterly depraved, for it is a license to live apart from God s law.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Peter writes about the promise of freedom in another context. There he acquaints the readers with the precious promises which God has given them, so that they may escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (1:4).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.16|AUTODETECT|” For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. This sentence is a proverb that appears a few times in early Christian literature.��47�� It has a parallel in Paul s observation: Don t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” John 8:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Peter opposes the false teachers who have deliberately chosen to obey sin and therefore have become slaves of sin. Sin has completely mastered them. Peter vividly describes them in these words: With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning (v. 14).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) Doctrinal Considerations in 2:19) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.21|AUTODETECT|” What is freedom? As soon as we ask this question, we must specify from what bondage we have been delivered. People who have been enslaved to alcohol or drugs can claim freedom from chemical dependence. Nations that have been liberated from enemy occupation experience freedom from oppression. This creation, which has been placed under the bondage of sin, waits patiently for the day when it will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into tire glorious freedom of the children of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.5-49.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Many of the first readers of Peter s epistle knew about slavery and freedom from personal experience. The New Testament teaches that in the early church numerous Christians were slaves 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.5-49.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:5 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.22-51.3.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.22-51.3.25|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:22 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.1-54.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.1-54.6.2|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:1 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.9-56.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.9-56.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:9 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.18|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” ). But in the fellowship of the Christian church, the distinction between master and slave disappeared. For example, Paul commends Onesimus as a Christian brother to Philemon. And he teaches the Galatians principles of Christian liberty: There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The truth of the gospel liberates a believer from the power of sin.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.36|AUTODETECT|” In the Gentile world of the first century, Athenian philosophers taught that persons who are legally free but controlled by their vices are really slaves; those who are legally slaves but pursue goodness and truth are really free. ��48�� Although this is a laudable comment, philosophers are unable to liberate man from the burden and shackles of sin. But through his work and word, Christ Jesus grants true freedom to anyone who comes to him in faith and repentance. Only the Son of God sets the believer free so that he is free indeed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.36|AUTODETECT|” John 8:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 15 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:18 19) Verse 18) �� although translations give an adjectival meaning to this word, it is a noun that signifies emptiness, futility, purposelessness. ��49��) �� this is the dative plural of the feminine noun meaning sensuality. A few Greek manuscripts have the genitive singular of this noun . This reading, however, is needlessly repetitious.) @�� the adverb strengthens the present active participle, which has an ingressive connotation . The reading D�� (actually) syntactically must be taken with the aorist active �� and means actually have escaped. The better manuscripts support the present participle with @�� (just).��50��) Verse 19) %�� from the verb !�� (I make inferior), this perfect passive reveals that an action took place in the past but that the results are relevant for the present (see v. 20). The perfect tense of �� (from the verb ��, I enslave) makes the same distinction.) 2.

Doctrine) 2:20 22) In the last three verses of this chapter, Peter sums up the final destiny of the false teachers by stressing that they have returned to their former way of life. In effect, they affirm a proverbial truth: as a dog returns to its vomit and a pig to its mud so the apostates revert to their sinful lifestyle.) Condition) 20. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.) Who is the subject of this verse? Some writers say: The false teachers. ��51�� Other commentators assert: The new Christians who are led astray. ��52�� The arguments advanced to defend either position are cogent. For instance, the use of the conjunction for (omitted in the NIV) as a first word in verse 20 forms a bridge to the immediately preceding verse (v. 19). Because the two texts form one unit, they have the same subject: the false teachers.

On the other hand, the verb to escape appears in verses 18 and 20. The subject of this verb appears to be identical in both verses. But the argument on the use of a particular verb must be balanced by the observation that the verb to master, overcome in verses 19b and 20 refers to the false teachers. And last, in the light of the preceding verses that feature the apostates as the dominant subject, many commentators apply the last three verses to these teachers. Granted that convincing evidence has been presented by both sides, I am persuaded that in view of the flow of the entire chapter the subject is the false teachers.) a. If they have escaped the corruption of the world.

This is a factual statement, even though it appears in a conditional sentence. The element of probability is missing and the experience of what has happened in the past becomes evident. In the Greek, the verb form indicates that the false teachers on one occasion departed from the corruption of the world. They had once escaped the world s defilements (NEB; also see JB). The difference in the verb form (in v. 18) is evident: [They] have barely begun to escape (NEB). This variation in the use of the verb form shows that Peter was thinking of the new converts who were in the process of breaking with their past.

Here in verse 20, however, he is describing the heretics who at one time forsook their world and its corruption. There can be little doubt that the false teachers had once been orthodox Christians. ��53�� In the past, these people were members of the church and they became acquainted with the teachings of the Christian faith.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.12-41.6.13|AUTODETECT|” b. By knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Did the false teachers at one time know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? The answer is yes. For example, when Jesus commissioned his disciples two by two, he sent out Judas and another disciple. They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.12-41.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:12 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Obviously, Judas knew Jesus; in the name of Jesus he preached and performed miracles. Yet Judas betrayed his Master.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.20-40.13.21|AUTODETECT|” The apostates had a knowledge of Jesus Christ, but their knowledge lacked the intimacy that characterizes the relationship of the true believer with Christ. Observe Peter s personal touch in the phrases our knowledge of him (1:3) and your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:8). These people had professed the name of Christ as their Lord and Savior but in time fully disclosed that their knowledge was merely intellectual knowledge 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.20-40.13.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:20 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Also note that Peter refrains from using the terms faith and believer in this context. The teachers never put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Because they lacked a personal relationship with Christ, they fell away.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. And are again entangled in it and overcome. The Greek actually indicates that these teachers were again woven into the fabric of the world s corruption. This matter is an accomplished fact: although they left the world momentarily, they returned and defiled themselves again with its sordid sin. The result is that they are no longer free; they are slaves of sin (v. 19). Any resistance to the corruption of the world is out of the question, for they are overcome by sin and serve as slaves.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.45|AUTODETECT|” d. They are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. Here is the conclusive statement in Greek that Peter borrows almost verbatim from the teachings of Jesus. About casting out a demon who returns to a former demon-possessed person with seven other spirits, Jesus says, And the final condition of that man is worse than the first 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.45|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.64|AUTODETECT|” ; and compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.64|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:64) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 6 2 8 0 0 Peter writes descriptively about the destiny of the apostates. Yet his words contain an urgent warning to the believers not to follow the path of the heretics that leads to irrevocable and everlasting destruction.) ) Doctrinal Considerations in 2:20) Within the church of Jesus Christ are true believers and pseudobelievers. Scripture tells the church members to make a clear distinction between these two groups. They live alongside each other much the same as the wheat and weeds in the same field. When the pseudobelievers depart on their own accord, they demonstrate that they never belonged to the body of Christ. Writers of Scripture, therefore, distinguish between the two groups by using the pronouns we and us over against they and them.) Peter differentiates between the members of the church and the false teachers with the use of the personal pronouns.

In verse 20, for instance, he refers to the teachers with the plural pronoun they. In the last three verses of this chapter (vv. 20 22), he speaks only of the teachers and not of the believers. The exception is that Peter uses the possessive pronoun our in the phrase our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ) In these verses, then, Peter never calls these teachers believers or children of God. Throughout these verses he describes them as people who deliberately sin against God and his Word. He repeatedly declares that these people face God s judgment and destruction (vv. 3, 9, 12, 17).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.22-40.7.23|AUTODETECT|” Did these false teachers ever know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? By listening to the words of Jesus we receive an answer. Jesus says that only the person who obeys his Father in heaven will enter the kingdom. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.22-40.7.23|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:22 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Command) 21. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” a. Unfulfilled duty. What Peter communicates about the false teachers is the opposite of what was expected of them. If their faith had been genuine and their knowledge had been true, they would have developed spiritually to teach others the way of salvation. If they were true Christian teachers, they would have taught others the gospel of Christ. However, they refused to follow the way of righteousness and they denied Jesus Christ as sovereign Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Jude 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Their lives were contrary to fact.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 b. Apostasy. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, says Peter. But alas, although they were instructed in the Christian faith, they fell away from God and his Word. Because they deliberately have turned against God, they face eternal judgment. Scripture clearly and repeatedly warns against the danger of apostasy. Here are two passages:) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47-42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” That servant who knows his master s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.& From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47-42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:47 48) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.26|AUTODETECT|” If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.26|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:4 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.21.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.21.16|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 21:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.15.30|AUTODETECT|” At this point we must distinguish between intentional and unintentional sins.��54�� The person who deliberately sins against God expresses open rebellion that in Old Testament times resulted in capital punishment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.15.30|AUTODETECT|” Num. 15:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The writer of Hebrews, commenting on the destiny of an apostate, says: It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (10:31).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.32|AUTODETECT|” c. Comparison. If they had not known the way of righteousness, the teachers would have been able to claim ignorance. Not now. They have known the way of righteousness that John the Baptist already revealed to the people of Israel in preparation for the coming of Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Moreover, the expression the Way served as a synonym for the Christian faith in the first half of the first century.��55��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The false teachers not only have known the Way, but also have turned their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. What is this sacred command ? It is equivalent to the message of Christ s gospel. In the parallel passage, Jude calls this commandment the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints (v. 3, italics added). In other words, the command of Peter and the faith (Christian doctrine) of Jude are the same.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.2|AUTODETECT|” Peter writes that this commandment, namely, the gospel, was passed on to them. The expression passed on is a technical term that refers to receiving the gospel for the purpose of teaching it and thus handing it on to the hearers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.3|AUTODETECT|” 15:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Jude 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” ).��56�� Peter calls this gospel tradition sacred, which means that it must be kept intact, obeyed, and taught. The false teachers, however, broke the chain of receiving and transmitting the gospel of Christ. They altered its content, rejected its teachings, and perverted its truth (compare vv. 1 3). By doing so they committed the unpardonable sin, that is, the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.16|AUTODETECT|” I John 5:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Conclusion) 22. Of them the proverbs are true: A dog returns to its vomit, and, A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.26.11|AUTODETECT|” Peter concludes his descriptive analysis of the false teachers with two proverbs. The first one he takes verbatim from the Old Testament. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.26.11|AUTODETECT|” Proverbs 26:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 has this reading:) 1 4 2 8 0 0 As a dog returns to its vomit,) so a fool repeats his folly.) The Jews treated dogs with contempt and not as man s best friend. According to the Old and New Testaments, Jews treated dogs as unclean animals.��57�� A dog lived on refuse of all kinds and thus was a potential carrier of many diseases. ��58�� As a scavenger, a dog would return to its own vomit and thus fulfill the proverb. Peter uses this proverb to compare the natural habit of a dog with the practice of false teachers who return to living in sin.) The second proverb seems to have been a common saying in the ancient world, for it appears in various manuscripts.��59�� The truth of this proverb is self-evident. A pig seeks relief from pesky insects and the heat of the sun by wallowing in the mud. Although the sow is washed, by nature the pig returns to the mud from which it has come. It rolls around in slime and grunts contentedly.

Once again, the application to the apostates is graphic and descriptive. As the pig enjoys wallowing in the mire, so the heretics take pleasure in revelry and immorality.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.6|AUTODETECT|” Jesus mentions dogs and pigs in the same sentence when he says, Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He instructs his disciples to distinguish between people who are receptive to the message of the gospel and those persons who trample underfoot that which is sacred. Such people are similar to dogs and swine.) 1 26 2 8 0 0 Here is a conclusive observation: By vomiting, the dog relieves itself of internal impurities; the sow, when it is washed, is cleansed from clinging external mud. Nevertheless, both animals return to the selfsame filth.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 2:20 22) Verse 20) �0 the simple-fact condition with the indicative mood in both the protasis and apodosis clauses denotes reality.) �� the aorist active (compare the present tense in v. 18) seems to indicate that Peter wants to designate a group of people different from those mentioned in verse 18.) �� Peter employs one definite article for more than one noun: Lord and Savior (see 3:2).) �� from �� (I entangle, involve in), this participle is the aorist passive. The aorist signifies single occurrence of an action; the aorist also means that it precedes the action of the main verb in the clause. The passive implies an agent, namely, the devil.) !�� Peter uses the present passive form of the verb which appears as the perfect passive in verse 19. The present serves as a perfect.��60��) Verse 21) �� the imperfect indicative is translated as a potential imperfect. It expresses the idea of an obligation which comes over from the past and is not lived up to. ��61�� The particle � is absent.) �� as a perfect active infinitive from the verb �� (I learn to know), this perfect tense shows lasting effect.

The context of the infinitive reveals, however, that the apostates refused to teach the Christian gospel. The dative plural of the aorist active participle �� relates to the pronoun �P�� (for them).) Verse 22) �� the perfect active tense of the compound verb �� (I meet, happen, come about) stresses continuity.) �� this is an independent nominative featured in a proverbial expression. It is equivalent to a nominative absolute.��62�� The word �� refers not to a house dog, but to a stray dog that is wild.) �� without the accompanying noun, the definite article in the neuter singular has a substantival sense.��63��) �� from �� (I wash), this middle aorist participle has a passive meaning.) Summary of Chapter 2) Peter writes this chapter to warn the believers against the pernicious heresies of false teachers who openly deny the sovereignty of Christ and consequently face swift destruction. Peter describes the greed and dishonesty of these teachers and as a warning states that many in the Christian community will follow their immoral ways.) With a number of examples from history, Peter compares the destiny of the false teachers to that of the angels who sinned and were condemned to hell, to the unbelieving contemporaries of Noah who perished in the flood, and to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah that were reduced to ashes. By contrast, God protected Noah and his family and rescued Lot. Thus, the Lord spares the righteous but punishes the unrighteous on the day of judgment.) The false teachers even slander celestial beings, arrogantly level accusations, behave like animals, and thus face inevitable destruction.

In broad daylight they yield to drunkenness and practice adultery. They are greedy and skilled in seduction. Peter uses the illustration of the life and motives of Balaam, whose donkey rebuked him.) Peter s language is picturesque. He resorts to metaphors as he describes the false teachers, whom he depicts as waterless springs and clouds without rain. Once more Peter warns the believers against seduction. The heretics promise freedom, yet they themselves are slaves of sin.

Because they have known the way of righteousness, the apostates are accountable for their actions. It would have been better for them had they never known Christ. With two proverbs about a dog and a sow, Peter concludes his lengthy description of these false teachers.) ) ) ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.29-44.20.30|AUTODETECT|” 1 See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.29-44.20.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:29 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6-48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6-48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:6 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1-53.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1-53.2.3|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.3-54.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.3-54.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:3 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.1-55.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.1-55.3.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.18-62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.18-62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:18 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.3-65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.3-65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Jude 3 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 2 8 0 0 2 Consult Wilhelm Michaelis, TDNT, vol. 5, pp. 824 25.) 3 See Gerhard Nordholt, NIDNTT, vol. 1, p. 535.) 4 David H. Field, NIDNTT, vol. 1, p. 268.) 5 Richard J. Bauckham, Jude, 2 Peter, Word Commentary series, vol. 50 (Waco: Word, 1983), p. 240.) 6 R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of the Epistles of St. Peter, St. John, and St. Jude (Columbus: Wartburg, 1945), p. 305.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.1-61.2.3|AUTODETECT|” 7 Henry Alford, Alford s Greek Testament: An Exegetical and Critical Commentary, 5th ed., 4 vols. (1875; Grand Rapids: Guardian, 1976), vol. 4, pt. 2, p. 402. Also consult D. Edmond Hiebert, A Portrayal of False Teachers: An Exposition of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.1-61.2.3|AUTODETECT|” 2 Peter 2:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , BS 141 (1984): 260.) 1 8 2 8 0 0 8 Edwin A. Blum, 2 Peter, in Hebrews-Revelation, vol. 12 of The Expositor s Bible Commentary, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, 12 vols. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), p. 277.) NKJV New King James Version) 9 Consult A. T. Robertson, A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 474.

And see Friedrich Blass and Albert Debrunner, A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, trans. and rev. Robert Funk (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961), sec. 148.1.) NIV New International Version) 10 Michael Green, The Second Epistle General of Peter and the General Epistle of Jude: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1968), p. 99.) 11 Also see SEB, GNB, and the Greek texts of United Bible Societies, Nes-Aland, and the Majority Text.) RSV Revised Standard Version) 12 Gordon R. Lewthwaite, Dead Sea, ZPEB, vol. 2, p. 50.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” 13 See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.19|AUTODETECT|” 13:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.50.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.50.40|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 50:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.49|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.49|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 16:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Amos 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 2 8 0 0 14 Gerhard Charles Aalders, Genesis, trans. William Heynen, Bible Student s Commentary series, 2 vols. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), vol. 2, p. 16.) 15 Consult S. Greijdanus, De Brieven van de Apostelen Petrus en Johannes, en de Brief van Judas, Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament series (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1929), p. 300.) 16 Refer to R. E. O. White, Homosexuality, EDT, p. 530.

Also consult Armand M. Nicholi II, Homosexualism and Homosexuality, in Baker s Dictionary of Christian Ethics, ed. Carl F. H. Henry (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1973), pp. 295 97.) 17 Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, 3d corrected ed. (London and New York: United Bible Societies, 1975), p. 702.) 18 John Calvin, Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles: The Second Epistle of Peter, ed. and trans.

John Owen (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948), p. 399.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.22|AUTODETECT|” 19 Here are additional references: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.36|AUTODETECT|” 12:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.17|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 25 2 8 0 0 NAB New American Bible) KJV King James Version) 20 J. N. D. Kelly, A Commentary on the Epistles of Peter and John, Thornapple Commentaries series (1969; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1981), p. 335. Also consult Bauckham, 2 Peter, Jude, p. 254, for additional information.) 21 Lenski, Interpretation of the Epistles, p. 316.) 22 Alford, Alford s Greek Testament, vol. 4, pt. 2, p. 406.) 23 Two categories of translation are possible: literal, as in JB, RSV ; GNB, MLB, SEB ; Moffatt ; and interpretive, as in KJV, RV, ASV ; NKJV ; NASB ; NAB, NEB .) 24 For example, see Charles Bigg, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistles of St. Peter and St.

Jude, International Critical Commentary series (1901; Edinburgh: Clark, 1961), p. 279.) 25 Kelly, p. 337. Also refer to Blum, 2 Peter, p. 280.) 26 Peter H. Davids, Blasphemy, EDT, p. 161.) 27 Compare Blass and Debrunner, Greek Grammar, sec. 415.) 28 See Thayer, p. 450.) 29 Refer to Robert Hanna, A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 430. And see Robertson, Grammar, p. 665.) 30 Refer to Joseph B. Mayor, The Epistle of St. Jude and the Second Epistle of St.

Peter: Greek Text with Introduction and Notes (1907; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1965), p. 131.) 31 Consult John Albert Bengel, Gnomon of the New Testament, ed. Andrew R. Fausset, trans. William Fletcher, 7th ed., 5 vols. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1877), vol. 5, p. 99.) 32 See among others Kelly, Peter and Jude, p. 339.) ASV American Standard Version) JB Jerusalem Bible) NASB New American Standard Bible) 33 C. E. B.

Cranfield, I and II Peter and Jude: Introduction and Commentary, Torch Bible Commentaries series (London: SCM, 1960), p. 184. Also see Bauer, who writes, damaged in respect to (i.e. cheated out of) the reward of unrighteousness (p. 17).) 34 Consult Greijdanus, De Brieven, p. 313.) 35 J. C. Lambert, Agape, ISBE, vol. 1, p. 66.) 36 Bauer, p. 526.) 37 Compare Werner de Boor, Der Zweite Brief des Petrus und der Brief des Judas, in Die Briefe des Petrus und der Brief des Judas, (Wuppertaler Studienbibel (Wuppertal: Brockhaus, 1976), p. 228 n. 74.) 38 Refer to Green, The Second Epistle General of Peter, p. 112.) 39 Metzger, Textual Commentary, p. 703.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.11|AUTODETECT|” 40 The expression straight way occurs repeatedly in the Old Testament 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 27:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.10|AUTODETECT|” [straight path]; 107:7) and in the New Testament 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 [right ways]).) 1 12 2 8 0 0 41 Compare Hans-Christoph Hahn, NIDNTT, vol. 1, p. 425.) 42 Also see 1:5 7, 16 17; 2:13.) 43 See the translations shameful ways (v. 2) and filthy lives (v. 7) for the same Greek term.) GNB Good News Bible) 44 See D. Hemmerdinger-Iliadou, II Pierre, ii, 18, d apres l Ephrem grec, Revue Biblique 64 (1957): 399 410.) 45 Consult Donald Guthrie, New Testament Theology (Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity, 1981), p. 216.) 46 Calvin, The Second Epistle of Peter, p. 409.) 47 For detailed information, refer to Bauckham, Jude, 2 Peter, p. 277.) 48 F. F. Bruce, Liberty, ISBE, vol. 3, p. 120.) 49 Bauer, p. 495.) 50 Refer to Metzger, Textual Commentary, p. 704.) 51 Consult the commentaries of Alford, Blum, Cranfield, Green, Greijdanus, Mayor, Mounce, Schelkle, Senior, and Wand.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.18-61.2.22|AUTODETECT|” 52 See the expositions of Bengel, Bigg, Kelly, Moffatt, and Sidebottom. Also compare Duane A. Dunham, An Exegetical Study of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.18-61.2.22|AUTODETECT|” 2 Peter 2:18 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , BS 140 (1983): 40 54.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 NEB New English Bible) 53 Green, The Second Epistle General of Peter, p. 118.) 54 Refer to Simon J. Kistemaker, Hebrews, New Testament Commentary series (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984), p. 293.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” 55 Refer to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.25|AUTODETECT|” 18:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” 19:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” 22:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|” 24:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 56 Consult Friedrich B�chsel, TDNT, vol. 2, p. 171; and see Klaus Wegenast, NIDNTT, vol. 3, pp. 773 74.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.43|AUTODETECT|” 57 E.g., refer to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.43|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 17:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.24.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.24.14|AUTODETECT|” 24:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.9.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.9.8|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 9:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.16.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.16.9|AUTODETECT|” 16:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.8.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.8.13|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 8:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 22:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 7 2 8 0 0 58 George S. Cansdale, Dog, ZPEB, vol. 2, p. 153.) 59 For further information, consult Bauckham, Jude, 2 Peter, p. 279.) 60 Robertson, Grammar, p. 881.) 61 Ibid., p. 920.) 62 Consult H. E. Dana and Julius R. Mantey, A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament (1927; New York: Macmillan, 1967), p. 70.) 63 Refer to Blass and Debrunner, Greek Grammar, sec. 266.3.) )

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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New Testament

MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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