II Peter 2:1-10a
This epistle was written by Peter shortly before his death (see 1:14). Peter harbored concerns, not for himself, but for fellow followers of the Lord Jesus. Peter was moved to warn believers of the dangers which they faced or would soon face.
“But there were . . .” (v. 1). The text before us begins with a “But” that serves as a link to the closing verses of chapter 1. All that Peter is about to say is framed by the fact that there are no secret (private) interpretations of scripture and that all prophecy is of the Holy Spirit. In Deuteronomy 13, Moses prophesied that false prophets would rise up — men who would attempt to turn men against God. This prophecy was of the Holy Spirit.
In the opening verse of the text before us, Peter states that there shall be (future tense) false teachers among believers who would “bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them.” The first false teachers in the early church were Judaizers. Judiazers did not deny Christ; they denied the fullness of God’s grace. Peter is not speaking of Judaizers; he is speaking of false teachers who shall deny the Son who gave Himself in payment of their transgressions.
False teachers, like false prophets, deny the truth which God makes known through the Holy Spirit (the Comforter). Deuteronomy 18:20 states: “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.” The unchanging word of God proclaims His judgment against false prophets. The penalty for the false teachers of whom Peter speaks is the same as for false prophets because both deny God.
Today, as in Peter’s day, there are false teachers. False teachers twist the word and portray good to be bad, and bad to be good. False teachers spread teachings which are contrary to the truth which the Holy Spirit has revealed to us. Today, His word is before in print (both paper and electronic). False teachers teach how not to read the word, turning men from truth. True teachers, on the other hand, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to read scripture and expound upon the truths of God.
Peter warns, “And many shall follow their pernicious ways” (v. 2). Pernicious ways are harmful ways. The ways of false teachers are harmful because their ways turn men from God and produce judgments that bring swift destruction. “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (v. 3). False teachers use words of pretense to exploit, manipulate, and treat people as commodities for gain. False teachers, unknowingly, bring judgment upon themselves because they shall be judged by the very word of God which they deny.
After stating that God’s judgment of false teachers will be sudden, Peter cites the manner in which God has brought judgment in past times. In verse 4 and following, Peter cites three examples in which God executed His judgment upon the ungodly. These examples reveal the manner in which God deals with them who would pervert His holy word. All three examples appear to be linked to happenings recorded in the book of Genesis. There is, however, disagreement among Bible scholars concerning God’s judgment against ungodly angels. Genesis 6 may or may not be linked to ungodly angels. Genesis 6 tells of ungodly sons of God who engaged in sexual encounters with the daughters of men. Some argue, citing Jude 6, that the sons of God are angels who abandoned the spiritual realm in their rebellion against God and took on physical bodies. God most certainly has the ability to judge angels (no supporting scripture needed). That said, God’s judgment against the old world, includes judgment against the ungodly sons of God, which judgment is recorded in Genesis 7. God’s judgment against the ungodly cities of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 19.
God’s judgments against the ungodly in Genesis were total and sudden. All of the ungodly of the old world perished in the flood. All of the ungodly residents of Sodom and Gomorrah were turned to ashes in minutes. God’s destruction of the old world did not include Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah did not include Lot, a just man. Noah and Lot did not perish with the ungodly because they acted upon God’s instruction. Doing as directed, they were spared.
These examples illustrate the manner in which God shall destroy false teachers at this future time. The destruction of false teachers shall be total and sudden but will not include followers of Christ who walk according God’s word. To them who do as the Lord directs, He shall provide a way of escape.
As previously stated, this judgment was future when Peter penned this epistle more than 1,950 years ago. Sudden does not mean immediate. A sudden and total destruction of false teachers and all ungodliness awaits Jesus’ return. In Matthew 24:15, Jesus issued an instruction to all who would read and understand. Those who will read and understand shall do as He has said and shall not perish with the ungodly.
In verse 9, Peter states that God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation. Noah and Lot were delivered because they heard God, understood His message, believed His message, and acted. Their faith (belief) produced life-saving works.
God has placed these examples in His word for our learning (Rom. 15:4). God would have all men read, understand, and act. God counts belief for righteousness. God knows how to deliver the godly and how to reserve the ungodly for punishment in the day of judgment. These things are written such “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim.3:17).
