2 Peter 2:1-10a

Considering that Peter’s main reason for writing is to combat false teaching, he sternly warns his readers against allowing false teachers to be a part of their church. They have this way of influencing people and drawing them away from the truth. Evil teachers existed in the nation of Israel and they also made their presence known to Peter’s readers. Peter writes, “there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord, who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction” (2:1). Not only do these teachers cunningly sneak in their erroneous philosophies, but they are ultimately bringing God’s judgment upon themselves. What will follow their deception? “Many will follow their destructive ways” (2:2). Since many of those who have been deceived were once a part of the church, their compromise with that which is untrue will bring reproach upon genuine followers of Christ (2:2b). Peter desires his readers to vigilant because the false teachers are only out for money (2:3).

Because Peter desires followers of Christ to be faithful to Christ even after he has died, he paints a picture of what has happened to those who chose to disobey God. Using several examples from the Old Testament, Peter reveals the future of those who reject the truth and spread lies. Some of the fallen angels who were deceived by Lucifer (the devil) were immediately cast into hell for their rebellion against God (2:4). All people from the “ancient world” with the exception of Noah and his family were destroyed by a worldwide flood for their wickedness (2:5-6). The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire because of their immorality (2:7-8). These vivid illustrations should have caught the attention of Peter’s readers because they were reminded of God’s hatred for sin and disobedience. But even in the midst of God’s judgment, He spared those who were faithful to Him. Even when everyone else was involving themselves in sin and evil, a certain few stood for truth and were delivered from God’s wrath. What was Peter’s point? God’s judgment will surely fall on those who disobey, but He is gracious to those who faithfully follow His ways (2:9-10a). The false teachers of Peter’s day would also be destroyed, but those who were faithful are guaranteed to experience God’s goodness.

Dear God, help me to remember the future of those who disobey You so that I might be faithful to Your ways.