2 Peter 2:1-3

Notes

v. 1, “But false prophets...”

Their words were unlike “the prophetic word made more sure” (v. 19) because their words were “a matter of (their) own interpretation” (v. 20) “made by an act of human will” (21).

These false prophets were not “men moved by the Holy Spirit (speaking) from God,” (21).

What was the nature of the false teaching?

They denied the necessity of godly living.

They questioned the return of Jesus.

v. 1, “But false prophets also arose among the people...”

This was in the past, as in Jeremiah’s day, but...

v. 1, “...just as there will also be false teachers among you,”

This is the future, if not present, reality for Peter’s readers.

The danger will not only be out there but in here.

v. 1, “(these false teachers) will secretly introduce destructive heresies”

This is the method (secret) and consequence (destructive) of their false teaching.

The false teaching is like an odorless, tasteless poison—deadly and difficult to detect.

v. 1, “even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”

Here is the destructive end of their heretical teaching—the denial of Christ, which brings swift destruction upon themselves.

They are the wicked who have laid a trap for others only to fall into it themselves.

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Does the teaching appeal to the flesh? Does it allow for sin?

Does it question or deny the clear teaching of Scripture?

Does it refuse to state teachings definitely but prefers to question definitive teaching?

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v. 2, “Many will follow their sensuality...”

NKJV - destructive ways

KJV - pernicious ways

CSB - depraved ways

LEB - licentious ways

NLT - evil teaching and shameful immorality

cf. 2 Peter 2:7

2 Peter 2:7 NASB95

7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men

Refers to Genesis 19:5ff and the filthy (KJV) behavior of the wicked men of Sodom

v. 2, “because of them the way of the truth will be maligned”

The false teachers claim to be Christians; they claim to be living in the way of Christ and teaching the truth of Christ. When those outside of Christ see their immoral behavior, they may say, “These Christians sure are trashy,” which they equate with Christ Himself.

We must remember that our behavior as Christians is a reflection on Christ and His truth.

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v. 3, “and in their greed they will exploit you with false words...

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v. 3, “their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”