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2 Peter 2

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1 Now 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 Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. 3 In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. 4 For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 5 if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, among the eight; 6 if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly; 7 and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 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 all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings. 11 Yet not even angels, though greater in strength and power, dare to bring such slanderous charges against them before the Lord. 12 These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. 13 The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you. 14 Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. 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 transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that 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 With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 20 If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. 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 away from the holy commandment 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."

‹ Chapter 1 2 Peter — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›

Study Notes — 2 Peter 2

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Chapter Summary

In 2 Peter 2, the apostle Peter warns the church about the rise of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them. He reminds them that God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, and that He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood. Peter also notes that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment. The chapter concludes with a warning against the corruption of these false teachers, who promise freedom but are themselves slaves of corruption.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of Peter's second letter to the church, in which he is warning them about the dangers of false teachings and the importance of remaining faithful to the truth. The chapter is situated in the larger context of the New Testament, which emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the need to be on guard against false teachings. The chapter also looks back to the Old Testament, which provides examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous and the importance of faithfulness to the Lord.

Heart Application

As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of discernment and the need to remain faithful to the truth. We must be on guard against false teachings and their destructive influence, and we must trust in the Lord's power and care for His people. We must also be mindful of the certainty of God's judgment and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter warns us about the dangers of false teachings and the importance of remaining faithful to the truth. It reminds us that God will judge the unrighteous and that we must be on guard against false teachers. As it says in 2 Peter 2:1-3, false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies, but the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.

Voices from the Church

“The false teacher is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and it is our duty to beware of him.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, and it is our duty to fear it and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3) — The chapter introduces the theme of false teachers and their destructive influence. It notes that they will secretly introduce destructive heresies and deny the Lord who bought them.
  2. Examples of God's Judgment (2 Peter 2:4-8) — The chapter provides examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous, including the angels and the ancient world.
  3. The Lord's Knowledge and Care (2 Peter 2:9-10a) — The chapter notes that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.
  4. The Corruption of False Teachers (2 Peter 2:10b-16) — The chapter highlights the corruption of false teachers, who promise freedom but are themselves slaves of corruption.
  5. Conclusion (2 Peter 2:17-22) — The chapter concludes with a warning against the corruption of false teachers and a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to the Lord.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Judgment
This chapter teaches that God will judge the unrighteous and the false teachers who promote destructive heresies. This is seen in the examples of the angels and the ancient world.
The Doctrine of Sanctification
The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord and the need to be on guard against false teachings. This is seen in the contrast between the false teachers and the godly.
The Doctrine of the Church
The chapter notes that false teachers will arise within the church, and that it is the duty of believers to be on guard against them.
The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's power and care for His people, as seen in His ability to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.

Lessons from 2 Peter 2

  1. The Importance of Discernment — This chapter teaches us the importance of discernment and the need to be on guard against false teachings.
  2. The Danger of False Teachings — The chapter highlights the danger of false teachings and the importance of remaining faithful to the truth.
  3. The Certainty of God's Judgment — The chapter emphasizes the certainty of God's judgment on the unrighteous and the false teachers who promote destructive heresies.
  4. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter notes that faithfulness to the Lord is essential for avoiding corruption and remaining true to His teachings.
  5. The Power of God's Care — The chapter emphasizes God's power and care for His people, as seen in His ability to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.

Themes from 2 Peter 2

  1. The Theme of Judgment — This chapter teaches that God will judge the unrighteous and the false teachers who promote destructive heresies.
  2. The Theme of Sanctification — The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord and the need to be on guard against false teachings.
  3. The Theme of the Church — The chapter notes that false teachers will arise within the church, and that it is the duty of believers to be on guard against them.
  4. The Theme of God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's power and care for His people, as seen in His ability to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.
  5. The Theme of Corruption — The chapter highlights the corruption of false teachers, who promise freedom but are themselves slaves of corruption.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that false teachers can secretly introduce destructive heresies into the church?
  2. How can we distinguish between true and false teachers?
  3. What are some examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous in the Bible?
  4. How can we remain faithful to the Lord in the face of false teachings and their destructive influence?
  5. What is the relationship between faithfulness to the Lord and the avoidance of corruption?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3)

2:1 The chapter introduces the theme of false teachers and their destructive influence. It notes that they will secretly introduce destructive heresies and deny the Lord who bought them.
2:2 The chapter notes that many will follow their shameful ways, and the way of truth will be maligned.
2:3 The chapter emphasizes that in their greed, these false teachers will exploit the believers with made-up stories.

2. Examples of God's Judgment (2 Peter 2:4-8)

2:4 The chapter provides an example of God's judgment on the unrighteous, noting that He did not spare the angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell.
2:5 The chapter notes that God did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others.
2:6 The chapter provides another example of God's judgment, noting that He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes.
2:7 The chapter notes that God rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of the lawless.
2:8 The chapter emphasizes that Lot was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.

3. The Lord's Knowledge and Care (2 Peter 2:9-10a)

2:9 The chapter notes that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.
2:10a The chapter emphasizes that the Lord is especially hard on those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.

4. The Corruption of False Teachers (2 Peter 2:10b-16)

2:10b The chapter notes that these false teachers are bold and arrogant, and they are not afraid to slander celestial beings.
2:11 The chapter emphasizes that even the angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring a slanderous accusation against them before the Lord.
2:12 The chapter notes that these false teachers are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed.
2:13 The chapter emphasizes that they will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, and they will be paid back for the harm they have caused.
2:14 The chapter notes that they have eyes full of adultery, and they are unable to cease from sin, enticing unstable souls.
2:15 The chapter emphasizes that they have left the straight path and wandered off, following the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.
2:16 The chapter notes that Balaam was rebuked for his wickedness, and a donkey, speaking with a man's voice, restrained the prophet's madness.

5. Conclusion (2 Peter 2:17-22)

2:17 The chapter notes that these false teachers are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.
2:18 The chapter emphasizes that they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption.
2:19 The chapter notes that they promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for a person is a slave to whatever has mastered them.
2:20 The chapter emphasizes that if they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they again get entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
2:21 The chapter notes that 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.
2:22 The chapter concludes by noting that of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its own vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of 2 Peter 2?

The main theme of 2 Peter 2 is the warning against false teachers and their destructive influence on the church. As seen in 2 Peter 2:1-3, false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies and deny the Lord who bought them.

How can we distinguish between true and false teachers?

According to 2 Peter 2:1-3, we can distinguish between true and false teachers by their teachings and their actions. False teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies and deny the Lord who bought them, while true teachers will remain faithful to the Lord and His teachings.

What are some examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous in the Bible?

As seen in 2 Peter 2:4-8, some examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous include the angels who sinned, the ancient world that was destroyed by the flood, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah that were destroyed by fire.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Peter 2:1 → Jude 1:4 Both 2 Peter 2:1 and Jude 1:4 warn against the dangers of false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies.
2 2 Peter 2:4 → Genesis 6:1-8 Both 2 Peter 2:4 and Genesis 6:1-8 describe God's judgment on the unrighteous, including the angels who sinned.
3 2 Peter 2:5 → Genesis 7:1-24 Both 2 Peter 2:5 and Genesis 7:1-24 describe God's judgment on the ancient world, including the flood that destroyed the earth.
4 2 Peter 2:6 → Genesis 19:1-29 Both 2 Peter 2:6 and Genesis 19:1-29 describe God's judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, including the destruction of the cities by fire.
5 2 Peter 2:9 → Psalm 37:28 Both 2 Peter 2:9 and Psalm 37:28 describe God's care for the righteous and His judgment on the unrighteous.
6 2 Peter 2:10 → Jude 1:8-10 Both 2 Peter 2:10 and Jude 1:8-10 describe the corruption of false teachers, including their bold and arrogant behavior.
7 2 Peter 2:15 → Numbers 22:1-35 Both 2 Peter 2:15 and Numbers 22:1-35 describe the story of Balaam, including his love of wages and his attempt to curse the Israelites.
8 2 Peter 2:20 → Matthew 12:43-45 Both 2 Peter 2:20 and Matthew 12:43-45 describe the danger of turning back to sin after knowing the way of righteousness.
9 2 Peter 2:21 → Hebrews 6:4-8 Both 2 Peter 2:21 and Hebrews 6:4-8 describe the danger of falling away from the faith after knowing the way of righteousness.
10 2 Peter 2:22 → Proverbs 26:11 The proverbs in 2 Peter 2:22 are true: 'A dog returns to its own vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'

Sermons on 2 Peter 2

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson (Nicaragua) the Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher, who has been preaching for over 54 years, emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout his ministry. He mentions that he and another pastor, Gary, wi
Francis Chan Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import
Chuck Missler Jude #5 - Michael, Satan and the Body of Moses by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of apostasy and highlights three basic marks of apostasy: defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and railing at dignities. The serm
Chuck Missler Jude #4 - Sodom and Gomorrah by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the violence and indulgences of the flesh that are often portrayed in entertainment. He emphasizes the need for Christians to re-examine the
Jim Cymbala Last Day False Prophets by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher warns against false teachers who exploit people with made-up stories and greed. He references biblical examples of God's judgment on sin, such as the p
David Wilkerson The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading verses from Psalm 34 that emphasize the theme of deliverance. He then prays for an anointing and discusses how God deals with violence
David Wilkerson We Shall All Stand Before the Judgement Seat of Christ by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of appearing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. He references Romans 14:10, which states that everyone will give an account
Roy Hession (Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 1. in the Crucible of Suffering by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fourth test that Job faced, which was the counsel of his three friends. These friends, who were oriental philosophers, constantly implied
Chuck Smith Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 32 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Jacob and how God dealt with him. Jacob, despite his flaws and living in the flesh, was still God's chosen man. The preacher emp

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Peter 2

In this chapter, Peter warns the church about the dangers of false teachers and their destructive influence. He notes that these false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies and deny the Lord who bought them. Peter also provides examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous, including the angels who sinned and the ancient world that was destroyed by the flood. He emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to the Lord and the need to be on guard against false teachings. The chapter concludes with a warning against the corruption of false teachers and a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the way of truth is maligned, and the false teachers are bold and arrogant, and not afraid to slander celestial beings.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The certainty of judgment

The chapter emphasizes the certainty of God's judgment on the unrighteous and the false teachers. This is seen in the examples of the angels and the ancient world.

The danger of false teachings

The chapter highlights the danger of false teachings and the importance of discernment. It notes that false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies and deny the Lord who bought them.

The importance of faithfulness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to the Lord and the need to remain true to His teachings. This is seen in the contrast between the false teachers and the godly.

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