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2 Peter 2:10-22

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18. For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2 Peter 2:10-22 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Peter 2:10

Theological / Devotional

But chiefly. Peter now returns to the contemporary scene and again deals with the false teachers and their corrupting ways.

Them that walk. This phrase describes a specific class of those who are being punished (v. 9).

After the flesh. Compare the parallel passage in Jude 7. In the lives of the false teachers flesh was the dominant factor and they followed its leadership (cf. on Rom. 8:4, 5).

Lust. Gr. epithumia (see on Rom. 7:7).

Uncleanness. Gr. miasmos, “pollution,” “corruption.” From miasmos is derived our English word “miasma.” The word occurs only here in the NT and refers to the act of defiling or pollution (cf. on v. 20). From these words, and vs. 2, 12-22, it is clear that those who troubled the church spread not only false doctrines but also gross immorality.

It is a fact that throughout the history of the Christian church weak doctrines have often been accompanied by weak morals. Those who depart from God’s standard of truth find it easy to abandon His standard of personal conduct also.

Despise government. Or, “despise lordship.” The word for “lordship” (kuriotes) is translated “dominion,” and is applied to angels in Eph. 1:21 and Col. 1:16, and possibly in Jude 8. However, most commentators agree that here it refers to the lordship of Christ. In v. 1 the apostle foretells that the heretical teachers will deny “the Lord that bought them,” and in v. 11 he implies that they pay scant respect to the Lord, so they may be truly said to despise the lordship of Jesus Christ. One way of testing the validity of new teaching is to analyze its approach to the Deity — is it tally reverent, or does it treat the Godhead disrespectfully?

Presumptuous. Or, “daring men,” that is, recklessly adventurous persons, especially in their opposition to authority.

Selfwilled. Literally, “self-pleasing,” implying arrogance. The deceivers were determined to have their own way, even in defiance of authority.

Not afraid. The clause reads literally, “they do not tremble [when] blaspheming glories.” Opinion is divided as to whom the “dignities,” or “glories” (doxai), refer. Some see a reference to evil angels, but it is difficult to understand how these can be blasphemed. Others, with some reason, apply the words to good angels, suggesting that the false teachers spoke in a derogatory way about them. Yet others find a reference to the whole heavenly family, including God, Christ, and the angels. Still others prefer to see a reference to local earthly authorities against whom the heretics recklessly speak evil. Final choice between the possible applications depends on the interpretation given to v. 11 (see comment there).

By SdaBc