2 Peter 2:13

Shall receive. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading “suffering wrong,” making the complete clause read, “suffering wrong as the hire of wrongdoing.”

They that. The clause reads literally, “counting riot a pleasure.” The word for “pleasure” (hedone) often implies sensual gratification (cf. Luke 8:14; Titus 3:3; James 4:1, 3), whereas that for “riot” (truphe) connotes softness, luxurious living. Peter thus describes the seducers as indulging in the sensual lusts that belong to the darkness of night, yet esteeming them as the legitimate, happy experiences that are above reproach even in the broad daylight.

Spots. These teachers are spots and blemishes on the face of the earth, and particularly on the church.

Sporting themselves. Or, “reveling,” from the same root as the word translated “riot” in the previous clause.

Deceivings. Gr. apatai, “deceits,” but important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading agapai, “love feasts” (cf. Jude 12; see Vol. VI, pp. 45, 46; see on 1 Cor. 11:20). It is possible that Peter deliberately refrained from using agapai, since he could not bring himself to mention the sacred love feast, which these false teachers were bringing into dishonor by their drunken revelings. Even if we retain the reading apatai, “deceivings,” which is better attested, we must abide by the context and recognize that the apostle has the love feast in mind. Compare Paul’s description of the drunkenness and overeating at the Lord’s Supper that was practiced by some in the Corinthian church (see on 1 Cor. 11:20-22).

Feast. Gr. suneuocheo, from sun, “together,” euocheo, “to feed abundantly.” That Peter speaks of the false teachers feasting with the believers suggests that the troublemakers were still members of the church, which fact would make their influence still more dangerous.