2 Peter 2:2

Shall follow. Or, “shall follow out,” implying a close imitation of the deceivers. The apostle bravely faces the prospect that many will follow the false teachers, while hoping that this warning will save his readers from such fatal deception.

Pernicious ways. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “lascivious doings” (aselgeiai). Use of the word aselgeiai here and in v. 18 suggests that the doctrines of the false teachers encouraged licentiousness among their followers, and that this moral laxness attracted many unstable characters.

By reason of whom. Some apply these words to the false teachers. It is perhaps better to apply them to the church members who engage in the immoral practices taught by the false teachers.

Way of truth. That is, the way that is truth, the Christian way. For comment or the “way” see on Acts 9:2; 16:17.

Evil spoken of. Literally, “shall be blasphemed.” The heathen did not distinguish between genuine Christians and those who were following the false teachers and engaging in their immoral practices. Christian teaching was blamed for the excesses of the backsliders. The un-Christlike conduct of a few brings discredit upon the whole church.