2:20-22 To whom is Peter referring here?
2:20-22 To whom is Peter referring here?
Peter is referring here to the false teachers of V 1-3 and 10-19 (CP V1-3, 10-19). The name "Balaam" in V15 refers to an Old Testament prophet whose name is used in the New Testament to symbolize false and seducing teachers (CP Num 31:16 with Jude 10-11; Rev 2:14).
The way of Balaam refers to a love for personal honour and material gains at the expense of God's people. 2 Pe 2:20-22 also teaches that the false teachers referred to were once saved but had apostatized and so had forfeited their salvation.
This proves that salvation is not an unforfeitable possession in this life - it only becomes unforfeitable at the end of this life if one is sowing to the spirit (CP Eze 18:24-26; 33:12-13; He 6:4-6; 10:26-31; Rev 22:11-12).
See also comments on He 3:7-11, 4:11-12, 6:4-6 and 10:26-31.