2Pe 2:1-10

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2Pe 2:1-22 WARNING AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS

Punishment of the ungodly (2Pe 2:1-10a)

Having spoken about the purpose of prophecies, Peter now gives a warning to beware of those who will use prophecies to support their own teachings. History shows that there have always been false teachers who have tried to gain a following by the misuse of Scripture (2Pe 2:1).

The punishment of all such people is certain. They oppose Christ, give the church a bad name, lead people into sin and make financial profit from the Christians they deceive (2Pe 2:2-3).

Old Testament examples show how God saves his people but punishes the ungodly. The angels who rebelled against God are imprisoned, awaiting the final judgment when all who oppose God will be condemned (2Pe 2:4).

The stories of Noah and Lot illustrate God’s mercy on the righteous and his punishment of the wicked. In both cases he saved the righteous but destroyed the ungodly among whom they lived (2Pe 2:5-8; cf. Gen 6:1-18; 19:12-25).

Christians who are troubled by false teachers should learn from these examples. If they trust more firmly in the overruling mercy and justice of God, their faith will withstand the attacks of the trouble-makers (2Pe 2:9-10a).