2 Peter 2:1-10
Q.1. Why should we be watchful for false prophets? How do they operate? What is the destiny of false teachers? – (2 Pet.2:1-3 c.f. Mt.13:24-30)
There have always been false prophets persecuting the prophets of God (see Mt.23:34-36). Peter informed his readers that this will never change – … just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves (2 Pet.2:1 c.f. Acts 20:29-30). They bring destructive heresies that undermine the orthodox faith, as defined by the Christian councils in creeds. They will suggest that there are other ways to be saved, apart from trusting in the Saviour. They will malign the grace of God, by condoning licentious behaviour. They will exploit and make money out of their followers, by false words and false religion (2 Pet.2:2-3).
Q.2. What do we learn about the treatment of some of the fallen angels? Why did God deal with them this way? Where will they end up? – (2 Pet.2:4 c.f. Jude 1:6; Mt.25:41)
Here, as in Jude, we learn that God has cut off any further attempt by fallen angels – … who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day (Jude 1:6). All the fallen angels (described as sons of God that cohabited with the daughters of men – Gen.6:1-4; Job.1:6; 2:1) involved in this sinful conduct, were cut off by the Flood at the time of Noah. They were prevented from this deceptive conduct again. The influence of all the fallen angels in the spiritual realm is destined to end, as Jesus stated – “Then He will also say to those on His left, `Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt.25:41).
Q.3. Does God force the righteous to suffer all the judgment to befall the ungodly? How did Peter support his teaching? – (2 Pet.2:5-10 c.f. 1 Thes.4:13-18; 5:9-11)
Will God treat the righteous the same as the ungodly? Peter told us that though God did not spare the ancient world of millions of people from annihilation, nevertheless, God – … preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly (2 Pet.2:5). He further reminded us about the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, yet – 7 … He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (2 Pet.2:7). This treatment of unprincipled hordes who followed their lawless deeds, is – … an example (i.e. warning) to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter (2 Pet.2:6). Peter’s key purpose for giving these historical examples, was to underscore that – the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment (2 Pet.2:9). This is consistent with Paul’s revelation of the resurrection (i.e. ‘Rapture’) of the righteous before the great tribulation that Jesus told the Jews their nation would endure – For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will (Mt.24:21 c.f. 1 Thes.4:13-18). This agrees with Paul’s contention, that – 9 God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing (1 Thes.5:9-11).