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Commentary on 2 Peter 2 verses 10–22
The apostle's design being to warn us of, and arm us against, seducers, he now returns to discourse more particularly of them, and give us an account of their character and conduct, which abundantly justifies the righteous Judge of the world in reserving them in an especial manner for the most severe and heavy doom, as Cain is taken under special protection that he might be kept for uncommon vengeance. But why will God thus deal with these false teachers? This he shows in what follows.
I. These walk after the flesh; they follow the devices and desires of their own hearts, they give up themselves to the conduct of their own fleshly mind, refusing to make their reason stoop to divine revelation, and to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ; they, in their lives, act directly contrary to God's righteous precepts, and comply with the demands of corrupt nature. Evil opinions are often accompanied with evil practices; and those who are for propagating error are for improving in wickedness. They will not sit down contented in the measure of iniquity to which they have attained, nor is it enough for them to stand up, and maintain, and defend, what wickedness they have already committed, but they walk after the flesh, they go on in their sinful course, and increase unto more ungodliness and greater degrees of impurity and uncleanness too; they also pour contempt on those whom God has set in authority over them and requires them to honour. These therefore despise the ordinance of God, and we need not wonder at it, for they are bold and daring, obstinate and refractory, and will not only cherish contempt in their hearts, but with their tongues will utter slanderous and reproachful words of those who are set over them.
II. This he aggravates, by setting forth the very different conduct of more excellent creatures, even the angels, of whom observe, 1. They are greater in power and might, and that even than those who are clothed with authority and power among the sons of men, and much more than those false teachers who are slanderous revilers of magistrates and governors; the good angels vastly exceed us in all natural and moral excellences, in strength, understanding, and holiness too. 2. Good angels are accusers of sinful creatures, either of their own kind, or ours, or both. Those who are allowed to behold the face of God, and stand before his throne, cannot but have a zeal for his honour, and accuse and blame those who dishonour him. 3. Angels bring their accusations of sinful creatures before the Lord; they do not publish their faults, and tell their crimes to their fellow-creatures, in a way of calumny and slander; but it is before the Lord, who is the Judge, and will be the avenger, of all impiety and injustice. 4. Good angels mingle no bitter revilings nor base reproaches with any of the accusations or charges they bring against the wickedest and worst of criminals. Let us, who pray that God's will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, imitate the angels in this particular; if we complain of wicked men, let it be to God, and that not with rage and reviling, but with compassion and composedness of mind, that may evidence that we belong to him who is meek and merciful.
III. The apostle, having shown (Pe2 2:11) how unlike seducing teachers are to the most excellent creatures, proceeds (Pe2 2:12) to show how like they are to the most inferior: they are like the horse and mule, which have no understanding; they are as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed. Men, under the power of sin, are so far from observing divine revelation that they do not exercise reason, nor act according to the direction thereof. They walk by sight, and not by faith, and judge of things according to their senses; as these represent things pleasant and agreeable, so they must be approved and esteemed. Brute-creatures follow the instinct of their sensitive appetite, and sinful man follows the inclination of his carnal mind; these refuse to employ the understanding and reason God has given them, and so are ignorant of what they might and ought to know; and therefore observe, 1. Ignorance is the cause of evil-speaking; and, 2. Destruction will be the effect of it. These persons shall be utterly destroyed in their own corruption. Their vices not only expose them to the wrath of God in another world, but often bring them to misery and ruin in this life; and surely such impudent offenders, who glory in their shame, and to whom openness in sin is an improvement of the pleasure of sinning, most justly deserve all the plagues of this life and the pains of the next in the greatest extremity. Therefore whatever they meet with is the just reward of their unrighteousness. Such sinners as sport themselves in mischief deceive themselves and disgrace all they belong to, for by one sort of sins they prepare themselves for another; their extravagant feastings, their intemperance in eating and drinking, bring them to commit all manner of lewdness, so that their eyes are full of adultery, their wanton looks show their own impure lusts and are designed and directed to kindle the like in others; and this is what they cannot cease from - the heart is insatiate in lusting and the eye incessant in looking after what may gratify their unclean desires, and those who are themselves impudent and incessant in sin are very diligent and often successful in deceiving others and drawing others into the same excess of riot. But here observe who those are who are in the greatest danger of being led away into error and impiety, even the unstable. Those whose hearts are not established with grace are easily turned into the way of sin, or else such sensual wretches would not be able to prevail upon them, for these are not only riotous and lascivious, but covetous also, and these practices their hearts are exercised with; they pant after riches, and the desire of their souls is to the wealth of this world: it is a considerable part of their work to contrive to get wealth; in this their hearts are exercised, and then they execute their projects; and, if men abandon themselves to all sorts of lusts, we cannot wonder that the apostle should call them cursed children, for they are liable to the curse of God denounced against such ungodly and unrighteous men, and they bring a curse upon all who hearken and adhere to them.
IV. The apostle (Pe2 2:15, Pe2 2:16) proves that they are cursed children, even such covetous persons as the Lord abhors, by showing, 1. They have forsaken the right way; and it cannot be but such self-seekers must be out of the right way, which is a self-denying way. 2. They have gone into a wrong way: they have erred and strayed from the way of life, and gone over into the path which leads to death, and takes hold of hell; and this he makes out by showing it to be the way of Balaam, the son of Bosor. (1.) That is a way of unrighteousness into which men are led by the wages of unrighteousness. (2.) Outward temporal good things are the wages sinners expect and promise themselves, though they are often disappointed. (3.) The inordinate love of the good things of this world turns men out of the way which leads to the unspeakably better things of another life; the love of riches and honour turned Balaam out of the way of his duty, although he knew that the way he took displeased the Lord. (4.) Those who from the same principle are guilty of the same practices with notorious sinners are, in the judgment of God, the followers of such vile offenders, and therefore must reckon upon being at last where they are: they shall have their portion with those in another world whom they imitated in this. (5.) Heinous and hardened sinners sometimes meet with rebukes for their iniquity. God stops them in their way, and opens the mouth of conscience, or by some startling providence startles and affrights them. (6.) Though some more uncommon and extraordinary rebuke may for a little while cool men's courage, and hinder their violent progress in the way of sin, it will not make them forsake the way of iniquity and go over into the way of holiness. If rebuking a sinner for his iniquity could have made a man return to his duty, surely the rebuke of Balaam must have produced this effect; for here is a surprising miracle wrought: the dumb ass, in whose mouth no man can expect to meet with reproof, is enabled to speak, and that with a human voice, and to her owner and master (who is here called a prophet, for the Lord appeared and spoke sometimes to him, Num 22:23, Num 22:24, but indeed he was among the prophets of the Lord as Judas among the apostles of Jesus Christ), and she exposes the madness of his conduct and opposes his going on in this evil way, and yet all in vain. Those who will not yield to usual methods of reproof will be but little influenced by miraculous appearances to turn them from their sinful courses. Balaam was indeed restrained from actually cursing the people, but he had so strong a desire after the honours and riches that were promised him that he went as far as he could, and did his utmost to get from under the restraint that was upon him.
V. The apostle proceeds (Pe2 2:17) to a further description of seducing teachers, whom he sets forth,
1.As wells, or fountains, without water. Observe, (1.) Ministers should be as wells or fountains, where the people may find instruction, direction, and comfort; but (2.) False teachers have nothing of this to impart to those who consult them: the word of truth is the water of life, which refreshes the souls that receive it; but these deceivers are set upon spreading and promoting error, and therefore are set forth as empty, because there is no truth in them. In vain then are all our expectations of being fed and filled with knowledge and understanding by those who are themselves ignorant and empty.
2.As clouds carried with a tempest. When we see a cloud we expect a refreshing shower from it; but these are clouds which yield no rain, for they are driven with the wind, but not of the Spirit, but the stormy wind or tempest of their own ambition and covetousness. They espouse and spread those opinions that will procure most applause and advantage to themselves; and as clouds obstruct the light of the sun, and darken the air, so do these darken counsel by words without knowledge and wherein there is no truth; and, seeing these men are for promoting darkness in this world, it is very just that the mist of darkness should be their portion in the next. Utter darkness was prepared for the devil, the great deceiver, and his angels, those instruments that he uses to turn men from the truth, and therefore for them it is reserved, and that for ever; the fire of hell is everlasting, and the smoke of the bottomless pit rises up for ever and ever. And it is just with God to deal thus with them, because (1.) They allure those they deal with, and draw them into a net, or catch them as men do fish; and, (2.) It is with great swelling words of vanity, lofty expressions, which have a great sound, but little sense. (3.) They work upon the corrupt affections and carnal fleshly lusts of men, proposing what is grateful to them. And, (4.) They seduce persons who in reality avoided and kept at a distance from those who spread and those who embraced hurtful and destructive errors. Observe, [1.] By application and industry men attain a skilfulness and dexterity in promoting error. They are as artful and as successful as the fisher, who makes angling his daily employment. The business of these men is to draw disciples after them, and in their methods and management there are some things worth observing, how they suit their bait to those they desire to catch. [2.] Erroneous teachers have a peculiar advantage to win men over to them, because they have sensual pleasure to take them with; whereas the ministers of Christ put men upon self-denial, and the mortifying of those lusts that others gratify and please: wonder not therefore that truth prevails no more, or that errors spread so much. [3.] Persons who have for a while adhered to the truth, and kept clear of errors, may by the subtlety and industry of seducers be so far deceived as to fall into those errors they had for a while clean escaped. "Be therefore always upon your guard, maintain a godly jealousy of yourselves, search the scriptures, pray for the Spirit to instruct and establish you in the truth, walk humbly with God, and watch against every thing that may provoke him to give you up to a reprobate mind, that you may not be taken with the fair and specious pretences of these false teachers, who promise liberty to all who will hearken to them, not true Christian liberty for the service of God, but a licentiousness in sin, to follow the devices and desires of their own hearts." To prevent these men's gaining proselytes, he tells us that, in the midst of all their talk of liberty, they themselves are the vilest slaves, for they are the servants of corruption; their own lusts have gotten a complete victory over them, and they are actually in bondage to them, making provision for the flesh, to satisfy its cravings, comply with its directions, and obey its commands. Their minds and hearts are so far corrupted and depraved that they have neither power nor will to refuse the task that is imposed on them. They are conquered and captivated by their spiritual enemies, and yield their members servants of unrighteousness: and what a shame it is to be overcome and commanded by those who are themselves the servants of corruption, and slaves to their own lusts! This consideration should prevent our being led away by these seducers; and to this he adds another (Pe2 2:20): it is not only a shame and disgrace to be seduced by those who are themselves the slaves of sin, and led captive by the devil at his pleasure, but it is a real detriment to those who have clean escaped from those who live in error, for hereby their latter end is made worse than their beginning. Here we see, First, It is an advantage to escape the pollutions of the world, to be kept from gross and scandalous sins, though men are not thoroughly converted and savingly changed; for hereby we are kept from grieving those who are truly serious and emboldening those who are openly profane; whereas, if we run with others to the same excess of riot and abandon ourselves to the sins of the age, we afflict and dishearten those who endeavour to walk as becomes the gospel, and strengthen the hands of those who are already engaged in open rebellion against the Most High, as well as alienate ourselves more from God, and harden our hearts against him. Secondly, Some men are, for a time, kept from the pollutions of the world, by the knowledge of Christ, who are not savingly renewed in the spirit of their mind. A religious education has restrained many whom the grace of God has not renewed: if we receive the light of the truth, and have a notional knowledge of Christ in our heads, it may be of some present service to us; but we must receive the love of the truth, and hide God's word in our heart, or it will not sanctify and save us. Thirdly, Those who have, for a time, escaped the pollutions of the world, are at first ensnared and entangled by false teachers, who first perplex men with some plausible and specious objections against the truths of the gospel; and the more ignorant and unstable are hereby made to stagger, and brought to question the truth of doctrines they have received, because they cannot solve all the difficulties, nor answer all the objections, that are urged by these seducers. Fourthly, When men are once entangled, they are easily overcome; therefore should Christians keep close to the word of God, and watch against those who seek to perplex and bewilder them, and that because, if men who have once escaped are again entangled, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
VI. The apostle, in the last two verses of the chapter, sets himself to prove that a state of apostasy is worse than a state of ignorance; for it is a condemning of the way of righteousness, after they have had some knowledge of it, and expressed some liking to it; it carries in it a declaring that they have found some iniquity in the way of righteousness and some falsehood in the word of truth. Now to bring up such an evil report upon the good way of God, and such a false charge against the way of truth, must necessarily expose to the heaviest condemnation; the misery of such deserters of Christ and his gospel is more unavoidable and more intolerable than that of other offenders; for, 1. God is more highly provoked by those who by their conduct despise the gospel, as well as disobey the law, and who reproach and pour contempt upon God and his grace. 2. The devil more narrowly watches and more closely confines those whom he has recovered, after they had once gone off from him and professed to be the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ (Mat 12:45); they are kept under a stronger guard, and no wonder it should be so when they have licked up their own vomit again, returning to the same errors and impieties that they had once cast off and seemed to detest and loathe, and wallowing in that filthiness from which they appeared once to be really cleansed. Well, if the scripture gives such an account of Christianity on the one hand, and of sin on the other, as we have here in these two verses, we certainly ought highly to approve of the former and persevere therein, because it is a way of righteousness, and a holy commandment, and to loathe and keep at the greatest distance from the latter because it is set forth as most offensive and abominable.
These people even greeted one another with kisses which were full of lust. What was meant to be a sign of peace was transformed into adultery by those who had turned away from God.
Peter says that these people are not motivated by love. Their only interest is to find the right moment when they can seduce women.
Leading astray unstable souls. Whores are usually called “enticeresses,” derived from pollution, or from the beauty of their skin by which they lure the unsuspecting. Therefore, they lead astray unstable souls who, by teaching them wrongly, bring them under the various heretical doctrines as if corrupting them with sensual pleasures.
Spots and blemishes party in their errors against you, having eyes full of adultery, and who cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls.
"Spots and blemishes." The order is taken as follows: Spots and blemishes (Σπίλοι καὶ μῶμοι) are the heart of those who are exercised in plunder, that is, exercised through plunder, accursed children, assaulting you, having eyes full of adultery, and who cannot cease from sin: they entice unstable souls, which Paul also called women burdened with sins. (2 Tim. 3:6) Furthermore, these have forsaken the right way, and have gone astray following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, and the rest. These are wells without water, clouds carried with a tempest, etc. (2 Peter 2:17) And why is darkness reserved for them in the future world? Because of their immense vanity, by which they entice those who had previously walked in error, and had truly fled from it: so that through filthiness and the desires of the flesh, they return like a dog to its vomit. (Prov. 26:11) But those who are placed in the middle declare and confirm this vanity.
"Spots and blemishes." They have nothing that is fixed in purity, but like stains on a clean garment, they cling to long-standing conversation and defile everything: when they have drawn some away and have been able to make them shameless, those who are together, men and women, they consider this act a delight, satisfying their own lust: but also, they say, those who are dining with you do this not out of love, or because they share (as they say) in salt11, but to find this time suitable for deception among women. For these, having eyes, look at nothing but adulteresses, and in this, they sin continually, like children of abomination or abominable ones, ensnaring unstable souls.
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SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:14 delivers a searing indictment against false teachers, exposing their profound moral corruption and destructive influence within the early Christian community. Peter vividly portrays their insatiable lust and unrepentant sinfulness, their cunning ability to deceive vulnerable believers, and their deep-seated motivation of greed. The verse culminates in a damning declaration of their divine condemnation, revealing them as individuals fundamentally opposed to God's truth and destined for judgment.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within 2 Peter chapter 2, which serves as a powerful and sustained polemic against false prophets and teachers who had infiltrated the church. Peter's argument is structured to first establish God's consistent judgment against sin and rebellion, drawing on historical precedents such as the fallen angels, the Flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:4-9). Having established God's unwavering justice, he then applies this principle directly to the contemporary threat posed by these deceivers. Verse 14, along with the surrounding verses, provides a detailed character sketch of these individuals, highlighting their depravity, their methods of deception, and their ultimate fate, contrasting their destructive ways with the path of righteousness that believers are called to uphold.
Historical & Cultural Context: Peter wrote this epistle to a diverse audience of believers, likely facing internal challenges from within their congregations. The first century saw the rise of various philosophical and religious movements, some of which blended with Christian teachings in heretical ways. These false teachers, as described by Peter, likely operated within Christian gatherings, presenting themselves as legitimate spiritual guides while secretly introducing destructive heresies and exploiting their followers. Their "covetous practices" would have resonated with the common ancient concern for financial exploitation, particularly by those claiming spiritual authority. The vivid imagery of "eyes full of adultery" also speaks to a culture where moral purity was highly valued in contrast to the prevalent pagan practices, making the teachers' hypocrisy all the more scandalous.
Key Themes: The overarching theme of 2 Peter 2 is the danger of false teaching and the certainty of divine judgment upon those who propagate it. Verse 14 specifically contributes to the theme of moral corruption within these deceivers, illustrating how their inner depravity manifests in outward actions. It underscores the theme of spiritual deception, as these individuals actively "beguil[e] unstable souls" (2 Peter 2:14), highlighting the vulnerability of new or ungrounded believers. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the pervasiveness of sin in their lives, describing them as those who "cannot cease from sin" (2 Peter 2:14), indicating a willful and habitual embrace of wickedness. Finally, the concluding phrase "cursed children" powerfully reinforces the theme of divine condemnation that awaits those who lead others astray.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depravity of these false teachers. The phrase "eyes full of adultery" is a striking example of metonymy or synecdoche, where the eyes, as a part, represent the whole person's pervasive lust and moral corruption. It also functions as vivid imagery, creating a repulsive mental picture of their insatiable desire. The description of a heart "exercised with covetous practices" uses an athletic metaphor, comparing their disciplined pursuit of greed to the rigorous training of an athlete. This highlights the intentionality and practiced skill in their exploitation. The entire verse is an example of characterization through description, where Peter uses a series of damning attributes to paint a comprehensive portrait of these destructive individuals, culminating in the definitive and damning appellation "cursed children," which serves as a final, inescapable judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound moral and spiritual corruption of the false teachers described in 2 Peter 2:14 stands in stark contrast to the holiness and righteousness demanded by God of His people. Their unceasing sin and covetous practices reveal a heart fundamentally alienated from God, demonstrating that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative power that purifies the heart and life. This passage underscores the biblical truth that outward actions are a direct reflection of inner spiritual condition, and that those who persistently live in sin, especially while claiming spiritual authority, are under divine judgment. It serves as a crucial warning against hypocrisy and the dangers of allowing worldly desires to corrupt one's spiritual walk.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Peter 2:14 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers across generations. It compels us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that genuine faith is evidenced not merely by words, but by character and conduct. The description of false teachers as having "eyes full of adultery" and a heart "exercised with covetous practices" challenges us to examine our own inner desires and motivations. Are our eyes fixed on Christ, or are they drawn to the fleeting lusts of the world? Is our heart being "exercised" in godliness, or are we inadvertently training it in worldly pursuits and selfish gain? This verse calls us to a rigorous self-assessment, urging us to pursue purity, stability in doctrine, and genuine love for others, rather than exploiting them. It reminds us that spiritual vulnerability is real, and we must actively ground ourselves in God's Word and community to avoid being "beguiled" by deceptive influences, whether external or internal. Ultimately, it is a call to live a life consistent with the Gospel, knowing that true freedom comes from ceasing from sin and embracing righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "eyes full of adultery" mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "eyes full of adultery" (Greek: ophthalmous mestous moichalias) is a vivid metaphorical expression indicating an insatiable and pervasive lust. It suggests that the false teachers' gaze and entire outlook are corrupted by illicit sexual desire, constantly seeking opportunities for immoral gratification. It's not just that they commit adultery, but that their very perception is saturated with it, reflecting a deep-seated moral depravity that manifests outwardly through their actions and demeanor. This imagery underscores their profound spiritual impurity.
How do these false teachers "beguile unstable souls"?
Answer: To "beguile" (Greek: deleázō) means to entrap, lure, or entice, often with bait. The false teachers "beguile unstable souls" (Greek: astēriktos psychē) by targeting individuals who are spiritually immature, lacking firm doctrinal grounding, or emotionally vulnerable. They use persuasive rhetoric, deceptive doctrines, and often a facade of godliness to lead these susceptible individuals astray, drawing them into their own immoral practices and heresies. This highlights the critical need for believers to be firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:14.
What is the significance of their heart being "exercised with covetous practices"?
Answer: The phrase "heart they have exercised with covetous practices" (Greek: kardía gymnázō pleonexía) uses an athletic metaphor. Just as an athlete rigorously trains their body, these false teachers have deliberately and systematically trained their inner being (their "heart") in "covetous practices" (avarice, greed, exploitation). This signifies that their greed is not an accidental flaw but a cultivated, disciplined vice. Their spiritual activities are a calculated means to achieve material gain, revealing that their primary motivation is self-enrichment rather than genuine service to God or others. This is a stark warning against those who would use godliness as a means of financial profit, as also warned in 1 Timothy 6:5.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 2:14 primarily serves as a stern warning against the depravity of false teachers, it implicitly points to the absolute necessity of Christ as the antidote to such corruption. The "eyes full of adultery" and hearts "exercised with covetous practices" stand in stark contrast to the purity and self-giving love of Jesus Christ, who had no sin and whose heart was perfectly aligned with God's will (Hebrews 4:15). The inability of these false teachers to "cease from sin" underscores humanity's bondage to sin apart from divine intervention, a bondage from which only Christ can deliver through His atoning sacrifice (Romans 6:6-7). Furthermore, the "beguiling unstable souls" highlights the spiritual instability of humanity without the firm foundation of Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and the Shepherd who protects His flock from predatory wolves (John 10:11-12). Ultimately, the "cursed children" of this verse are a tragic reminder of humanity's fallen state, a curse that Christ Himself bore on the cross, becoming a curse for us, so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham and the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:13-14). Thus, this passage, by painting a vivid picture of unredeemed depravity, implicitly magnifies the saving power and transforming grace available only in Jesus Christ.