A Study of 2 Peter

Author and Facilitator: Stephen Weller
32 Lessons
23,057 words, 122 minutes read time

Page Index

Introduction
Chapter 1 – Growing in Godly Virtue and Remembering the Truth
Chapter 2 – Warning Against False Teachers
Chapter 3 – The Lord’s Return and Holy Living

Introduction

Context

The book of 2 Peter was written by the Apostle Simon Peter near the end of his life, likely around A.D. 64–68, shortly before his martyrdom in Rome. Peter writes to believers who had already received his first letter (2 Peter 3:1) and were facing growing spiritual dangers from within the church rather than primarily from external persecution. False teachers had begun infiltrating Christian communities, spreading destructive doctrines, denying the future return of Christ, promoting immoral living, and leading many believers away from the truth.

Peter’s purpose is to remind Christians of the importance of spiritual growth, steadfast faith, and confidence in God’s promises. He encourages believers to continue developing Christian character and to remain grounded in the teachings of Christ and the apostles. Peter emphasizes that Scripture is trustworthy because it originated through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit rather than human invention.

A major concern in the letter is the rise of false teachers who distorted the gospel for personal gain. Peter warns that although these teachers may appear successful for a time, God’s judgment upon them is certain. He points to examples from the Old Testament to demonstrate that God always judges wickedness while preserving the faithful.

Another significant issue addressed is skepticism regarding the Second Coming of Christ. Some scoffers questioned why Jesus had not yet returned. Peter explains that God’s timing differs from human expectations and that the apparent delay is actually an expression of God’s patience, giving people opportunity to repent. Nevertheless, the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, and believers should live holy and godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Overall, 2 Peter serves as a final pastoral message from Peter, urging believers to stand firm in the truth, reject false teaching, grow in spiritual maturity, trust the reliability of Scripture, and live in readiness for the return of Jesus Christ.

Key Context Themes

The certainty and reliability of God’s Word
Spiritual growth and Christian maturity
The danger of false teachers and false doctrine
God’s judgment upon wickedness
The certainty of Christ’s Second Coming
Holy living in light of eternity
Remembering and preserving apostolic teaching

Key Verse

2 Peter 3:18 — “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

This verse summarizes Peter’s central concern: that believers remain faithful, continue growing spiritually, and persevere in the truth until Christ returns.

Major Themes

1. Growing in Christian Maturity

Peter encourages believers to continue growing in their faith and spiritual character. Salvation is not merely the beginning of the Christian life but the foundation for ongoing transformation. Believers are called to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love to their faith. Spiritual growth confirms the reality of one’s calling and helps believers remain fruitful in their walk with Christ.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 1:5-11

2. The Authority and Reliability of God’s Word

Peter emphasizes that the message of the gospel is based on eyewitness testimony and divine revelation. He reminds believers that he personally witnessed the glory of Christ at the Transfiguration and affirms that Scripture originated through the Holy Spirit rather than human invention. God’s Word stands as the trustworthy foundation for faith and doctrine.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 1:16-21

3. Warning Against False Teachers

One of the central themes of 2 Peter is the danger posed by false teachers within the church. These individuals secretly introduce destructive teachings, deny the Lord, exploit believers, and lead many astray. Peter exposes their character, motives, and ultimate judgment, urging Christians to remain vigilant and grounded in truth.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 2:1-3, 2 Peter 2:17-22

4. God’s Judgment on Sin

Peter reminds believers that God consistently judges rebellion and wickedness. He points to examples such as the fallen angels, the flood in Noah’s day, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These historical events demonstrate that God’s justice is certain and that no evil will ultimately escape His judgment.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 2:4-9

5. God’s Deliverance of the Righteous

While God judges sin, He also preserves and rescues those who belong to Him. Noah and Lot serve as examples of God’s faithfulness to protect the righteous amid widespread corruption. This theme offers encouragement to believers facing trials and opposition.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 2:5, 2 Peter 2:7-9

6. The Certainty of Christ’s Return

Peter addresses those who mock the promise of Christ’s return. He assures believers that the Lord’s coming is certain, even though it may seem delayed. God’s timetable differs from human expectations, and His promises will be fulfilled exactly as He has declared.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 3:3-10

7. God’s Patience and Desire for Repentance

The apparent delay of Christ’s return is not evidence of God’s forgetfulness but of His mercy. God patiently gives people opportunity to repent and come to salvation. His longsuffering reflects His gracious desire that sinners turn to Him before the day of judgment arrives.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 3:8-9, 2 Peter 3:15

8. Living Holy and Godly Lives

Because Christ will return and the present world will pass away, believers are called to pursue holiness and godliness. Peter teaches that future hope should shape present conduct. Christians are to live in a manner that reflects their anticipation of God’s coming kingdom.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 3:11-14

9. The Promise of a New Heaven and New Earth

Peter directs believers’ attention beyond present circumstances to God’s eternal plan. He speaks of a future creation where righteousness dwells, providing hope and encouragement for those who endure suffering and remain faithful to Christ.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 3:13

10. Remembering and Holding Fast to Truth

Throughout the letter, Peter repeatedly reminds believers of truths they already know. He understands that spiritual stability comes through continual remembrance of God’s Word and apostolic teaching. Christians must remain firmly established in truth to avoid being led astray by error.

Key Verses: 2 Peter 1:12-15, 2 Peter 3:17-18

Key Theme of 2 Peter

The overarching theme of 2 Peter is standing firm in the truth of God’s Word while growing in spiritual maturity, resisting false teaching, and living in readiness for the certain return of Jesus Christ.

Key Verse: 2 Peter 3:18 — “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”

Chapter 1 – Growing in Godly Virtue and Remembering the Truth

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Chapter Introduction

In 2 Peter 1, the apostle Peter writes to believers to strengthen their faith and encourage spiritual growth in the face of false teaching and increasing opposition. Nearing the end of his life, Peter reminds Christians that they have received everything necessary for life and godliness through their relationship with Jesus Christ. He urges them to diligently cultivate Christian virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Peter emphasizes the importance of remembering the truths of the gospel and assures his readers that the message about Christ is not based on myths or human invention but on eyewitness testimony and the reliable prophetic Word of God. This chapter serves as both an encouragement to pursue spiritual maturity and a foundation for discerning truth from error, themes that become increasingly important throughout the remainder of the letter.

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Bible Lessons

1.1 2 Peter 2:1-3 The Entrance of False Teachers

^2:1 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished a major section of 1 Peter that was devoted to Peter reminding believers to live lives of holy conduct, that his preaching was validated by his personal experience of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, and that the truth about Jesus is anchored in the prophecies of the prophets of old. With this lesson we begin a new major section devoted to false prophets and teachers. This lesson begins with the influence of false teachers who will try to mislead the church.

Looking back to the end of chapter 1, we saw in 1:20 that “that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation,” that what is written in Scripture was not “produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (1:21). A true prophet is then one who expresses God’s will whereas a false prophet would be one who expressed his own will and not necessarily that of God. When this happens, what is expressed as prophecy is actually “cleverly devised myths” (1:16). Just as there were false prophets in Old Testament times that tried to mislead the people with false prophecy, there will be false teachers among us who will try to mislead us with their heresies.

By saying false teachers will infiltrate their midst, Peter is boldly prophesying the role that false teachers will have before these Gentile believers. In order to say this, Peter had to establish his authority and he had to anchor his audience’s faith in the written word that came from true prophets. This was his goal of chapter 1 in which he established his credentials and the importance of faith in the Scriptures. Peter is now able to say what these false teachers will do.

These false teachers “will infiltrate your midst with destructive heresies” (NET). The ESV translation says, “will secretly bring in.” Looking at parallel translations yield various interpretations of the Greek here. The online interlinear shows “will stealthily introduce” while my English-Greek Reverse Interlinear shows only “bring” or “will bring in”. The NET footnote points out that “the connotation of secretiveness is implied” thus the ESV interpretation.

These false teachers will bring in destructive heresies. They will say things that will be contrary to what Jesus and the apostles had laid down as foundational doctrines (Ephesians 2:20 – 22). Deceiving people into their way of thinking will not result in spiritual growth but rather in spiritual ruin for those who follow them. These false teachers will even deny that Jesus was the Christ. John says, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist” (1 John 2:22 ESV).

These false teachers would then also deny the purchase of our salvation on the cross by which we were redeemed from sin and death. These false teachers would claim that they were “redeemed” and “saved” because they were members of a church. Their salvation was based on works not on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Believing in this way, these false teachers are unsaved and as a result they bring upon themselves eternal destruction.

1.2 2 Peter 2:2-3 False Teachers Condemned

^2:2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. ³And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” (2 Peter 2:2 – 3 ESV)

In the previous lesson Peter told us that false teachers would infiltrate the church and try to draw people away from the faith with their heresies. In this lesson we will learn more about these false teachers, these antichrists.

Many of these false teachers will follow their sensuality, which is understood to include lack of self-constraint and abandonment to immoral behavior, which most often refer to sexual sin. Because of their debauched lifestyle the way of truth will be blasphemed or treated with contempt. Since these false teachers were among Christians, their conduct gave the unsaved the opportunity to charge Christians with immorality. These unsaved did not distinguish between these false teachers and true Christians thus condemning the righteous along with the unrighteous.

Another characteristic of these false teachers is their “greed.” They had no intentions of helping you grow spiritually. Instead their intention was to seek out people who would not endure sound teaching, but who had itching ears and wanted to hear things that suit their own passions (2 Timothy 4:3). As they gathered these who were weak in the faith, their nice sounding but false words encouraged them to feed their greed. One does not have to watch much Christian television to see them at work with their words, encouraging their listeners to give money to their cause thus fattening their bank accounts.

These false teachers have existed through history and are known by their sexual sin, a lust for money, and dishonesty, but from the beginning they have been condemned. “Vengeance is mine, [said the Lord], and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly” (Deuteronomy 32:35 ESV). “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19 ESV).

Many years ago I visited a church for a period of several months to learn what was taking place there and saw the pastor use words that encouraged members to mortgage their homes and give money that ended up being used to finance a nice home, car and even his own small jet airplane. He even had a garage built into the back of the church where he could park his very nice car and not have to go outside during bad weather. I found it amazing the effect he had in using the name of the Lord to fund his own greed. Be assured that the destruction of these false teachers is not asleep and will one day sweep them away.

1.3 2 Peter 2:4-6 Three Minor Premises

^2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; ⁵if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; ⁶if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; (2 Peter 2:4 – 6 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section on the influence of false teachers. With this lesson we will begin a section on the judgment of false teachers.

Peter does not simply condemn these false teachers but takes time and builds a case against them. His logic is to begin with a minor premise and move to a greater one. Peter begins with angels who sinned and as a result of their sin, God cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment. Jude speaks of this: “And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:6 ESV).

Being cast into hell is illustrated in Revelation 20:2 – 3, 10 ESV: ²“And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, ³and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. ¹⁰and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

These angels were securely held until their time of judgment, but they will not remain alone. In Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of the final judgment: ³¹“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. ³²Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. ³⁴Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:31 – 34 ESV). “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41 ESV).

If God did not spare the angels (first minor premise) then will he not more certainly condemn these false teachers (major premise)? Having concluded his first argument, he now introduces his second minor premise.

As Peter builds his case, he now advances time to the ancient world, the time before the flood. He says: “If he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly” (verse 5). Peter speaks of this in 1 Peter 3:20 ESV: “because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.” All the others “were snatched away before their time; their foundation was washed away” (Job 22:16 ESV).

If God did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly (second minor premise) then will he not more certainly condemn these false teachers and rescue the godly (major premise)? Having concluded his second argument, he now introduces his third minor premise.

As Peter continues to build his case, he advances time a bit further to when he “turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.” This event took place in Genesis 19:24 ESV: “Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven.” Another example of judging the ungodly is found in Numbers 26:10 ESV: “and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, when the fire devoured 250 men, and they became a warning.”

If God did not spare Sodom and Gomorrah but used their destruction as an example of what was going to happen to the ungodly (third minor premise) then will he not more certainly condemn these false teachers (major premise)? Having concluded his third argument, he now introduces his fourth and last minor premise which shifts its main focus from the false teachers to the rescue of the Godly from their trials. We will cover this fourth premise in the next lesson.

1.4 Peter 2:7-10a The Fourth Minor Premise

^2:7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked ⁸(for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); ⁹then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, ^10aand especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. (2 Peter 2:7 – 10a ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered three minor premises Peter was using in building his case against false teachers. In this lesson we will cover the fourth and last minor premise which relates primarily to the rescue of the godly from their trials.

In his last premise, Peter speaks of God rescuing righteous Lot, who lived among the lawless and morally depraved people of Sodom, and who was greatly distressed by their sensual conduct and their lawless deeds that he saw and heard day after day. Some might question whether Lot was truly righteous because of his sins listed in Genesis 19, but as Christians do we continue to sin after being born again and if so then how much sin is considered enough to disqualify us? The point is, at our salvation we are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ and when we sin, and God says we will, we are to seek forgiveness (1 John 1:8 – 10). Remember, Jesus died for our sins; past, present, and future.

It is true that Lot sinned, but God did set him apart from those living in Sodom by indicating that he invited the two men (angelic visitors) to spend the night in his home for their protection. That night the men of Sodom came to Lot’s house and attempted to break down the door to get the two men, but God protected them.

If God rescued Lot from Sodom, a lawless and morally depraved city, (fourth minor premise) then he knows how to rescue the godly from their trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment (major premise).

Based on Peter’s argument, it should be clear to these false teachers that they will be judged and will stand condemned, it should clear to the godly that they will be rescued from their trials and brought to heaven. Many may suffer and some may even die, but God will rescue them.

Not only will God rescue the godly, he will keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment. That is, they will be punished in a partial and preliminary way before the final day of judgment. Peter indicates that this judgment applies especially to those who indulge in “their fleshly desires” (NET) and despise authority.

1.5 2 Peter 2:10b-11 Bold and Willful

^2:10b Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, ¹¹whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. (2 Peter 2:10b – 11 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section about the judgment of false teachers. With this lesson we will begin the section about the character of false teachers, which I find includes some difficult verses.

Peter describes them first as “bold and willful” (ESV) or “brazen and insolent” (NET). The New English Translation is definitely stronger that the English Standard Version. Looking at Strong’s Greek definition yields “a daring, bold man” (5113) and “self-satisfied, arrogant, and stubborn” (829). From this illustration, one can see the choices a translator has to make when expressing in another language from the Greek.

They, “do not tremble as they blaspheme” (SEV) or “are not afraid to insult” (NET). “to tremble” and “to be afraid” are parts of the Greek meaning and “blaspheme” or “insult” comes from “blaspheme; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously.”

“They” would be the unrighteous and would include these false teachers. They, with boldness and willful intent are not afraid to insult “the glorious ones.” These “glorious ones” are angels but it is not clear if they are good or bad ones. The ESV and NET footnote indicates that they are probably bad angels. The point Peter is making here is that these unrighteous men are saying things against even these wicked angels without any thought that they have great power that could be used against them. These men do not realize that their willful sins can open then to attack by these demonic forces.

Peter then points out that the good angels, who are much more powerful, do not bring a slanderous judgment against these wicked angels in the presence of the Lord. An example of this is found in Jude 1:9 ESV: “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.””

1.6 2 Peter 2:12-13 Like Irrational Animals

^2:12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, ¹³suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. (2 Peter 2:12 – 13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the bold and willful intent of the false teachers in insulting others. In this lesson these false teachers will be compared to irrational animals. “These people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively” (Jude 1:10 ESV).

Jeremiah speak of these when saying, “But you, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter and set them apart for the day of slaughter” (Jeremiah 12:3 ESV). Paul says, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19 ESV).

For the meaning of “destroyed in their destruction” we will quote NET footnote 47 for 2 Peter 2:12 found at this link: “This cryptic expression has been variously interpreted. (1) It could involve a simple cognate dative in which case the idea is “they will be utterly destroyed.” But the presence of αὐτῶν (autōn; their, of them) is problematic for this view. Other, more plausible views are: (2) the false teachers will be destroyed at the same time as the irrational beasts, or (3) in the same manner as these creatures (i.e., by being caught); or (4) the false teachers will be destroyed together with the evil angels whom they insult. Because of the difficulties of the text, it was thought best to leave it ambiguous, as the Greek has it.” and write “destroyed in their destruction.”

“Suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing” is another Greek to English translation problem. We will leave it by simply saying that one day they will suffer for their wrongdoing.

Most want to hide their sin with darkness, but these in their boldness count it a pleasure to “carouse in broad daylight” (NET). Peter says, “They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you.” These “feast” probably includes or is the Lord’s Supper. In taking the Lord’s Supper they bring judgment upon themselves: 27 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:27 – 29 ESV).

1.7 2 Peter 2:14-16 Adulterous Eyes

^2:14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! ¹⁵Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, ¹⁶but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. (2 Peter 2:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson these false teachers were compared to irrational animals. In this lesson we will find them described with adulterous eyes. They are so “full of adultery” that they have desire with virtually every woman they meet, and even if that could have them all their appetite would not be satisfied.

What makes matters even worse is their constant search for unsteady souls that they can entice for their pleasure. They do not care what harm to others comes of this, as they think only of themselves, for their hearts have been trained in greediness, children of cursing, they will face God’s curse.

Like Balaam, the son of Beor, these false teachers have forsaken the right way and have gone astray, loving gain from doing what was wrong. The story of Balaam can be found at Numbers 22 – 24. In summary, the people of Israel were coming out of Egypt and the leadership of Moab and Midian were concerned about being conquered by them. “So, the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak’s message” (Numbers 22:7 ESV). The message was a request for Balaam to curse these people so that they could not gain victory. Several time Balaam was set up to curse the Israelites but could only bless them. What Balaam could not do in cursing the people of Israel, God later did when the people intermarried and went after their foreign gods.

It was Balaam’s intent to curse these people for the payment he would receive. These false teachers cared little about who they hurt as long as it was gain for them. Each time Balaam was asked to curse the people, God let him go but would not allow him to curse them. Then one day Balaam was rebuked for his transgression by his donkey who spoke to him in a human voice (Numbers 22:21, 23, 28), restraining the prophet’s madness.

Like these false teachers, Balaam spent his life gaining things at the expense of others by means of wrongdoing. If God can step in and use a donkey to restrain Balaam, who was following the way of madness, then surely he can reign in these false teachers if he so chooses.

1.8 2 Peter 2:17-19 Like Waterless Springs

^2:17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them, the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. ¹⁸For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. ¹⁹They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. (2 Peter 2:17 – 19 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the character of false teachers. In this lesson we will again look at the influence of false teachers.

Peter now using a metaphor of “waterless springs and mists driven by a storm,” further describes these false teachers. A spring is a source of fresh water where one can quench their thirst and be refreshed, but a waterless spring promises refreshment and bring none. When one thinks of a storm with a driving wind, one thinks of a heavy rain or snow. One does not associate a midst with a strong wind and to suggest that the two go together is confusing. Thus, these false teachers who are leading spiritually weak people astray do so by promising many things but deliver nothing and in the process cause confusion.

These false teachers are described by Jude: ¹²These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; ¹³wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever” (Jude 1:12 – 13 ESV). (It appears that Jude had been talking to Peter before he wrote this.)

These false teachers have nothing of value to say, so they make up their lack by increasing the sound level by speaking “high-sounding but empty words” (NET), and with these words they are able to entice, to draw to their way of thinking, which embraces the teaching that one can be a Christian and do whatever they wish sexually and no harm will come to them. In our churches today there are those who profess to be Christian and who are living together, believing that marriage is not important. This is the result of these false teachers.

These false teachers focus on new believers, “those who are barely escaping from those who live in error,” who are not yet strong enough or who do not yet have sufficient knowledge of holy and righteous living to realize they are being enticed and drawn back into sin.

These false teachers promise “freedom” to those who will listen to them. Concerning this, Paul said, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 ESV). These false teachers were teaching freedom in connection to the flesh, but Paul says that is not to be. Our freedom is not to be used in self pleasure, but to serve one another through love. As these false teachers teach freedom, “they themselves are slaves of corruption” or “immorality,” “depravity” (NET). They are overcome by their desire for sexual pleasure and as a result they are no longer free but are enslaved to immorality.

Jesus came to set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) and to provide us with the resources to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (Romans 8:5 – 8). “If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Romans 8:13). Be careful who you listen to and do spend time learning how to live properly (2 Timothy 2:15).

1.9 2 Peter 2:20-22 Again Entangled

^2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. ²¹For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. ²²What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:20 – 22 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at several characteristics of false teachers. In this lesson the text covered is considered by some to teach the loss of salvation. That is impossible as at the time of being born again we became a new eternal creature. The life we were given was eternal life and as a result it cannot be lost and still be eternal. With this in mind we will now cover verses 20 through 22.

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” would see to imply salvation, but the wording may be Peter’s way of suggesting the appearance of salvation or claim of salvation. There may be the appearance of escaping and the claim of escaping as was with a friend of mine, who completed a Bible degree and in time served in missions for several years but returned and denounced his Christian faith by saying that he was faking his salvation for the purpose of acceptance in Christian circles.

This friend had Bible knowledge and lived the Christian life well and had deceived me out of much money for mission support and finally announced that he was transgender and then had surgery to correct a mistake that he says God had made. Through my experience with him I have some firsthand experience with these false teachers. He has again become entangled in the defilements of the world and overcome by them and he is now so much worse off than he was earlier in life when he was still married and raising a family.

As Peter said, It would have been better if he had not known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turned back from it, because now he will be more severely judged by the knowledge he had gained. Jesus spoke of this in Luke 12:47 – 48 ESV: ⁴⁷“And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. ⁴⁸But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” To continue to sin after receiving knowledge is serious, as we see in Hebrews 10:26 – 27 ESV: ²⁶“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”

Drawing on an old proverb, Peter relates these false teachers to a “dog that returns to its own vomit, and he sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

As I studied this section to write these lessons on false teachers, my heart aches for my friend who had such potential but disguised who he was in Christian appearance and now lives in sin, hopelessly and eternally lost. As I think of the negative impact he has had on so many people as a result of his choices, I also think of the time when he will be called before the eternal judge to give an account. I can’t help but thank God for all he has done for me. How about you?

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Questions with Answers

1. Who is the author of 2 Peter, and how does he identify himself?

Answer:
The author identifies himself as Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1). By calling himself a servant, Peter emphasizes his submission to Christ, and by identifying himself as an apostle, he affirms his God-given authority as one who was personally chosen and commissioned by Jesus. This introduction reminds readers that the message comes from a trustworthy eyewitness of Christ’s ministry.

2. What does Peter say believers have received through Christ?

Answer:
Peter states that believers have received a faith of equal value through the righteousness of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1). Salvation is not earned by human effort but is granted through God’s grace. Every believer shares equally in the blessings of salvation regardless of background, status, or position.

3. How are grace and peace multiplied in the life of a believer?

Answer:
Grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:2). The word “knowledge” refers to a deep, personal relationship with Christ. As believers grow in their understanding of God’s character and His Word, they experience greater spiritual strength, peace, and maturity.

4. What has God’s divine power provided for believers?

Answer:
Peter teaches that God’s divine power has given believers everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God has not left His people lacking in spiritual resources. Through Christ, believers have access to the Holy Spirit, Scripture, prayer, and God’s promises, enabling them to live faithfully and victoriously.

5. What are the “precious and magnificent promises” mentioned in this chapter?

Answer:
These promises include forgiveness of sins, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ’s return, resurrection, and the believer’s future inheritance in God’s kingdom (2 Peter 1:4). Through these promises, believers become participants in God’s work and escape the corruption caused by sinful desires.

6. What does it mean to become “partakers of the divine nature”?

Answer:
Being partakers of the divine nature does not mean becoming gods. Rather, it means sharing in God’s moral character through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:4). Believers increasingly reflect God’s holiness, righteousness, love, and truth as they grow in Christ.

7. What spiritual qualities does Peter encourage believers to develop?

Answer:
Peter urges believers to diligently add to their faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). These qualities demonstrate spiritual growth and maturity. Faith is the foundation, and love is the culmination of Christian character.

8. Why is diligence important in the Christian life?

Answer:
Peter repeatedly emphasizes diligence because spiritual growth requires intentional effort (2 Peter 1:5, 10). While salvation is by grace, believers are called to actively pursue holiness and obedience. Spiritual maturity does not happen automatically but through consistent dependence on God and obedience to His Word.

9. What happens when these spiritual qualities are increasing in a believer’s life?

Answer:
When these qualities are growing, believers become effective and fruitful in their knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:8). Their lives bear spiritual fruit, influence others positively, and demonstrate the reality of their faith.

10. What danger faces those who lack these qualities?

Answer:
Peter says such individuals are spiritually nearsighted and blind, having forgotten their cleansing from past sins (2 Peter 1:9). A lack of spiritual growth can lead to spiritual stagnation, weakened testimony, and a diminished awareness of God’s transforming work.

11. What does Peter mean by making one’s calling and election sure?

Answer:
Peter encourages believers to confirm the reality of their salvation through a life marked by spiritual growth and godly character (2 Peter 1:10). Good works do not save a person, but they provide evidence that genuine faith is present. A transformed life gives assurance of God’s work within.

12. What promise is given to those who practice these things?

Answer:
Peter says they will not stumble and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11). This does not teach sinless perfection but speaks of spiritual stability and confidence as believers continue faithfully in their walk with God.

13. Why does Peter remind his readers of truths they already know?

Answer:
Peter understands that believers need continual reminders of God’s truth (2 Peter 1:12-13). Spiritual growth requires repeated exposure to biblical teaching. Even mature Christians benefit from being reminded of foundational truths that strengthen faith and guard against error.

14. What does Peter reveal about his approaching death?

Answer:
Peter explains that he knows his earthly life is nearing its end, as Jesus had previously revealed to him (2 Peter 1:14; John 21:18-19). Rather than focusing on himself, Peter seeks to leave believers with lasting instruction that will strengthen them after his departure.

15. How does Peter defend the truth of the gospel message?

Answer:
Peter declares that the apostles did not follow cleverly invented stories but were eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty (2 Peter 1:16). Christianity is based on real historical events witnessed by reliable individuals, not myths or legends.

16. What event is Peter referring to in verses 16-18?

Answer:
Peter is referring to the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). Peter, James, and John saw Christ’s glory revealed and heard the Father’s voice affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. This experience confirmed Christ’s divine identity.

17. Why is the Transfiguration important to Peter’s argument?

Answer:
The Transfiguration provided direct evidence of Christ’s divine glory and future kingdom (2 Peter 1:17-18). Peter uses this event to assure believers that the promises concerning Christ’s return and reign are trustworthy and certain.

18. What does Peter mean by the “prophetic word made more sure”?

Answer:
Peter teaches that Old Testament prophecy has been confirmed through Christ’s life, ministry, death, resurrection, and revealed glory (2 Peter 1:19). Scripture provides a dependable guide that points believers to God’s truth and purposes.

19. How does Peter describe the role of Scripture?

Answer:
Peter compares Scripture to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and Christ returns (2 Peter 1:19). God’s Word provides guidance, wisdom, and direction in a world affected by sin and spiritual darkness.

20. What does Peter teach about the origin of prophecy?

Answer:
Peter explains that no prophecy originated from human will or imagination. Instead, holy men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). This affirms the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture. The Bible is God’s message communicated through human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

21. What are the major lessons of 2 Peter 1?

Answer:
The chapter teaches that believers have been given everything needed for godly living, are called to pursue spiritual growth diligently, can have assurance of their salvation through a transformed life, and should trust the reliability of apostolic testimony and the inspired Scriptures. Peter’s message encourages Christians to grow in faith, remain steadfast in truth, and confidently await the return of Jesus Christ.

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Chapter 2 – Warning Against False Teachers

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

In chapter 2, Peter delivers a solemn warning about the danger of false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies into the church. Just as false prophets arose among God’s people in the Old Testament, false teachers would also arise among believers, denying the Lord, promoting immorality, and exploiting others for personal gain. Peter reminds his readers that God’s judgment upon such people is certain, using examples such as the fallen angels, the flood in Noah’s day, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to demonstrate that God faithfully judges the wicked while preserving the righteous. He exposes the character, conduct, and ultimate destiny of these deceivers, urging believers to recognize their influence and remain steadfast in the truth of God’s Word. The chapter serves as both a warning against spiritual deception and an encouragement to trust that God will ultimately vindicate His people and bring perfect justice.

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Bible Lessons

2.1 2 Peter 2:1-3 The Entrance of False Teachers

^2:1 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished a major section of 1 Peter that was devoted to Peter reminding believers to live lives of holy conduct, that his preaching was validated by his personal experience of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, and that the truth about Jesus is anchored in the prophecies of the prophets of old. With this lesson we begin a new major section devoted to false prophets and teachers. This lesson begins with the influence of false teachers who will try to mislead the church.

Looking back to the end of chapter 1, we saw in 1:20 that “that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation,” that what is written in Scripture was not “produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (1:21). A true prophet is then one who expresses God’s will whereas a false prophet would be one who expressed his own will and not necessarily that of God. When this happens, what is expressed as prophecy is actually “cleverly devised myths” (1:16). Just as there were false prophets in Old Testament times that tried to mislead the people with false prophecy, there will be false teachers among us who will try to mislead us with their heresies.

By saying false teachers will infiltrate their midst, Peter is boldly prophesying the role that false teachers will have before these Gentile believers. In order to say this, Peter had to establish his authority and he had to anchor his audience’s faith in the written word that came from true prophets. This was his goal of chapter 1 in which he established his credentials and the importance of faith in the Scriptures. Peter is now able to say what these false teachers will do.

These false teachers “will infiltrate your midst with destructive heresies” (NET). The ESV translation says, “will secretly bring in.” Looking at parallel translations yield various interpretations of the Greek here. The online interlinear shows “will stealthily introduce” while my English-Greek Reverse Interlinear shows only “bring” or “will bring in”. The NET footnote points out that “the connotation of secretiveness is implied” thus the ESV interpretation.

These false teachers will bring in destructive heresies. They will say things that will be contrary to what Jesus and the apostles had laid down as foundational doctrines (Ephesians 2:20 – 22). Deceiving people into their way of thinking will not result in spiritual growth but rather in spiritual ruin for those who follow them. These false teachers will even deny that Jesus was the Christ. John says, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist” (1 John 2:22 ESV).

These false teachers would then also deny the purchase of our salvation on the cross by which we were redeemed from sin and death. These false teachers would claim that they were “redeemed” and “saved” because they were members of a church. Their salvation was based on works not on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Believing in this way, these false teachers are unsaved and as a result they bring upon themselves eternal destruction.

2.2 2 Peter 2:2-3 False Teachers Condemned

^2:2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. ³And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” (2 Peter 2:2 – 3 ESV)

In the previous lesson Peter told us that false teachers would infiltrate the church and try to draw people away from the faith with their heresies. In this lesson we will learn more about these false teachers, these antichrists.

Many of these false teachers will follow their sensuality, which is understood to include lack of self-constraint and abandonment to immoral behavior, which most often refer to sexual sin. Because of their debauched lifestyle the way of truth will be blasphemed or treated with contempt. Since these false teachers were among Christians, their conduct gave the unsaved the opportunity to charge Christians with immorality. These unsaved did not distinguish between these false teachers and true Christians thus condemning the righteous along with the unrighteous.

Another characteristic of these false teachers is their “greed.” They had no intentions of helping you grow spiritually. Instead their intention was to seek out people who would not endure sound teaching, but who had itching ears and wanted to hear things that suit their own passions (2 Timothy 4:3). As they gathered these who were weak in the faith, their nice sounding but false words encouraged them to feed their greed. One does not have to watch much Christian television to see them at work with their words, encouraging their listeners to give money to their cause thus fattening their bank accounts.

These false teachers have existed through history and are known by their sexual sin, a lust for money, and dishonesty, but from the beginning they have been condemned. “Vengeance is mine, [said the Lord], and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly” (Deuteronomy 32:35 ESV). “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19 ESV).

Many years ago I visited a church for a period of several months to learn what was taking place there and saw the pastor use words that encouraged members to mortgage their homes and give money that ended up being used to finance a nice home, car and even his own small jet airplane. He even had a garage built into the back of the church where he could park his very nice car and not have to go outside during bad weather. I found it amazing the effect he had in using the name of the Lord to fund his own greed. Be assured that the destruction of these false teachers is not asleep and will one day sweep them away.

2.3 2 Peter 2:4-6 Three Minor Premises