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^“Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the Day of Judgment,” (2 Peter 2:9)

2 Peter 2:9 is the concluding effect statement in light of three previous cause statements contained in 2 Peter 2:4-8. If the Lord condemned the angels, the ancient world and the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah then, Peter says, this means that the Lord knows how to do two fundamental things.

First, the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials. To rescue (ῥύομαι; rhyomai) means to deliver someone from danger with the implication that the danger in question is severe. God rescues the godly. The godly (εὐσεβής; eusebes) are those who are devoted to God in their thinking, their speaking and their living. God rescues to godly from trials. Trials (πειρασμός; peirasmas) are attempts to cause people to sin. They are also known as temptations.

Second, the Lord knows how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the Day of Judgment. To keep (τηρέω; tereo) means to cause to continue or retain. The Lord will keep the unrighteous (ἄδικος; adikos) or the unjust or ungodly under punishment. The phrase under punishment (κολάζω; kolazo) means severe suffering. The Lord will keep the unrighteous under punishment until the concluding Day of Judgment.

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “Some commentators and most English translations see here a reference to preliminary punishment before the final judgment; this is the most natural reading of the Greek. Oher commentators, including Calvin, understand it as a reference to future punishment or judgment day. Because Peter’s concern in this passage is the certainty of final judgment, the latter seems more appropriate to the argument than the former, though Peter may have both understandings in view.”

 Dr. John Walvoord states that, “In 2 Peter 2:9 the point of his words in verses 4–9 unfolds. The Lord knows how to rescue the righteous and to punish the unrighteous. That God can deliver the godly … from trials is a source of comfort to believers, exemplified by Noah and his seven family members and Lot and his wife and daughters. On the other hand God holds (tērein, “keeps under guard”) the unrighteous for the coming Day of Judgment (cf. 3:7), the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11–15). Meanwhile God continues their punishment in this life (cf. Rom. 1:27b) and in hades after death (Luke 16:23). The participle kolazomenous (“punishing, injuring”) is another of Peter’s words that occurs only once in the New Testament.”

This section of Peter’s epistle should give believers great comfort, while at the same time giving unbelievers great fear. The only solution is repentance of one’s sin and personal faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

^6 “if 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; 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);” (2 Peter 2:6–8)

This historical and biblical text of which Peter makes reference is Genesis 19:1-29. The specific reference which speaks of the destruction of the cities, including Sodom and Gomorrah, is Genesis 19:23-29.

²³ The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. ²⁴ Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. ²⁵ And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. ²⁶ But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. ²⁷ And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. ²⁸ And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace. ²⁹ So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.”

2 Peter 2:6 says that the Lord turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes. Ashes (τεφρόω; tephroo) means to destroy something by fire leaving only a remnant of embers. The test also says that God condemned the cities. To condemn (κατακρίνω; katakrino) means to pronoun a sentence of guilty resulting in punishment. God did this in order to make these ungodly cities in the past an example (ὑπόδειγμα; hypodeigma) or a model of what is going to happen to the ungodly in the future. God does not mess around.

At the same time the Lord graciously saved righteous Lot. The righteousness (δίκαιος; disaios) Lot possessed was the imputed righteousness from God by grace alone, through faith alone in the future ministry of the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ. It might surprise us that Scripture evaluates Abraham’s nephew “Lot” as a righteous man.

Dr. C. Sproul comments that, regarding Lot, it is, “A surprising description in view of the portrait of Lot in Genesis 19. Lot’s righteousness may have been inherited from Abraham’s intercession for the righteous of Sodom and Lot’s subsequent deliverance. Peter may also be speaking of Lot in a comparative sense. Despite Lot’s sin, Sodom’s transgressions were so heinous that Lot, comparatively speaking, was a righteous man.”

 Peter continues to say that Lot was “greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked.” As Scripture interprets Scripture, we see that the sins of the inhabitants of the cities of the valley were sexual in nature. Peter also writes that Lot “was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard.” Dr. Don Carson writes concerning Lot that, “He was tormented (neb ‘tortured’): originally meant to be tested for genuineness. Godly people living in an ungodly world must be prepared to prove the reality of their faith.”

 Take the opportunity to pray for your country this day. Pray that any ungodliness by anyone would be repented of and that faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior would prevail.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

^5 “and if he did not spare the ancient world, even though he saved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood on a world of the ungodly;” (2 Peter 2:5)

The ancient world, and its spiritual condition, to which the Apostle Peter refers is found in Genesis 6:1-8. The text describes the wickedness of humankind.

“When people began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born to them, ² the sons of God saw that they were fair; and they took wives for themselves of all that they chose. ³ Then the Lord said, “My spirit shall not abide in mortals forever, for they are flesh; their days shall be one hundred twenty years.” ⁴ The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went in to the daughters of humans, who bore children to them. These were the heroes that were of old, warriors of renown.”

 ^5 “The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. ⁶ And the Lord was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. ⁷ So the Lord said, “I will blot out from the earth the human beings I have created—people together with animals and creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found favor in the sight of the Lord.”

There are two major views as to who the “sons of God” were when referred to in Genesis 6:2. One option is that they were the descendants of Seth who cohabited with the daughters of Cain. Others suggest that they were kings wanting to build harems.

Dr. William Cook writes, “The oldest, and likely the most widely held, interpretation is that the “sons of God” are fallen angels (demons). This was the interpretation most favored in ancient Judaism and the early church (cf. 1 Pet. 3:19–20; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). The phrase “sons of God” is clearly used elsewhere of angelic hosts in God’s heavenly court (cf. Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7). Moreover, the narrative seems to contrast “man” and “the daughters of man” with the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:1–2.”

 Peter, after citing the example of the angels who rebelled, he now references the same context but now places emphasis upon the ancient world and it’s evil. The word spare (φείδομαι; pheidomai) once again means to prevent trouble. The Lord did not prevent trouble to come upon the ancient world. This would be the pre-flood world.

However, God did rescue Noah. Genesis 6:9-18 says, “⁹ These are the descendants of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. ¹⁰ And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. ¹¹ Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. ¹² And God saw that the earth was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted its ways upon the earth. ¹³ And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence because of them; now I am going to destroy them along with the earth. ¹⁴ Make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. ¹⁵ This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. ¹⁶ Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above; and put the door of the ark in its side; make it with lower, second, and third decks. ¹⁷ For my part, I am going to bring a flood of waters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. ¹⁸ But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. “

Peter calls Noah a “herald of righteousness.” A herald (κῆρυξ; keryx) is a preacher of God’s Word.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Peter was greatly impressed by the significance of the Flood for he referred to it three times in his two epistles (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5; 3:6). Noah … and seven others is the NIV‘s rendering of the Greek “Noah, the eighth person.” The others were his wife, his three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their wives (Gen. 6:10, 18). Noah was a righteous man (Gen. 6:9), an obedient servant of God, and a shipbuilder (Gen. 6:13–22). Peter added that he was also a preacher (kēryka, “herald”) of righteousness, who spoke out against the vile corruption all around him.”

 Dr. Walvoord continues by saying, “The primary focus of 2 Peter 2:5 is the unsparing hand of God on the antediluvian civilization, the ancient world with its ungodly people. Do false teachers today think they can escape God’s judgment because of their large numbers? Peter reminded them and those who are the targets of their delusions that God can judge evil even when it involves the entire human race (with the exception of only eight people). The word brought (epaxas, past part. from epagō, “to bring on”) suggests the suddenness of God’s judgment in the Flood. Peter used the same verb in verse 1 in speaking of heretics who are “bringing” destruction on themselves”

 May the Lord’s warning to all the ungodly be sufficient. The only solution is repentance of sin and faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

⁴ For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of deepest darkness to be kept until the judgment;” (2 Peter 2:4)

The initial cause and effect statement concerns God’s judgment of the angels when they sinned. A couple of initial observations would serve us well at this juncture.

First, God did not spare the angels. The phrase “did not spare” (φείδομαι; pheidomai) means to allow trouble to happen or to cause someone to be troubled. In other words, God did not prevent trouble to occur to the angels.

Second, notice the definite article immediately prior to the noun angels. Peter is referring to a particular group of angels. Also notice that the noun “angels” is in the plural form, so the apostle is informing us that God judged more than one angel.

Third, why did God judge these angels in the first place? The text informs us it is because they sinned (ἁμαρτάνω; hamartano), engaged in wrongdoing or acted in a way which was in rebellion to the will and law of God.

Finally, what was God’ specific judgment for these angelic creatures? He cast them into hell. The word hell (ταρταρόω; tartaroo) means a place of torture and torment. The text goes on to say that this judgment involved chains of deepest darkness until God’s final judgment.

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “He (God) plunged the angels into hell, literally, “tartarus” apparently a prison of custody (gloomy dungeons) between the time of the judgment and their ultimate consignment to the eternal lake of fire. There will be no future trial for their doom is already sealed. False prophets, Peter argued, will taste the same judgment as the rebellious angels.”

 There is much discussion as to the exact identity of these angels and exactly how they sinned against God. Dr. John MacArthur shares the most predominant view.

“These angels, according to Jude 6, “did not stay within their own position of authority,” i.e., they entered men who promiscuously cohabited with women. Apparently this is a reference to the fallen angels of Gen. 6 (sons of God): 1) before the flood (2 Pet. 2:5; Gen. 6:1–3) who left their normal state and lusted after women, and 2) before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Pet. 2:6; Gen. 19).”

 Dr. Don Carson contributes by saying that, “See Gn. 6:1–4 and Jude 6, where the writer draws attention to pride as the cause of the angels’ downfall. Hell (see the niv mg.) in Greek mythology refers to Tartarus, the lowest and most terrible part of hell, reserved especially for those superhuman beings who rebelled against the supreme god. The MS readings of gloomy dungeons vary between a word meaning a ‘pit’ or ‘cave’, and another word (siros instead of seiros in Greek) meaning ‘rope’ or ‘chain’ (see the niv mg.). The latter is in line with Jude 6. The imagery is drawn from apocryphal writings.”

 The point of this illustration is to demonstrate to the readers of 2 Peter that if God judged the fallen angels when they sinned against Him, what makes human sinners think that God will not judge them? The answer is none.

We conclude today with a quote from Dr. R. C. Sproul who says, “That God keeps the unrighteous under punishment by turning them over to their sin should be a sober warning to us. While those of us with true faith will never lose our salvation, if we persist in disobedience, we may become more entangled in sin, making it more difficult for us to grow in our love for righteousness. Think of a persistent sin that you have trouble overcoming and find a friend who can stand with you as you fight against it.”

 Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

^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; ⁵ 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; ⁶ if 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; 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); ⁹ then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.” (2 Peter 2:4-9)

The Apostle Peter begins an extensive paragraph of three causal statements of past truths which are collectively followed by a summarizing effect statement of a future promise. In case anyone believes that God is too loving to judge sin and sinners, Peter provides three biblical and historical examples of God’s judgement on the wicked. These three examples of God’s past judgment set a precedent for God’s future judgment upon all who would rebel against His rule and reign.

For the next several days, we will examine each illustration Peter provides. There will be references to the Old Testament texts of which these illustrations are drawn. None of these examples should be unfamiliar to the student of Scripture.

The illustrations Peter cites as instances of God’s past judgment include (1) the angels who rebelled in heaven; (2) the flood upon the ancient world; and (3) the destruction of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. As one commentator explains, “Though God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11), He must judge wickedness because His holiness requires it (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).”

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “Peter gave several illustrations to demonstrate both the Lord’s judgment and His deliverance. After citing three examples of punishment (vv. 4–6), Peter then cited a case of deliverance (Lot, v. 7). In fact, verses 4–9 are a single sentence, one of the longest in the New Testament. Peter was intent on demonstrating that God will judge false teachers and others who sin against Him and His Word. History, What Peter wrote, gives ample verification of this truth.”

 As we study this lengthy section, may each of us be in prayer for those we know who are facing God’s future judgment because of the fallen, unconverted condition. Pray that God will regenerate them by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!   

 

 

 

 

² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. ³ And 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)

What are the immediate truthful observations of and ultimate consequences for false teachers who infiltrate the church and seek to destroy believers in Christ? The Apostle Peter lists five in today’s text.

First, many will follow their sensuality. To follow (ἐξακολουθέω; exakoloutheo) means to pursue and imitate. Sensuality (ἀσέλγεια; aselgeia) refers to extreme immorality. Many within the church will pursue and imitate the serious and intense immorality of false teachers.

Second, the way of truth will be blasphemed. Notice the definite article “the” which immediately precedes the noun “way” (ὁδός; odos) which means way of life or way to live. Peter is saying that there is but one way to live and one way of life.

This way of life and living originates and is solely sourced in truth (ἀλήθεια; aletheia) which is according to reality or what really happens. This passage echos what Jesus proclaimed in John 14:6 that, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

This particular way of truth from God and solely God will be blasphemed by false teachers. To blaspheme (βλασφημέω; blasphememo) means to speak against someone with the intent to injure or harm them. The person false teachers seek to injure and harm is God.

Third, Peter says that in their greed they will exploit you with false words. False teachers are not only liars by nature and behavior but they are also greedy (πλεονεξία; pleonexia). This means that they seek to take advantage of people. The purpose of their greed is to exploit people. To exploit (ἐμπορεύομαι; emporeuomai) is defined as exploiting by deception. In other words, to cheat someone. False teachers will do so by their false words or lies.

Fourth, their condemnation from long ago is not idle. Condemnation (κρίμα; krima) means to judge as guilty. It is a legal decision of judgment. This judgement from God was resolved in the courts of heaven long ago (ἔκπαλαι; ekpalai) or since a long time. It is not idle (ἀργέω; argeo) or inoperative. It is still in force.

Fifth, their destruction is not asleep. Destruction (ἀπώλεια; apoleia) or ruination is not asleep (νυστάζω; nystazo) or drowsy. In other words, the false teacher’s destruction is imminent and wide awake. It will happen.

What can you do for your friends and church who you suspect may be in the influence of false teachers? Pray for those who you know who are unsuspectedly under the influence of false teachers. Pray that God will provide you an opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel. Pray also for yourself and your church that the Lord will protect both from false teachers and their teachings.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“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.” (Peter 2:1)

The Epistle of 2 Peter parallels the Epistle of Jude in describing and warning the church of false teachers or apostates. An apostate is a professing believer in Jesus Christ who ultimately denies the person and work of Christ along with justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

God’s people, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament historical context, have always had to deal with those who were false prophets or false teachers. The phrase false prophet (ψευδοπροφήτης; pseudoprophetai) refers to one who claims to be a prophet of God but is proclaiming what is untrue. In other words, a false teacher (ψευδοδιδάσκαλος; pseudodidaskalos) is one who teaches lies. Peter is declaring that as there were false prophets among the Jews there will be false teachers among those within the church.

What is the goal of false teachers within the church? Peter says these people “will” bring into the church community and fellowship what he calls “destructive heresies.” Destructive (ἀπώλεια; apoleia) means to ruin or destroy people, places or things. Heresies (αἵρεσις; hairesis) means false teaching or untrue doctrine. Therefore, false teachers seek to bring into the church teachings and doctrines which will ultimately bring ruin and destruction to God’s people or the church.

Their false teaching includes even denying the Master (δεσπότης; despotes) or Lord Jesus Christ who Peter says, set them free (ἀγοράζω; agorazo) or redeemed them, therefore bringing upon themselves swift destruction. Are these false teachers truly believers in Christ who ultimately lose their salvation?

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “Peter is not saying Christians can lose their salvation (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:28-30), but is describing the false teachers in terms of their own profession of faith (vv. 20-21). By teaching and practicing immorality, they despise the Lordship of Christ and prove their profession to be false (I John 2:1-4, 19). They deny the one whom they have falsely claimed to serve as His precious possession.”

Dr. Sproul continues by saying that, “Though some take the phrase “the Master who bought them” to mean that Christ’s substitutionary death applies to all rather than to the elect only. Peter’s concern here is to highlight the responsibility of the false teachers rather than to advance a theory of the atonement. It was the false teachers claim that Christ “bought them” but such a claim is valid only for true believers.”

A true believer in Christ rejects any teaching or doctrine which seeks to undermine or deny justification by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. I urge you to remain faithful to the Scriptures and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

²⁰ knowing this first of all that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. ²¹ For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

2 Peter 1:20-21 is one of two definitive portions of Scripture which speak of the revelation and inspiration of God’s Word. The other is 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which says, “¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Paralleling the words of the Apostle Paul, Peter shared to his readers that there was a priority truth which they were to continuously know or understand. That priority truth was that “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.”

Prophecy (προφητεία; propheteia) means an inspired utterance by God. Scripture (γραφή; graphe) refers to sacred and holy writings originated by God. All inspired utterances by God which were written down and originated by the Holy Spirit did not come from someone’s own interpretation. God determined the meaning of each portion of Scripture He created. Humans do not determine the meaning of God’s Word, but humans are to discover what Scripture means.

Within the particular context of today’s text, Peter was directly alluding to the Old Testament. However, 2 Peter 1:20-21 now equally applies to the New Testament.

Peter goes on to say that no inspired utterance by God (prophecy) was ever produced by the will of man. The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testament, did not originate by the prophets or the apostles. Rather, the writings came from God alone.

The prophets and the apostles spoke from God. They were heralds who God gave the responsibility to be His spokespersons. In fact, they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. The phrase “carried along” (φέρω; phero) means guided, directed and led.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “As the authors of Scripture wrote their prophecies, they were impelled or borne along by God’s Spirit. What they wrote was thus inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). “Borne along” or “carried along” translates the word pheromenoi. Luke used this word in referring to a sailing vessel carried along by the wind (Acts 27:15, 17). The Scriptures’ human authors were controlled by the divine Author, the Holy Spirit. Yet they were consciously involved in the process; they were neither taking dictation nor writing in a state of ecstasy. No wonder believers have a word of prophecy which is certain. And no wonder a Christian’s nurture must depend on the Scriptures. They are the very words of God Himself!”

Enjoy a feast from the Word of God today.

Soli deo Gloria!