2 Peter 2

2 Peter 2:1-22 . FALSE TEACHERS TO ARISE: THEM BAD PRACTICES AND SURE DESTRUCTION, FROM WHICH THE GODLY SHALL BE DELIVERED, AS LOT WAS.

1. But--in contrast to the prophets "moved by the Holy Ghost" ( 2 Peter 1:21 ).
also--as well as the true prophets ( 2 Peter 1:19-21 ). Paul had already testified the entrance of false prophets into the same churches.
among the people--Israel: he is writing to believing Israelites Such a "false prophet" was Balaam ( 2 Peter 2:15 ).
there shall be--Already symptoms of the evil were appearing ( 2 Peter 2:9-22 , Jude 1:4-13 ).
false teachers--teachers of falsehood. In contrast to the true teachers, whom he exhorts his readers to give heed to ( 2 Peter 3:2 ).
who--such as (literally, "the which") shall.
privily--not at first openly and directly, but by the way, bringing in error by the side of the true doctrine (so the Greek): Rome objects, Protestants cannot point out the exact date of the beginnings of the false doctrines superadded to the original truth; we answer, Peter foretells us it would be so, that the first introduction of them would be stealthy and unobserved ( Jude 1:4 ).
damnable--literally, "of destruction"; entailing destruction ( Philippians 3:19 ) on all who follow them.
heresies--self-chosen doctrines, not emanating from God (compare "will-worship," Colossians 2:23 ).
even--going even to such a length as to deny both in teaching and practice. Peter knew, by bitter repentance, what a fearful thing it is to deny the Lord ( Luke 22:61 Luke 22:62 ).
denying--Him whom, above all others, they ought to confess.
Lord--"Master and Owner" (Greek), compare Jude 1:4 , Greek. Whom the true doctrine teaches to be their OWNER by right of purchase. Literally, "denying Him who bought them (that He should be thereby), their Master."
bought them--Even the ungodly were bought by His "precious blood." It shall be their bitterest self-reproach in hell, that, as far as Christ's redemption was concerned, they might have been saved. The denial of His propitiatory sacrifice is included in the meaning (compare 1 John 4:3 ).
bring upon themselves--compare "God bringing in the flood upon the world," 2 Peter 2:5 . Man brings upon himself the vengeance which God brings upon him.
swift--swiftly descending: as the Lord's coming shall be swift and sudden. As the ground swallowed up Korah and Dathan, and "they went down quick into the pit." Compare Jude 1:11 , which is akin to this passage.

2. follow--out: so the Greek.
pernicious ways--The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "licentiousness" ( Jude 1:4 ). False doctrine and immoral practice generally go together ( 2 Peter 2:18 2 Peter 2:19 ).
by reason of whom--"on account of whom," namely, the followers of the false teachers.
the way of truth shall be evil spoken of--"blasphemed" by those without, who shall lay on Christianity itself the blame of its professors' evil practice. Contrast 1 Peter 2:12 .

3. through, &c.--Greek, "IN covetousness" as their element ( 2 Peter 2:14 , end). Contrast 2 Corinthians 11:20 , 12:17 .
of a long time--in God's eternal purpose. "Before of old ordained to condemnation" ( Jude 1:4 ).
lingereth not--though sinners think it lingers; "is not idle."
damnation--Greek, "destruction"
slumbereth not--though sinners slumber.