2 Peter 2:1

III.

THE FALSE TEACHER: HIS DOCTRINES, CHARACTERISTICS, INFLUENCES, AND DOOM 2 Peter 2:1-22

CHAPTER II

2 Peter 2:1 But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

Expanded Translation

But (in contrast to these prophets who spoke from God) there arose false prophets among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall stealthily, secretly, and craftily introduce destructive (ruinous, devastating) heresies, denying (disclaiming, disowning) the very Master who redeemed them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction, ruin, devastation, (hence) misery.

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But there arose false prophets also among the people

With reference to the Old Testament times of which he had just spoken (2 Peter 1:19-21). Besides those who were moved by the Holy Spirit, there were those who were moved by Satan and the demons. One of these, Balaam, is mentioned later in the chapter. Just what group of false teachers is referred to here, is a pertinent question. It is difficult in this epistle to settle with certainty on the exact class of false teachers which is meant. Some are libertines like those described by Jude, and others are mockers and deniers of the second advent. Do they all belong to one large group? It is generally supposed that they all form some part of the Gnostic belief (so frequently denounced in I John).

as among you also there shall be false teachers

History, the apostle says, is going to repeat itself. Just as the Mosaic dispensation had its false prophets, you will have your false teachersthose who inculcate false doctrines. See Matthew 7:15-23; Matthew 24:5; Acts 20:29-30; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; John 4:1.

who shall privily bring in destructive heresies

The word heresy (hairesis) basically means a choosing or choice (of the mind) hence, opinion. But its meaning here is a wrong opinion, an opinion varying from the true exposition of the faith.

God's people bring his word in freedom, boldness, and without deceit. Not so with this falsifierhe must be secretive and subtle! The teachings of such a one are labeled destructive by the apostle. A good synonym for this word is ruinous. Moulton and Milligan say the word apoleia, indicates the loss of all that gives worth of existence. A destructive heresy is false teaching, the endorsement of which causes ruin and devastationsuch ruin as makes one worthless to God and Man. It ruins character, moral concepts, virtue, friendships, and, above all, the salvation and spiritual safety of the one who is led astray.[56]

[56] Peter uses apoleia (destruction) several times in this book. See also 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:7; 2 Peter 3:16.

denying even the Master that bought them

That is, the Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:17-19.[57] It should not be necessarily supposed here, that these men claimed to be true Christians while they were denying the Saviour, though I suppose this is a possibility. (They may have used the term Christian just as loosely as some of our acquaintances do today.) Before reaching the point of denial, they may have been true and faithful. (See 2 Peter 2:20-22.) Yet Christ has, in a sense, bought them also, for he died for all, including those who presently disown him.

[57] See master (despotes) defined under 1 Peter 2:18. The term emphasizes Christ's absolute authority.

How were they denying him? Evidently in their teachings, for this rejection of Christ formulated the core of their destructive heresies. The false teachers held doctrines that were, in fact, a denial of Jesus. Peter does not specify what doctrine(s) constituted such a denial, but any teaching which represents Christ, his work, or his person as essentially and basically different from the truth, amounts to such a denial.

bringing upon themselves swift destruction

See swift, (tachinos) defined under 2 Peter 1:14. The Greek word apoleia (destruction) is the same here as that in the former part of the verse rendered destructive. Their heresies of destruction bring upon themselves what their false teachings are bringing to otherseternal destruction.

When a wicked man is destroyed in Biblical terminology, it does not mean that he is annihilated (see notes, 2 Peter 3:6; 2 Peter 3:16).