2 Peter 2:4

2 Peter 2:4 ‘For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;'

‘For' -Peter argues from Old Testament precedent (approved examples?), and then makes. necessary inference at the end (2 Peter 2:9). This section of Scripture completely destroys the idea that the Old Testament is historically untrustworthy, or the idea that God won't punish anyone, or the popular idea that God will change His mind about sin.

‘God' -God hasn't changed. The God Who revealed Himself in the Old Testament, is the same God Who reveals Himself in the New Testament. God feels the same way about sin. Therefore, all the examples in the Old Testament are relevant examples for all time (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1).

‘did not spare angels when they sinned' -‘angels'-‘a messenger..to deliver. message. Angels are always spoken of in the masculine gender, the feminine form of the word does not occur.' (Vine p. 55). The word rendered ‘angels' is at times used for human messengers (Mark 1:2; Luke 7:24; Luke 7:27; Luke 9:52). Some have speculated that this verse might refer to human messengers, who in the past became unfaithful to their Divine charge. But. have always viewed it as referring to what we usually call ‘angels'.

Points to Note:

Some have had. problem with ‘sin' happening in heaven. And yet in the book of Job, God allows the devil to approach Him (Job 2:6). 2. There are certain passages that seem to infer that these angels, including whatever the devil might have originally been, fell into sin because of pride and arrogance (Judges 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:6). 3. Other passages confirm that purely spiritual beings have sinned and will end up lost (Matthew 25:41; 1 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Galatians 1:8; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 12:9; Hebrews 2:16). 4. We know that God has created all things, both material and immaterial (Colossians 1:16). The devil and his angels are created beings. Therefore, we must conclude that originally they stood in. right relationship with God, and later decided to rebel. 5. Like the false teachers, these angels had apparently figured that they were beyond God's judgment. ‘they mock Peter's naïve and primitive faith in. day of judgment. But Peter says that no-one, not even the most glorious and powerful of those who stand against God, can avoid him.' (Lucas/Green p. 96)

I think there is. great and inspiring thought to consider. Rebellion has taken place both in the spiritual realm as well as in this earthly realm. All who presently oppose God are siding with the devil and the angels who arrogantly opposed God. All who side with God, are siding with the good angels, the faithful messengers, glorious and unselfish individuals who serve God with joy and loyalty. On which side do you stand? Brethren the person who understands the Bible, understands that real life is. far more compelling story than any fictional drama that we could witness on the big screen. We are in. battle for our eternal lives!

‘cast them into' -Even the mighty angels are completely powerless to reverse the decisions of God. What. lesson for the human race! What. lesson for people who think that some human invention is going to liberate them from God's jurisdiction.

‘hell' -the Greek word means, ‘to consign to Tartarus'. This is the only occurrence of this word in the New Testament.

Points to Note:

From the verse it is clear that this isn't Gehenna, the final abode of the wicked (Matthew 25:41), but rather. temporary holding place until final sentencing. 2. In secular literature, the word ‘Tartarus' was used by the Greeks as. subterranean place lower than Hades where Divine punishment was meted out. It was the Greek word for ‘hell' in their culture. ‘In Homer, Hades is used as the place of confinement for dead men, while Tartarus is the name given to the murky abyss beneath Hades in which the sins of fallen immortals (Kronos, Japetos, and the Titans) are punished.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 135)

Unfortunately, some people get all worried when Biblical writers use. secular term for. Divine truth. But remember, God chose the word! God is saying, ‘Unbelievers do understand some truths: A. Hell is real, yes there is. place of eternal torment. B. Yes there is. place where mighty beings (not Greek immortals or gods), but fallen angels have been imprisoned. Such references should remind the Christian that if there is any similarity at times between the Biblical account and some secular account, then the secular account is. human embellishment,. mass of human tradition and myth.

‘committed them to pits of darkness' -(2 Peter 2:17; Judges 1:13; Hebrews 12:18). Life apart from God is blackness and gloom. Apart from God, even God's physical blessings, such as light, are absent. One way of looking at hell, is solitary confinement for eternity. Hell is. place where you are left all by yourself. You didn't want to have anything to do with God-hence that is your wish. But apart from God, you can't create your own world, you can't even create light, happiness, etc…In fact, you can't even create. book to read.

‘reserved for judgment' -‘to await their doom' (Gspd) Judges 1:6; Matthew 25:41.