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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER

CHAPTER TWO:
“FALSE TEACHERS IDENTIFIED”

[“False Prophets”]
Key word: Counterfeit

2 Peter 2:1-3 – False Teachers

2PE2:1 But there occurred also false prophets among the people, 60 so also among you will be false teachers, 61 who will privately bring in heresies of destruction. 62 And denying their Sovereign LORD who bought them, 63 they will bring sudden destruction upon themselves; 64

60

There occurred also false prophets among the people: The history of Israel becomes a type or example of what will happen to the Christian Church. Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3; 1 John 4:1. Verses 1-3 may be paraphrase, “Now just as there were false prophets among the people of Israel, just so there will also appear among you false teachers confidentially introducing destructive heresies. They will dispute the very teachings of the Master who purchased them. Thus, they will bring a quick and unexpected annihilation on themselves. Now many will join them and leave your number to follow their impure and destructive teachings. Because of this the real way of Truth will be spoken against with abuse. These false teachers will take advantage of you with words molded by greed. However, that ancient judgment is not without purpose and their destruction is not slumbering.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

61

So also among you will be false teachers: The Greek is PSEUDO-DIDASKALOI. Or, WEY: teachers of falsehood. Jesus and the majority of inspired writers foretell an apostasy and general fermentation of the Christian Church. See notes on Matthew 13:37ff. Research the word apostasy or falling away. See Biblical Articles, What Are “The Teachings of Demons”? and Command Them Not to Teach Different Doctrine.

62

Who will privately bring in heresies of destruction: Or, KJV: privily… damnable heresies; WEY: cunningly introduce fatal heresies; NEB: import disastrous; TCN: secretly introduce ruinous divisions; BAR: introduce pernicious heresies by underhand methods. The Greek suggests something done in privacy, secretly, quietly, or presented in a confidential way. First one talks to another, and then they talk to others – one on one – and so on the heresy spreads. The Greek word for “heresies” [HAIRESEIS, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #139] originally meant merely an opinion or choice but came to have darker tones.

63

Denying their Sovereign LORD who bought them: The Greek is DESPOTEN from which comes the English “despot.” Here it means more than just a master, a ruling lord. Or, KJV: denying the Lord that bought them. It does not seem likely that this is meant to state that they deny Jesus outright but rather disown his teachings. DESPOTES is used of God Almighty as the Absolute Sovereign at Acts 4:24f in Peter’s prayer. See notes in 1 John regarding antichrists and 1 John 4:1. The wording of these two phrases echoes Paul at Acts 20:28, 29, for after mention how the congregation was bought by The God with the blood of Christ, he goes on to mention savage wolves who will speak perversions to draw away the disciples. Noting 2 Peter 3:16 and the allusion to Paul’s writings we wonder if Peter is aware of what Paul also taught on this matter.

64	Will bring sudden destruction upon themselves: Or, KJV: swift destruction; MOF: rapid; NEB: swift disaster; TCN: speedy ruin. Their ruin or destruction will occur in the Judgment before Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46)

2PE2:2 and many will follow them out into their acts of loose conduct, 65 by whom the way of the truth will be blasphemed. 66

65

Many will follow them out into their acts of loose conduct: Or, KJV: pernicious ways; ASV: lascivious; ALF: licentious; RHM: wanton; WEY: in their immoral ways they will have many disciples; NEB: they will gain many adherents to their dissolute practices. Most place the emphasis here on some form of immoral conduct. (Jude 4) Though it is true some false teachers are also immoral, it may well be this “loose conduct” is reflected more in their teachings. Compare Paul’s warning at 2 Corinthians 11:14, 15.

66	By whom the way of the truth will be blasphemed: The Greek is BLASPHEME-THESETAI. Or, KJV: evil spoken of; PME: bring discredit; WEY: brought into disrepute; TCN: cause the Way of Truth to be maligned. (1 Peter 3:16; 4:15)

2PE2:3 And by covetousness they will exploit you by cunning and shifty words. 67 Regarding these [teachers] the judgment of old has not altered in its effectiveness 68 and their destruction is not snoozing. 69

67

By covetousness they will exploit you by cunning and shifty words: The Greek is PLASTOIS LOGOIS [plastic words]. It may refer to the logic used to deceive. Or, KJV: through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; BAR: plausibly constructed stories. [The Greek for “merchandise” is EMPOREUSONTAI from which comes “emporium” an infers either a material advantage or those shrewd tricks of the greedy merchant.] Or, BER: motivated by greed, they will exploit you with their counterfeit arguments; TCN: try to make you a source of profit; MOF: in their lust they will exploit you with cunning arguments; NEB: in their greed for money they will trade on your credulity with sheer fabrications. (2 Timothy 3:6; Titus 1:11)

68

Regarding these [teachers] the judgment of old has not altered in its effectiveness: Or, KJV: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not; BAS: whose punishment has been ready for a long time; BER: from of old their sentence has been hanging over them; MOF: whose doom comes apace from of old; TCN: but for a long time past their sentence has not been standing idle. See Jude 4. From this and other reasons it seems clear Jude had read Peter’s letter. See notes on 2 Peter 3:3.

69	Their destruction is not snoozing: Or, KJV: their damnation slumbereth not; MOF: on their trail destruction is awake; BAS: their destruction is watching for them; BAR: their doom is no asleep. See notes on 2 Peter 3:9. Compare Jude 4. The Greek infers: “their destruction is not taking a nap.”

2 Peter 2:4-10a – Two Futures

2PE2:4 For if The God did not spare the angels that sinned 70 [Genesis 6:2] but cast them into Tartarus 71 and delivered them into pits of gloom to be kept for judgment. 72

70

If The God did not spare the angels that sinned: Compare Genesis 6:2, 4 with Jude 6. The earth was visited by extra-terrestrials from the realms of heaven and indulged themselves with the daughters of Eve. From this Biblical history have come the ancient myths of Greece and other peoples. Verses 4-10 may be paraphrase, “Consider this: God did not withhold judgment on the sinning angels but expelled them into Tartarus. He handed them over into dark dungeons preserving them for condemnation. Also, God did not withhold judgment on that ancient pre-Flood world; but He protected that righteous preacher Noah, the eighth of eight persons, when God brought a great flood on a world of irreverent people. God also sentenced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to a pile of ashes. By doing this God placed Sodom and Gomorrah as an object lesson regarding the future judgment of the irreverent. However, God rescued righteous Lot – the poor man was so depressed by an immoral people without law. For while that righteous man lived among them he was tormented daily by seeing and hearing their uncivilized way of living. So, you see YHWH knows how to deliver reverent persons from miserable ordeals and at the same time preserve the unrighteous for complete annihilation on Judgment Day. This is especially true of people who defile flesh in their licentious passion – as well as those who show disrespect for God-appointed authority.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

71

Cast them into Tartarus: Or, KJV: cast them down to hell. 1 Peter 3:19, 20, “Jesus traveled to preach to the imprisoned angels who had been rebellious during a period of God’s tolerance in the days of Noah before the Deluge.” Paul describes these demons as still existing in the “heavenlies” so Tartarus is not a place but a spiritual condition of darkness. In Homer’s Iliad Tartarus was the place of condemned gods not the human souls of the damned. See Where Are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 2000© for a detailed discussion.

72	Delivered them into pits of gloom to be kept for judgment: Or, KJV: chains of darkness reserved unto judgment; GDS: dark dungeons to await their doom; TCN: caverns of darkness to be kept guard for judgment. (Jude 6; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Matthew 25:46)

2PE2:5 Also He did not spare that ancient world-order 73 but He protected the eighth person – Noah, [Genesis 7:18, 19] a preacher of righteousness 74 – when He brought a cataclysm 75 [Genesis 7:17] on a world-order of ungodly people. 76

73	He did not spare that ancient world-order: The Greek is ARCHAIOU KOSMOU [=ARCHEOZOIC COSMOS]. Or, KJV: the old world; RSV: ancient world. (Compare Genesis 7:23 with notes on 2 Peter 3:5-7)

74

He guarded the eighth person, Noah, a preacher of righteousness: Or, ASV: preserved Noah with seven others; MOF: Noah, the herald of righteousness. The Greek calls Noah the eighth person inferring seven others (Genesis 8:18) and so some translations render it that way. Interestingly the number eight is considered the luckiest number in some Asian nations. The Chinese for “boat” is “eight-mouths.” Noah was not only an ark-builder but also a preacher. (Genesis 6:9; Hebrews 11:7)

75	Cataclysm: This is the word used at Genesis 7:17 [KATAKLYSMOS].

76

He brought a cataclysm on a world-order of ungodly people: The Greek is KATAKLYSMON KOSMO; that is, down + wash, or a world deluge. Or, ASV: a flood upon the world of the ungodly; GDS: godless world. (Isaiah 54:9; see notes on 2 Peter 3:6) For details on whether the Flood was local or global research words global flood in Nazarene Commentary 2000.

2PE2:6 He also condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes, 77 [Genesis 19:24] placing them as an example to the ungodly of things to come. 78

77	He also condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes: Or, KJV: condemned them with an overthrow; RSV: condemned them to extinction. (Genesis 19:24) Jesus believed in the destruction of Sodom. (Luke 17:29) Research Sodom for details.

78	Placing them as an example to the ungodly of things to come: Or, TCN: as a warning; NEB: an object-lesson for godless men in future days. (Jude 7)

2PE2:7 But He delivered righteous Lot [Genesis 19:24] who was distressed by the lawless people’s lewd conduct. 79

79

He delivered righteous Lot who was distressed by the lawless people’s lewd conduct: Or, KJV: filthy conversation; ASV: lascivious; ABUV: lewd conduct; GDS: immoral conduct of unprincipled men; NEB: dissolute habits of lawless society. Homosexuality was the sin described in Genesis 19:7. (Compare Romans 1:27.)

2PE2:8 For dwelling among them that righteous man’s soul was tormented daily, seeing and hearing their lawless works. 80

80	For dwelling among them that righteous man’s soul was tormented daily, seeing and hearing their lawless works: (Genesis 19:7)

2PE2:9 So YHWH knows how to rescue godly persons from trial 81 and preserve unrighteous people for extinction on the Day of Judgment, 82

81	YHWH knows how to rescue godly persons from trial: Or, KJV: how to deliver the godly out of temptation. (Psalm 34:19) The Greek KYRIOS is with the article suggesting a name.

82	Preserve unrighteous people for extinction on the Day of Judgment: Literally, “lopping off.” Or, KJV: to be punished. (Romans 2:5) Research cutting off or lopping for details on the Greek word in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. See the Biblical Article God and Judgment.

2PE2:10a particularly those lusting after fleshly defilement 83 and despising [spiritual] authority. 84

83

Particularly those lusting after fleshly defilement: Or, KJV: chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness; WEY: abandoned to sensuality – craving for polluted things; MOF: polluting appetites of the flesh; GDS: indulge in passions that defile them; BAR: blatantly immoral conduct. (Romans 1:24-26) Homosexuality would be at the top of such “fleshly defilement.”

84

Despising [spiritual] authority: Literally, “lordship.” Or, KJV: despise government; WEY: scorn control; MOF: despise the powers Celestial; GDS: despise authority. It seems possible Peter has in mind the disrespectful treatment of the angelic representatives of God sent to Sodom. (Genesis 18:1; 19:1; compare Exodus 22:28 with Act 23:5) It is also possible Peter includes those appointed men with authority in the Church. Compare Jude 8.

2 Peter 2:10b-13a – Self-Will and Blasphemy

2PE2:10b [These false teachers] are defiant and self-serving. 85 They refuse to show respect to those who possess spiritual honor. But rather they speak slander and abuse [against them], 86

85

Defiant and self-serving: Or, KJV: presumptuous are they, self-willed; PME: arrogant and presumptuous; GDS: rash, headstrong men; TCN: audacious and self-willed; NOR: in their boldness and willfulness; BAR: self-opinionated. Peter continues to characterize these infiltrating deceivers. He has stated they work privately and confidentially, trying to undermine teachings and authority. Here Peter describes their disrespect and arrogance. Verses 10-13 may be paraphrase, “These false teachers are arrogant and impudent, completely absorbed in themselves. They have no respect for godly authority. They speak abusively of these authorities while angels who stand before YHWH – though much more superior in strength and power – dare not utter any kind of abusive criticism. However, these false teachers are just like animals – unthinking, born to be caught, and destroyed – completely ignorant in their abusive speech. They infect others by their own contamination. By self-inflicted wounds they receive payment for their unrighteousness.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

86

They speak slander and abuse [against them]: Or, KJV: they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities; PME: they think nothing of scoffing at the glories of the unseen world; NEB: they are not afraid to insult celestial beings; RSV: revile glorious ones; WMS: they do not tremble when they abuse persons of majesty; NOR: they have no fear as to speaking evil of those in high repute; BAR: insulting the celestial glorious ones. These infiltrators use fleshly reasoning to undermine proper authority. These “glories” or glorious ones are likely those apostles and others acting as a “restraint” against the foretold apostasy. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-9) Jude 8, “… [they] disregard spiritual authority and speak abusively about those deserving spiritual honor.” These elders in apostolic and prophetic offices are similar to the appointed priests in ancient Israel. Note Paul’s words in Acts 23:5 regarding the Law’s prohibition against speaking abusively of an Israelite ruler. He quotes Exodus 22:28 where the LXX uses “gods.” It seems likely that Peter has in mind, not the angels, but apostolic representatives in the early Church. Compare also 2 John 10.

2PE2:11 whereas angels in the presence of YHWH, – though of greater strength and power 87 – do not bring against [these honorable persons] any kind of judgmental criticism. 88

87	Though of greater strength and power: Or, TCN: though excelling them in strength and power. Compare Jude 9 and its manner of explaining this.

88	Do not bring against [these honorable persons] any kind of judgmental criticism: Or, KJV: bring not railing accusation; NEB: employ no insults in seeking judgment; BAS: do not make use of violent language; GDS: bring no abusive charge. (Ecclesiastes 10:20; Zechariah 3:3)

2PE2:12 But, these [false teachers] are like unreasoning animals 89 naturally born to capture and decay. 90 They speak abusive words 91 about matters of which they are ignorant. In the process they corrupt others with their own corruption, 92

89

These [false teachers] are like unreasoning animals: Or, KJV: brute beasts; PME: but these men, with no more sense than the unreasoning brute beasts. Compare Jude 10, “But these persons, indeed, blaspheme what they do not understand yet physically are like speechless animals knowing full well those things corrupting them.” [NCMM Literal]

90	Naturally born to capture and decay: Or, KJV: made to be taken and destroyed. Though hiding themselves in a cloak of righteousness and light (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15) they are really animalistic. (Jude 19; James 3:15)

91

They speak abusive words: Or, KJV: speaketh evil of the things that they understand not; GDS: abuse what they do not understand; KNX: sneer at; PME: scoff at things outside their own experience. These men do not understand the Bible or spiritual things and so are critical of what they do not know. To them Bible study is unimportant because they know nothing of the Scriptures.

92	They corrupt others with their own corruption: Or, KJV: utterly perish in their own corruption. They actually damage themselves in their hatred and bitterness.

2PE2:13a harming themselves as a wage of unrighteousness. 93

93

Harming themselves as a wage of unrighteousness: Or, ASV: suffering wrong as the hire of wrong-doing; TCN: suffering themselves, as the penalty for the suffering they have inflicted; NEB: suffering hurt for the hurt they have inflicted; BAR: Injury they inflicted, and injury they will receive. (See Romans 1:28)

2 Peter 2:13b-16 – Identifying Characteristics

2PE2:13b While feasting with you they consider daytime indulgence a pleasure, 94 reveling as deceitful spots and blemishes. 95

94

While feasting with you they consider daytime indulgence a pleasure: Or, KJV: as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time; NOR: they take pleasure in spending the day in carousing; TCN: they think that pleasure consists in the indulgence of the moment. Compare Romans 13:13. Jude 12, “During your agape meals these men are hidden reefs in the sea, pastors stuffing themselves without any respect.” These false teachers take advantage of social occasions to work their deceit in a relaxed environment. Verses 13-16 may be paraphrased, “These false teachers feast with you, indulging in luxuries of the day. In their revelries they are insidious spots and blemishes. Their eyes lust after any adulteress woman. They never stop their habitual sin and try to trick unsteady Christians. Like cursed children they have trained their hearts well in greed. They have rejected the straight path and wandered after the course of Balaam of Beor. That prophet craved the material reward for his unrighteous ways. However, the voice of a man rebuked the mad prophet through a dumb ass hindering his course.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

95

Reveling as deceitful spots and blemishes: Or, KJV: spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves; BER: foul blots and blemishes that stuff themselves; TCN: they are a stain and a disgrace; PME: they are foul spots and blots playing their tricks at your very dinner tables; BAR: they are disfiguring blemishes on your society. They turn Christian banquets into revelry, a work of the flesh. (Galatians 5:21)

2PE2:14 They have eyes filled with desire for an adulteress. 96 Continuing to sin habitually, 97 they bait unstable souls, having a heart trained like a gymnast in greed they are cursed children. 98

96

They have eyes filled with desire for an adulteress: Or, KJV: having eyes full of adultery; RHM: eye full of an adulteress; NEB: they have eyes for nothing but women; GDS: they have eyes for nobody but adulterous women; BAR: they strip with they eyes every woman they look at. (See notes on Matthew 5:28.) In this relaxed atmosphere where wine may flow they seek to take advantage of women, something Paul foretold. (Compare 2 Timothy 3:6)

97

Continuing to sin habitually: Or, KJV: cannot cease from sin; RHM: cannot rest from sin; GDS: eyes insatiable in sin; TCN: eyes never tired of sin; ASV: enticing unsteadfast souls; PME: they captivate the unstable; KNX: they know how to win wavering souls to their purpose. They watch for weak and sleepy Christians (1 Corinthians 11:21, 30; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 14, 15) and use these weaknesses in the Christian Church to “bait” those with weak foundations in Christ.

98

Heart trained like a gymnast in greed they are cursed children: The Greek is CARDIAN GE-GYMNASMENEN PLEONEXIAS. (a heart trained to want more) Or, KJV: an heart the have exercised with covetous practices; BEC: hearts are trained to be greedy; NEB: past masters in mercenary greed; TCN: their minds are trained to covet; ASV: children of cursing; BEC: cursed people; TCN: they live under a curse; BAR: God’s curse is on them. This is not the case of a single mistake in one’s Christian walk. These are habitual sinners who are trained in greed. It is interesting that the Latin word for greed is CUPIDATIS = the desire for more.

2PE2:15 They have forsaken the straight Way. They went astray, following the way of Balaam of Beor 99 who loved a reward of unrighteousness. 100

99

Forsaken the straight Way. They went astray, following the way of Balaam of Beor: Greek texts vary on the word “Beor.” (NA = BOSOR; WH = BEOR) Or, ASV: followed the way of. The false prophet Balaam’s example taken from Numbers 22:5 and used elsewhere. (Jude 11; Revelation 2:14) Consider the account in Numbers chapters 22-24. Note that when one approach failed the evil prophet used immoral women to bait Israel into sinning. Despite this, Yehowah used Balaam’s attempt to curse Israel into a messianic prophecy which mentions that “star” of 2 Peter 1:19. (Deuteronomy 23:5)

100	Loved a reward of unrighteousness: Or, ASV: who loved the ire of wrong-doing; GDS: set his heart on dishonest gain; WMS: fell in love with the profits of wrong-doing; BAR: loved ill-gotten gain.

2PE2:16 However, he was reproved for his own transgression by the voice of a human 101 speaking through a voiceless beast of burden which hindered the prophet’s madness. 102 [Numbers 22:20-35]

101	Was reproved for his own transgression by the voice of a human: MOF: reproved for his mal-practice. Balaam was ultimately killed. (Numbers 31:8)

102	A voiceless beast of burden which hindered the prophet’s madness: Or, KJV: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet; WEY: checked the madness of the prophet; LAM: halted the folly of the prophet; NEB: put a stop to.

2 Peter 2:17-22 – Identifying Characteristics

2PE2:17 These people are waterless fountains and mists driven by a violent windstorm, 103 for whom the gloom of darkness is reserved. 104

103

These people are waterless fountains and mists driven by a violent windstorm: Or, KJV: these are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; GDS: dried-up springs; MOF: mists driven by a squall. Compare Jude 12, 13 for similar metaphors. When in need of a drink a dried fountain or well is a great disappointment. The storm-driven spray is blinding to a sailor. Verses 17-22 may be paraphrased, “Dark blackness is reserved for these false teachers. They are fountains without water, storm surf driven by a hurricane. They teach over-blown and conceited words. They use fleshly desire as traps to catch those who have not developed good habits and who have recently fled from people living erroneous lives. These false teachers promise a certain liberty and freedom while they are really slaves to their own moral depravity. Remember that any person who is conquered by another person becomes a slave to that person. Because if these new Christians have so recently escaped worldly degradation by means of their intimate relationship with the Master and Savior Jesus Christ – but now become all wrapped up and conquered by the world-order – the final circumstances become worse than what they were before. For it would have been much better never to known accurately known the righteous Way than to back slide from the Holy Commandment. In their case the inspired Proverb has been fulfilled: ‘The Dog has returned to eat its own vomit.’ [And,] ‘The Sow who was washed clean has wallowed in the filthy muck’.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

104

For whom the gloom of darkness is reserved: Or, KJV: to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever [RT adds EIS AIONA]; TCN: the blackest darkness has been reserved; WEY: the densest darkness. Compare Jude 13 for similar language. A metaphor for everlasting extinction. (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:14, 15) These will stand before the judgment of Christ to receive their just payment. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Daniel 12:2; 1 John 2:28)

2PE2:18 They speak inflated and worthless things 105 baiting with fleshly desires those with poor habits 106 who have just escaped from those living in error. 107

105

They speak inflated and worthless things: Or, KJV: speak great swelling words of vanity; NEB: big, empty words; RSV: loud boasts of folly; GDS: arrogant nonsense; KNX: using fine phrases that have no meaning; BAR: bombastic and empty talk. Compare Jude 16. These teachers may be educated and charismatic speakers but their audience is left wanting in true Scriptural knowledge. Or, they may be hyperventilating, screaming evangelists.

106

Baiting with fleshly desires those with poor habits: Or, KJV: they allure through lusts of the flesh; NEB: make of sensual lusts and debauchery a bait to catch; RSV: entice with licentious passions; GDS: use physical craving to lure into immorality; KNX: they bait their hook with wanton appetites. See notes on 2 Peter 2:14. Fleshly desire may involve immorality but it may also include appeals to those desires which involve political ambition, moving up the corporate ladder.

107	Who have just escaped from those living in error: Or, KJV: those who were clean escaped from them who live in error; NEB: who have barely escaped; KNX: a short respite from false teaching. New Christians, neophytes, like those at Acts 2:40, “Get saved from this crooked generation.”

2PE2:19 Promising them freedom these false teachers exist as slaves to dissipation. 108 For anyone who is overcome by another becomes the slave of that person. 109

108

Promising them freedom these false teachers exist as slaves to dissipation: Or, KJV: promise them liberty; TCN: slaves to corrupt habits; MON: slaves of rottenness; GDS: slaves of destruction. 1 Peter 2:16, “… not using your liberty as a cover for evil but rather as servants of God.” These false teachers are “liberals” who are for a freer Christian environment. They can rationalize away any commandment of God.

109

For anyone who is overcome by another becomes the slave of that person: Or, KJV: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage; MON: a man is the slave of anything which masters him; BAS: whatever gets the better of a man. The Nazarene taught: (John 8:34), “Any sinner becomes a slave of sin.” Compare also Romans 6:16. Bad habits enslave one.

2PE2:20 For if these have just escaped the defilements of the world-order of humanity 110 by an elevated acquaintance with the Master and Savior Jesus Christ. 111 They become entangled again and they are overcome. 112 Then the final things become worse than the first. 113

110

For if these have just escaped the defilements of the world-order of humanity: Or, KJV: have escaped the pollutions of the world; TCN: the polluting influences of; PME: the world’s contaminations. See notes on 2 Peter 1:4. A new Christian is the easy mark for these false teachers who will try to convince them that now they are “saved” they can be forgiven anything.

111

By an elevated acquaintance with the Master and Savior Jesus Christ: The Greek is EPI-GNOSEI. [over / upon + know] Research GNO for notes elsewhere. Or, KJV: through the knowledge of. (John 17:3) Compare the word know or knowledge in 1 John. A relationship with Jesus is no guarantee of failure or stumbling after first starting out on the new walk. See notes Matthew 7:21-23.

112	They become entangled again and they are overcome: Or, KIT: inwoven; NWT: involved. (Romans 12:2) This is a slow process: having started of in a fine manner they are weakened and stumbled by the words and conduct of these false teachers. They justify returning to the world and parting from Christ.

113	Then the final things become worse than the first: Or, KJV: the latter end is worse with them than the beginning; BEC: are worse off in the end than they were before; GDS: their final condition is worse than their former one. (Hebrews 10:26)

2PE2:21 For it would be better for them 114 not to have gained a higher knowledge of the Way of righteousness 115 than to turn away from the holy commandment. 116

114

For it would be better for them: Had they never known Christ they would be raised in the last judgment with the possibility of everlasting life on earth. (Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:12, 13) Now, having claimed Christ as their Lord their adverse judgment leads to everlasting extinction. (Matthew 25:46; John 5:29; Daniel 12:2)

115	Not to have gained a higher knowledge of the Way of righteousness: Or, RSV: better never to have known. Compare the Nazarene’s principle at Luke 12:47.

116	Than to turn away from the holy commandment: (Hebrews 6:6) It seems possible that “the holy commandment” is something on the order of 1 John 3:23; or, it may be a general expression containing all the teachings of Jesus. (Hebrews 1:1)

2PE2:22 To them the true proverb has come together: 117 “The Dog has returned to its own vomit.” [Proverbs 26:11] And, “the Sow having been washed to wallowing in the mud.”

117

To them the true proverb has come together: The first part of the phrase regarding the Dog [the word is capitalized in WH.] is a quotation of Proverbs 26:11. The later part of the “proverb” [“and the Sow having been washed to wallowing in the mud.”] is not from an OT source. “It may have been a popular proverb current in the Near East.” (OTQNT, Archer and Chirichigno) (Matthew 7:6)