Dr. Lawrence Butler

The Bridge Church, Pembroke

The Epistle of II Peter is divided into 3 chapters, each one being quite distinct in its own right. Chapter 1 presented the call to righteousness, the obtaining of the abounding, fruitful abundant life promised by our Savior. The divine origination of the scriptures is supported by the Apostle Peter. However, as we turn to chapter 2 we find that not all was pure and good even in the days of the Old Testament prophets as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Peter points out that there were false prophets in those times (2:1), just as there will be in the future.

Chapter 2 focuses on the false teachers, their corrupt character and doctrine, that will soon be appearing. The OT prophets were men called of God to preach to Israel, rebuking their sins, and teaching the way of righteousness. However, false prophets were mixed among the good in that day as well. Here Peter points out that soon these false teachers will appear in the New Testament church and “bring in privily” that which is false. They teach good things, but stealthily mix in that which is wrong. In other words, they “bring alongside false doctrine.” Thus it becomes difficult to determine the right from the wrong because both are presented side-byside as one and the same. We are not to be swayed by the prophet, but must be led by the Spirit to determine the truth.

These false teachers possess “pernicious ways,” meaning unbridled lust, excess, wantonness, and shamelessness. Their character is lacking that which Peter called for in chapter 1. They are driven by fleshly lusts, controlled by sinful hearts, and yet attempting to preach and teach the Word of the Lord. They cannot aithfully teach what they do not possess or understand.

It appears that the ultimate goal of these deceivers is to “make merchandise” of their followers. In other words, they want to gain wealth from people, obtaining money from others through spiritual deceit. They are not ashamed to use religion to accomplish their goal. I think many of us have seen this, but what a sad fate awaits those leaders who use the gospel for making money. They will not get away with this activity, for the Bible says, “… whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (II Pet. 2:3). In other words, their judgment is already on the way!