2 Peter 2:1-3
Chapter 1 ends with this declaration about the revelation and inspiration of the prophetic Word: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).
Despite that amazing revelation of the character and mind of God through His holy men, false prophets brought in contrary perspectives. Turning from truth, the people chose destruction…and those who should have lived by the revealed Word caused it to be blasphemed instead:
- But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
- And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
- And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
“That was then,” Peter tells each reader. “Beware of the coming false teachers among you!”
They slip in and among God’s people, under the radar, skirting along the edges of the main stream. (Think “parachurch”?)
They entice and beguile and mislead with finely crafted words and well-turned ideas.
They drive in destructive heresies (sectarianism, schisms, divisions).
They even come to the place of the denying the Lord who ransomed them. They might not teach it directly or brazenly, but they Continue reading