2 Peter 2:9

οἶδεν Κύριος, κ. τ. λ. Apodosis to protasis begun in 2 Peter 2:4. πειρασμοῦ. See Mayor's note on James 1:2. The idea here is primarily of those surroundings that try a man's fidelity and integrity, and not of the inward inducement to sin, arising from the desires. Both Noah and Lot were in the midst of mockers and unbelievers. This πειρασμός is the atmosphere in which faith is brought to full development. It was a condition even of the life of Jesus. ὑμεῖς δὲ ἐστε οἱ διαμεμενηκότες μετʼ ἐμοῦ ἐν τοῖς πειρασμοῖς μου (Luke 22:28). It is the word used by St. Luke of the Temptation (Luke 4:13). On the one hand, πειρασμός is not to be lightly sought (Luke 11:4), or entered into carelessly (Mark 14:38); the situation of πειρασμός may itself be the result of sin (1 Timothy 6:9). On the other hand, it is a joyous opportunity for the development of spiritual and moral strength (James 1:2; James 1:12). πειρασμός becomes sin only when it ceases to be in opposition to the will. The word is peculiar to the N.T. ἀδίκους δὲ εἰς ἡμέραν κρίσεως κολαζομένους τηρεῖν : “to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment”. The reference may be the same as in 1 Peter 3:19, τοῖς ἐν φυλακῇ πνεύμασιν, if we interpret “spirits in prison” as meaning those who had disobeyed the preaching of Noah, and to whom Christ preached. Cf. Book of Enoch, x. 4 f. ἡμέραν κρίσεως. This day is also the day of Parousia. The same expression is used in 2 Peter 3:7. It is called ἡμέρα κυρίου (2 Peter 3:10); ἡ τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμέρα (2 Peter 3:12). Three great results are brought about on that day. (1) The ungodly will suffer ἀπώλεια (2 Peter 3:7; cf. 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Peter 3:16). It is noteworthy that the ultimate fate of the fallen angels is not described except as κρίσις (2 Peter 2:4). (2) Dissolution of the material universe by fire (2 Peter 3:11; 2 Peter 3:7; 2 Peter 3:12; 2 Peter 3:10). (3) The righteous are promised “new heavens and a new earth”. In this new universe, or environment, righteousness has its home (2 Peter 3:13). The difficult passage (2 Peter 1:19), about the day-star, has reference to this ἡμέρα κυρίου, when the great Day shall dawn, and the sign of it shall cheer the hearts of the faithful, and the lamp of prophecy will be no longer needed.