2 Peter 2 - Introduction

Outline of Chapter 2:

Beware Of False Teachers: 2 Peter 2:1-3

God's Track Record Of Judgment/Deliverance: 2 Peter 2:4-9

Profile Of False Teachers: 2 Peter 2:10-17

Their Dangerous Teaching: 2 Peter 2:18-22

Introductory Comments:

‘Peter's thought still lingers in the Old Testament prophecies (2 Peter 1:20-21). In Israel there were false prophets also among the people as well as true; and now history was repeating itself.' (Green p. 93)

In this chapter Peter is now moving from ‘defense' (defending what he and the other apostles taught 2 Peter 1:16), to the attack mode. This chapter shatters many modern religious myths, and Peter probably wouldn't be allowed to preach this sermon in most denominational churches of our time. In contrast to the current religious climate and thinking, Peter states: 1. False teachers will exist. They existed in every generation in the O.T., and N.T., so why do we think that our generation will be exempt? 2. They will be very popular and they will have many followers (2 Peter 2:2). 3. They will preach. very popular and easy to believe message (2 Peter 2:19). 4. Doctrine does matter! What makes. person. false teacher is the false doctrine that he or she spreads (2 Peter 2:1).

I recently was given. book which many in the left wing of the liberal churches have embraced. The book is entitled ‘The Twisted Scriptures' by W. Carl Ketcherside. As. have been reading the book,. am reminded that people need to take seriously the truths presented in Second Peter chapter 2. Mr. Ketcherside writes, ‘A man may hold. view as to the perseverance of the saints (once saved, always saved, Calvinism-MD), the manner of the resurrection, or the second coming of our Lord (Premillennialism, A.D. 70 Theory, or no second coming-MD), and he may prove to be as wrong as one could be, but he cannot be debarred from citizenry in the kingdom of heaven by the other subjects, any more than one can be disenfranchised in the United States because he disagrees with the government space program or the approach of overseas help.' (p. 46)

It is sad when Biblical truths are likened to one's opinion about the space program or the foreign policy of. secular nation. In effect, the above author is saying that the doctrines in the Bible are completely unimportant in reference to our salvation. Peter in this chapter clearly denies such shallow thinking.

Commentary: