2 Peter (written)

Friday, 7 February 2020

They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 2 Peter 2:15

It is such a fascinating verse to study. Peter, still speaking of the false teachers, now brings in a real-life example from Israel’s past, Balaam the son of Beor. The main story of him is found in Numbers 22-24, though he is mentioned at various times in both the Old and New Testaments. This is the first of three times in the New. Peter says of the false teachers, that “They have forsaken the right way.”

The Greek more literally reads, “Having left the straight way.” They have left, and they continue on that departure. The word “straight” signifies that which is correct or proper. Peter is possibly referring to his words of verse 2:2 where he notes that “many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” There is the proper way of following Christ as outlined in God’s word, and there is that which departs from this path.

In their departure from this proper path, they have “gone astray.” The Greek word signifies roaming into error. Peter spoke of this concerning those he addresses in his first letter, saying, “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

One can stray intentionally, or one can simply wander off the right path and into error, but either way, that person is no longer walking in accord with what God intends. Of the false teachers, Peter next says that they are “following the way of Balaam.”

What is remarkable is that Peter speaks of “the way of Balaam.” The introductory story of Balaam is found in Numbers 22, in the span of just a few verses. The Hebrew word, also translated as “way,” is found 8 times. Balaam was on a way which was perverse before the Lord. Peter uses this thought, which comes from his own history as is recorded in Scripture, and he applies it to false teachers in the time of the New Covenant. Of this, Charles Ellicott notes –

“Are gone astray. — The main verb of this long sentence. Here parallels with Jude begin again. In the historical incident of Balaam, as in that of Sodom and Gomorrha, our Epistle is more detailed than Jude (see on 2Peter 2:7). The past tenses in this verse are quite in harmony with the view that this chapter is a genuine prediction. (Comp. Genesis 49:9; Genesis 49:15; Genesis 49:23-24.) The future foretold with such confidence as to be spoken of as already past is a common form for prophecy to assume.”

Ellicott says that Peter is using a literary technique which takes past tense verbs and applies them in the sense of future prophecy. There are, and there will continue to be, false teachers who depart from the word. He is referring to them – throughout the age – as assuredly following this contrary path which Balaam had set out on.

Next, he calls Balaam, “the son of Beor.” This is an incorrect translation. The text from which the NKJV is translated says, Βοσόρ, or Bosor. The translators, thinking they need to help Peter’s words, have changed “Bosor” to read “Beor.” The reason they did this is because Balaam’s father is “Beor.” This is seen, for example, in Numbers 22:5 –

“Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: ‘Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me!’”

Maybe thinking that Peter was sleepy when writing out his epistle, they change his word “Bosor” to “Beor.” But Peter made no error. Here is an example of what Peter is doing –

“And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you.” Luke 10:6

Jesus wasn’t saying that the person’s father was named “Peace.” Rather he was saying that the person emulated the noble trait of PEACE. Peter is doing the same thing here. One Hebrew word which is commonly translated as “flesh” is basar. Peter is using that Hebrew word and calling Balaam “son of the flesh,” meaning he was a carnal man – exactly how he is describing these false teachers. As he said in verse 2:10, they are “those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority.”

In this, Peter is then making a play on words. He knew very well that Balaam’s father was Beor, but – as we do all the time – he purposefully mispronounced the name to make a theological point. The Hebrew letter ayin, when pronounced in an especially guttural way, would make the name sound like Bosor, and would then correspond to basar. In other words, he makes a pun by calling him “Balaam, Son of the Flesh,” which speaks of his pursuing the carnal lusts of the flesh in his madness to get rich. As he says to finish out this verse, it was this Son of the Flesh “who loved the wages of unrighteousness.”

Peter uses the same term that he just used in verse 2:13, “the wages of unrighteousness,” to again tie the false teachers he has been speaking about with that which is improper. The account of Balaam shows that he was highly influenced by the call of profit, and he set about to enrich himself as outlined in the story. The path he followed was a reckless one, but despite that, the Lord used him in order to bless Israel. The story of Balaam is an ongoing story of those who perversely follow after riches, power, sexual domination, or whatever other perverse things they put before their love for God and His word.

Life application: In Revelation 2:14, Jesus speaks of Balaam in this way –

“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.”

Compare what Peter says here to the false teachers Jesus warned us of. Jesus says they do three things to hinder their followers –

1) putting a stumbling block before the congregation
2) eating things sacrificed to idols
3) committing sexual immorality

When evaluating a supposed religious leader, look for such things in his character. Notable figures of the past that held to such practices are Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, David Koresh of the Branch Davidians, etc. Even a host of televangelists have engaged in unrepentant sexual immorality.

Jesus gives strong warnings that such leaders will take their congregants down paths which lead to condemnation. Pay attention to who you follow. If he is not leading you to Christ, or if he is doing it in a way contrary to Scripture, then flee from him and his wayward teaching.

Heavenly Father, may we never put our trust in man who is fallible. Give us the wisdom to follow Jesus alone and to attend a congregation which is solely devoted to fearing You and adhering to Your word. Keep us from the false teachers who would lead us astray for the sake of money or some other immoral precept. Amen.

Thursday, 6 February 2020

…having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 2 Peter 2:14

Peter continues on with his lengthy list as he describes the traits of false teachers. He now says they are “having eyes full of adultery.” The eyes can be used in various ways. Two in particular should be defined. First, they can be used to allow in the objects of lust such as Job spoke of –

“I have made a covenant with my eyes;
Why then should I look upon a young woman?”

They can also be used as objects of lust –

“Do not lust after her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25

The heart is where the root of adultery lies, but the eyes are where the adultery is watered. From there, it blossoms and takes over the mind. Therefore, to avert the eyes from that which is enticing will then deprive the condition from what it needs to grow. What is probably most on Peter’s mind is the second example from Proverbs. The reason for this is that he uses a noun. It literally says, “of an adulteress.”

Because of this, they “cannot cease from sin.” Their eyes reflect their nature, it is a nature which is in the Greek literally means “unceasing from sin.” Like the whore who flashes her eyes and captures the wandering sheep, taking him to slaughter, so the false teachers do to their unsuspecting victims. Peter says they are “enticing unstable souls.”

The thought is comparable to what Paul said to Timothy –

“For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts.” 2 Timothy 3:6

Whether a gullible woman or an unstable soul, the false teachers and wicked people of the world know how to control others with their unholy schemes and intents. People who are lacking discernment are ripe pickings for those who know how to mislead others. By saying the right things, things which sound correct, but which are twisted and unscriptural, false teachers lead many astray. And it is so easy for them, because “they have a heart trained in covetous practices.”

It speaks of the state of the individual false teacher, but which represents them all. The heart has been conditionally allowed to covet, being left completely unrestrained. Because of this, it has become their very nature to seek after that which the heart covets.

The word Peter uses is gumnazó. It is the root of our modern word “gymnastics.” It signifies training with full effort, using all of the physical and emotional force one can muster. With such an attitude, the actions follow suit, seducing others to appease the fleshly lusts which arise in them. In this, Peter says they are “accursed children.” Here Peter uses two nouns, literally saying, “children of a curse.” It reflects the state in which they exist. Just as Paul says those under the law are “under a curse,” so these false teachers exist in such a sphere. They have not come to the grace of God in Christ, and thus they remain in the realm of a curse.

Life application: It is shameful to hear about televangelists who preach “prosperity” for those who send money to their ministries, telling them that a “financial breakthrough” will come from their obedient and sacrificial giving. Unfortunately, those who fall for this are often those who are in rough times already. If things were going well, they wouldn’t be worried about a financial breakthrough.

Eventually, these supposed ministers are exposed through lavish living – large houses, expensive cars, fashion clothing, etc. There is no sense of decency or morality in their lives. They have profited by enticing unstable souls. Regardless of how they appear to those following them, the Lord reads their thoughts and the motives of their hearts. Destruction and hell will be their reward unless they correct the unholy path they are following.

Take the time to look into the lifestyle of those you intend to follow before, not after, you start giving. What is being taught here isn’t unique to Christianity. Rather, even the secular world – both in ancient times and today – understands the attitude addressed here. As Homer said in the Iliad, “Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.”

If we simply look at actions, rather than flowery speeches, we can discern the truth. Inspect the politicians you choose, not on what they say, but on what they do. Be discerning in the leaders you look to for your government, your business, and especially your spiritual life.

Lord, keep us from those who are bent on evil gain at our expense. Guide us to sound leaders who properly handle the word of truth. May those who lead our government, our financial institutions, and our churches be held accountable when they covetously strive to prosper at the expense of those who trust in them. Amen.

Wednesday, 5 February 2020

…and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 2 Peter 2:13

Peter continues to speak of the false teachers that he has been referring to throughout the chapter. He states that they “will receive the wages of unrighteousness.” In this life, these false teachers may be profiting handsomely. They may never have trials or troubles, and the money may flow into their coffers like waters rushing in to fill a pond, but these are temporary riches. Eventually, the true wages they deserve shall be paid to them.

The word “wages,” however, is not the same as that which was used by Paul when he speaks of the “wages of sin” in Romans 6:23. It speaks of a reward or recompense which is given as a compensation for an action or decision. It is the same word that will be used in 2:15 when referring to Balaam who was hired to curse Israel. There is an action which is worth a certain hire, and that is what is then received by the one who was hired. In this case, Peter speaks of the reward for their unrighteous actions. He then further defines the thought by saying of them that they are “as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime.”

The idea is that of being completely unashamed of their actions. Those who carouse, normally do so at night. The dark hides their shame and it conceals their identity. During the day, they put on a different face so that they might be thought of as honorable people. But those Peter speaks of are so bold in their unrighteousness that they openly flaunt what they do. They have no care that their teaching is false. The money pours in, the suckers enrich their coffers, and they feel justified that they are worthy of their ill-gotten gain.

Because of the attitude, Peter further describes them by saying that “they are spots and blemishes.” The first word comes from the Greek: spilos. One can see the root of our modern word for “spill.” It was only used elsewhere by Paul in Ephesians 5:27 where he noted that Christ will present His church to Himself without “spot or wrinkle.” When one has a beautiful garment that gets a spot on it, nobody notices the garment any longer. Rather, the only thing that is seen is that horrible spot. That is what these false teachers are like. They ruin what is otherwise pure and beautiful.

The word translated as “blemish” is only found here, mómos. It is that which causes disgrace. One can see that the “spots” speak of the individuals in the church, whereas the “blemishes” speak of how they affect the church. Of these people, Peter then says that they are “carousing in their own deceptions.”

A different word, translated as “carousing,” is used here than was used in the previous clause. It speaks of self-indulgence and luxurious living. They are so set on living out their dream world of luxury that their deceptions are all they can think of. It is as if they are the center of the universe and everything around them was set in place just for them to live out their own luxurious existence. Peter says this occurs, “while they feast with you.”

In other words, even while joining together with believers, their conduct remains unchanged. They have taken on such an openly self-centered existence that they cannot perceive any need for change when they are around true believers who live holy lives and are truly pious in their actions, including the very meals they partake of.

Life application: God, who is rich in mercy, offers a gift – eternal life through the Lord Jesus. On the other hand, Peter takes this concept and says (still speaking of false teachers) that they will receive their wages. These are the people who actively disobey the gospel of Jesus and yet they are the same people who sit at feasts with believers.

Think on those in Christian circles who fit this description – people who claim to know Jesus, but who deny His authority by the life they lead. They openly flaunt their disobedient lifestyle while wearing garbs of the pious.

There is never a reason to trust someone just because they have on a minister’s attire or have a degree from a theological seminary. Rather, an instructor in Christianity is to be evaluated on how he handles the word of God and how he treats the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Lord God, You have stated that judgment begins at Your house. How terrifying it will be for those who have improperly handled Your word, and who have diminished the glorious work of Jesus Christ. They sit in Your church now, but they have never truly been a part of it. Keep us from such teachers that we may be found approved on the Day of Your visitation. Amen.

Tuesday, 4 February 2020

But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 2 Peter 2:12

There are two views on how to translate the word “natural” here. The first is to connect it to the words “brute beasts.” The second would be to tie it to the words “caught and destroyed.” The second option seems more likely, so the second view will only be cited here. Charles Ellicott translates it as “born naturally for capture and destruction.”

Either way, Peter continues to speak of those he has been describing. They are people who walk according to the flesh, who despise authority, and so on. He now says that they are “like natural brute beasts.”

Here, he uses the word alogos. It is the word logos, meaning “reason,” which is prefixed by the negative particle a. Therefore, it signifies “unreasoning.” Just as an animal is unable to reason things out, these people have become so degraded in their minds that they live by animal instincts. They are unwilling to simply stop and think things through in a logical, rational way.

Peter notes that such animals are “made to be caught and destroyed.” He is not actually calling for these people to be culled from the pack, but that is the expected lot of the animals which they are like.

In other words, though not calling for them to be caught and destroyed, this is what would otherwise be expected of them because they have reduced themselves to the same state as such animals that do need to be destroyed. They have not only reduced themselves to a state of no value at all, but they are actually harmful to society. Logically then, unless they come to their senses, the Lord will handle them as they deserve in due time.

Peter continues by saying that because they are like such irrational animals, they “speak evil of the things they do not understand.” What God has ordained in the universe, from the movement of the atoms to the movement of the cosmos, is perfectly ordered. Each aspect of the created order works in a harmonious way. This then extends to the thought that God is infinitely wise and what He has done should be considered as such.

And yet, a good example of the type of people Peter speaks of are those who attribute these magnificent workings of God to time and chance. They blaspheme God by saying that order was brought from chaos through an evolutionary process. This is but one of countless examples of how people take what is good and true about God, and what He has done, and they twist it or ignore it, they speak evil of it, and yet they have no true understanding of it. Of them, Peter says that they “will utterly perish in their own corruption.”

The Greek of these words has a play on words which is not seen in the English. By taking the noun and verb forms of a word, Peter says something like “in the destruction of them, they will also be destroyed.” The probable meaning of his words is that just as they have reduced themselves to the state of irrational animals, so they will be destroyed as irrational animals are destroyed. Their own moral corruption will be as a sentence against them, and because of it, they will get what they deserve.

Life application: In Revelation 2 and 3, we are given a direct look into the thoughts of how carefully Jesus considers the state of His church. We stray from His precepts at our own peril, and those who add to or detract from His word do so at their own condemnation. The words there carefully reveal the truths that Peter writes about in this epistle.

An example of what Peter is referring to is reflected in the attitude of the Episcopal church. All the way back in 2011, they stated, “On Good Friday, the day we mark the crucifixion of Christ, God in the flesh, might we suggest that when Earth is degraded, when species go extinct, that another part of God’s body experiences yet another sort of crucifixion…” The note goes on to state that it is notable that many religious leaders are celebrating both Good Friday and Earth Day as “holy.”

Equating their perverse climate agenda with the crucifixion of Jesus is not only contemptible, but the theology made in the comparison is severely deficient. The earth is not a “part of God’s body.” Rather it is a part of His creation. Man has been given dominion over the earth, but the earth – its climate, its future, and its existence – is under the complete control of God. Man’s role in earthly matters will be judged based on his relationship with Jesus, not on global warming.

As the years have passed since that Good Friday statement was issued, the levels of depravity within the Episcopal church have increased almost exponentially. Those who teach such corrupt theology, rather than the truth of Christ, will have to face God someday, and they will be treated just as irrational animals, which they are, should be.

Lord God, surely sound doctrine is of great value. When it is lacking, there can only be a departure from the truth of Your word. This, in turn, will lead to separation from You and eventually to destruction. Open our minds to properly reason out our theology so that what we hear and believe will be acceptable in Your glorious eyes. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Monday, 3 February 2020

…whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 2 Peter 2:11

Peter just spoke of “dignitaries,” noting that those who walk according to the flesh and who despise authority “are not afraid to speak evil” of them. As noted, the word translated as “dignitaries,” literally means “glories.”

Without being dogmatic over the intent of Peter’s wording, he may have been referring to natural authorities, or he may have used the word to describe heavenly beings – angels, Christ, or God. There is a contempt for any authority, most likely that which exists in the spiritual realm. Hence, such people will use the name of Christ or the name of God in a reviling manner without batting an eye.

The book of Jude closely follows this chapter of 2 Peter, and there he uses the same word, speaking in just that manner –

“Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. ⁹ Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” Jude 1:8, 9

Thus, it is a clue that this is also probably what is on Peter’s mind here. With that thought in mind, Peter now says, “whereas angels.” This is in contrast to those people. Angels are a completely different category than men. As he says, they are “greater in power and might.”

There are two possibilities concerning these words. Peter is either referring to the angels being greater in power and might than the false teachers, or he is contrasting the angels to the archangels, who would then next be mentioned.

The first option initially seems more likely based on the contrast being made, but the second option would then set the proper tone for the conduct of the angels before those “dignitaries” to which they were subordinate. In this, it would show an even greater distinction between the false teachers and the object of their evil speaking.

Either way, man is mortal, he ages, he lives within the sphere of the material world, his power and strength are limited, and so on. And yet, despite this lowly state, such arrogant people are willing to speak against these “dignitaries,” or “glories.” As Peter next notes, even angels “do not bring a reviling accusation against them,” meaning these “dignitaries.”

And this type of accusation is noted by Peter as being “before the Lord.” That is expanded on in the quote from Jude mentioned above – “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude places his words in the context of Michael and Satan. However, a comparable thought is found in Zechariah 3 –

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. ² And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” Zechariah 3:1, 2

In the end, the thought Peter is presenting is that of a complete contrast between these earthly, fallen men who speak evil against authorities, while even those who possess much greater power and rank would not do so. Thus, it shows the high level of arrogance and folly exhibited by these people.

Life application: In revealing the utter contempt of these people for the holiness of God, their actions demonstrate that their judgment is more than deserved. They use their tongues to destroy the line of authority God has ordained. They do this despite being mere mortals who have no true power or authority over anything, including the moment of their demise. In this, their words condemn rather than justify them.

The Bible lays out certain precepts. For example, elders and deacons are to be the husband of but one wife. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormons, chose to disobey this. Likewise, the Bible condemns any sex not within the bounds of marriage between a man and a woman. Despite this, leaders in denominations and churches actively engage in illicit sexual behavior – daring God and reviling the boundaries of authority that He has given. Such examples are what Peter notes as worthy of destruction.

Be careful who you follow and why. Know your Bible and know your God!

Lord God, it is You who are to be obeyed. Below You, there is a line of authority which You have established for Your sovereign purposes. May we endeavor to obey the rulers and authorities appointed over us, and may our tongues be careful to not revile them – even when we disagree with the direction they choose. Rather, remind us to pray for them. Amen.