Dec 18, 2017
In 2 Peter 2:17-22, Peter provides us with some less-than-flattering descriptions of false teachers and a warning against falling prey to their persuasive words. He sees them as dangerous and to be avoided at all costs. And he pulls no punches in his searing attack on their message and methods. In a way, Peter seems to express an equal portion of anger mixed with sorrow over their state. They are self-deceived, not knowing the full impact of their actions. Because of their close association with the church, they have been exposed to the gospel message, but have refused to believe it, preaching and teaching their own version of the truth. And it their exposure to the truth regarding Jesus Christ and their rejection of it, that makes their future so bleak and sad. Peter expresses his sincere belief that it would have been far better had they never heard the gospel at all, rather than to have heard and rejected it. But more than anything else, Peter wants us to recognize them as what they are and to recognize the danger inherent in their teaching, so that we might avoid them at all costs.