2 Peter 2:12 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But these False teachers; as natural brute beasts As irrational animals, led merely by their brutish inclinations, several of which, in the present disordered state of the world, seem to be made to be taken and destroyed by mankind. He speaks chiefly of savage beasts, which men for their own security and preservation hunt down and destroy; speak evil of things that they understand not Namely, the mysteries of Christianity; or magistracy, the institution, use, and benefit whereof they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption In that loose and abandoned course of life to which they have given up themselves, John 8:21; who account it pleasure to riot in the day-time Reckon it their chief happiness to pursue, even in the broad light of day, those riotous and voluptuous courses, which one would suppose they would endeavour to conceal under the cover of night. See 1 Thessalonians 5:7; Isaiah 3:9. Spots they are In themselves; and blemishes To any church; sporting themselves with their own deceivings Making a jest of those whom they deceive, and even jesting while they are deceiving their own souls; while they feast with you When they join with you in the love-feasts. “The primitive Christians were used to feast together before they celebrated the Lord's supper, because it was instituted by Christ after he had eaten the passover with his disciples. See 1 Corinthians 11:21. These previous suppers, it appears from Jude, 2 Peter 2:13, were called αγαπαι, love-feasts; because the rich, by feasting their poor brethren, expressed their love to them. But on these occasions, it seems, the false teachers and their disciples were guilty of great intemperance. Having eyes full of adultery Many of them are as lewd as they are gluttonous. The Greek is, more literally, having eyes full of an adulteress; a very strong expression, implying their having an adulteress continually before their eyes; and that cannot Or who act as if they could not; cease from sin; beguiling Δελεαζοντες, insnaring; unstable souls Such as are not established in the faith and practice of the gospel. A heart exercised with covetous practices Well experienced in such contrivances as are calculated to promote their gain and carnal interest. Cursed children Persons worthy to be had in utter abomination, and peculiarly exposed to the curse of God.