II.
By a perfectly natural transition, we pass to an entirely different subject — from exhortation to show forth Christian graces to a warning against corrupt doctrine. True prophets (2 Peter 1:21) suggest false prophets, and false prophets suggest false teachers. On the character of the false teachers here attacked see Introduction, IV. There are several prophecies in the New Testament similar to the one contained in this and the next chapter (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7; 1 Timothy 4:1-7; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; comp. 1 John 2:18; 1 John 4:3). Those in 2 Thess. and 2 Timothy 3 are specially worthy of comparison, as containing, like the present chapter, a mixture of future and present. (See Introduction, I. c, y.) The fervour and impetuosity with which the writer attacks the evil before him are thoroughly in harmony with St. Peter’s character. (Comp. Notes on Jude throughout.)