Chapter 2. The False Prophets Who Are In Such Contrast To What Has Been Just Described.
In chapter 1 Peter has outlined what Christians are to be as they respond to God's word and to the teaching of the prophets. In this chapter he will describe what they ought not to be, and will draw attention to dangerous false prophets.
They must remember that in the past the true prophets were always countered by false prophets. So in the light of true prophecy, and of those who teach truly, they are to beware of the false teachers who have risen among them.
Constantly in the Old Testament we learn of prophets who spoke what the people wanted to hear. They ‘heal the hurt of God's people with ease saying, “Peace, peace” when there is no peace' (Jeremiah 6:14; Jeremiah 8:11). They promised that no judgment would come on the people (Jeremiah 4:13). And the people loved to have it so (Jeremiah 5:31).
So, says Peter, even today they are easily recognisable. They deny the Master Who bought them, for they cannot bear the way of the cross, and their ways lead to licentious behaviour which brings dishonour on the name of Christ. Furthermore they themselves are only in it for what they can get out of it. Let them then recognise what their end will be, in contrast with that of the true people of God. For God has ever brought judgment on those who followed worldly lusts.
He then gives three examples of this. For example He brought judgment on the angels who sinned, He did it on Noah's world, so that only the preacher of righteousness and those who followed him were spared, and He did it on Sodom and Gomorrah so that only righteous Lot was spared. For the truth is that He knows how to deliver the righteous from temptation and bring His judgment on the unrighteous who follow their own desires.
He then goes on to describe in 2 Peter 2:10-22 the kind of men that these teachers are, and the end that lies in store for them, a warning to all false teachers. For as James emphasises, to be a teacher was to be placed in a serious position. Teachers will receive the heavier judgment (James 3:1).
The importance of this chapter cannot be overemphasised in our modern day when there is much laxity about what entertainments Christians can engage in and watch, and people think that they can safely dabble in the occult. We do well to take heed to the warnings involved.