It had been better for them not to have known, &c.— By the word better, is meant the lesser evil: which, when two evils are compared together, is accounted the greatest good. Righteousness in this place does not stand for justice alone, but comprehends all the graces and virtues of the Christian life. See 1 Peter 2:24. The two evils here compared are, their having remained idolatrous Heathens, in ignorance, infidelity, and vice; and their having once been enlightened and regenerated by the Spirit of God, and afterwards relapsing into the greatest and most scandalous vices. The latter is reckoned the greater evil, and therefore it is said, that they had better have continued in their former state. The commandment was called holy, because the observation of it rendered men holy, through divine grace, or freed them from the pollutions of the world. The holy commandment is that great commandment which runs through the whole gospel, and which insists upon holiness of heart and life as absolutely necessary to everlasting salvation: for the gospel is not a collection of unconditional promises; it contains commandments also, which, through almighty grace, must be obeyed by all those who would inherit the promises.
Related Commentaries of 2 Peter 2:21
2 Peter 2:21
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.