But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
But - in contrast to the prophets "moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). Also - as well as the true prophets (2 Peter 1:19-21). Paul had already testified the entrance of false prophets into the same churches (Acts 20:29-30). Among the people - Israel. He is writing to believing Israelites primarily (note, 1 Peter 1:1). Such a 'false prophet' was Balaam (2 Peter 2:15).
There shall be - already symptoms were appearing (2 Peter 2:9-22; Jude 1:4-13). False teachers, х pseudodidaskaloi (G5572)] - teachers of falsehood. In contrast to the true teachers, whom his readers are to give heed to (2 Peter 3:2).
Who - such as х hoitines (G3748)], 'the which' shall. Privily - not at first openly and directly, but by the way, bringing in error by the side of the truth х pareisaxousin (G3919)]. Rome objects, Protestantism cannot point out the exact date of the beginnings of the false doctrines added to the original truth; we answer, Peter foretells that the first introduction of them would be stealthy and unobserved (Jude 1:4).
Damnable, х apooleias (G684)] - 'of destruction;' entailing destruction (Philippians 3:19) on all following them. Heresies - self-chosen doctrines, not emanating from God (cf. "will-worship," Colossians 2:23).
Even - going even to such a length as to deny both in teaching and practice. Peter knew, by bitter repentance, what a fearful thing it is to deny the Lord (Luke 22:61-62).
Denying - Him whom, above all they ought to confess. Lord, х despoteen (G1203)] - 'Master and Owner' (cf. Jude 1:4). Whom the true doctrine teaches to be their OWNER by right of purchase. 'Denying Him who bought them, that He should be thereby their Master. Even the ungodly were "bought" by His "precious blood." It shall be their bitterest self-reproach in bell, that, as far as Christ's redemption was concerned, they might have been saved. The denial of His propitiatory sacrifice is included (cf. 1 John 4:3).
Bring upon themselves - (cf. 'God bringing in the flood upon the world,' 2 Peter 2:5). Man bridge upon himself the vengeance which God brings upon him.
Swift - swiftly descending: as the Lord's coming shall be. As the ground swallowed up Korah and Dathan, and "they went down quick (alive) into the pit." Compare Jude 1:11.