Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Peter 2:2
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways ] Better, their lasciviousnesses. The word is the same as in Mar 7:22, Rom 13:13 , 1Pe 4:3, and elsewhere; and the English version loses the distinctive character of the sectarian teaching and conduct (analogous to what is noted in Jude, 2Pe 2:4 ; 2Pe 2:8, Rev 2:20) which called down the Apostle’s condemnation. The needless variation in the rendering of the English version hinders the reader from perceiving the identity with St Jude’s condemnation of those who “turn the grace of God into lasciviousness.”
the way of truth shall be evil spoken of ] Better, reviled or blasphemed. Comp. Rom 2:24. In the use of the term “ the way of truth” we have an interesting parallel with the frequent occurrence of that word in the Acts (Act 18:26, Act 19:9; Act 19:23, Act 22:4, Act 24:22), as equivalent to what we should call, in modern phrase, the “system” or the “religion” of Christ. The scandals caused by the impurities of the false teachers brought discredit upon the whole system with which, in the judgment of the outside world, they were identified.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And many shall follow their pernicious ways – Margin: lascivious. A large number of manuscripts and versions read lascivious here – aselgeiais – instead of pernicious – apoleiais (see Wetstein), and this reading is adopted in the editions of the Greek Testament by Tittman, Griesbach, and Hahn, and it seems probable that this is the correct reading. This will agree well with the account elsewhere given of these teachers, that their doctrines tended to licentiousness, 2Pe 2:10, 2Pe 2:14, 2Pe 2:18-19. It is a very remarkable circumstance, that those who have denied the essential doctrines of the gospel have been so frequently licentious in their own conduct, and have inculcated opinions which tended to licentiousness. Many of the forms of religious error have somehow had a connection with this vice. People who are corrupt at heart often seek to obtain the sanction of religion for their corruptions.
By reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of –
(1)Because they were professors of religion, and religion would seem to be held responsible for their conduct; and,
(2)Because they were professed teachers of religion, and, by many, would be understood as expounding the true doctrines of the gospel.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Pe 2:2
Many shall follow their pernicious ways.
Pernicious ways
I. An attraction.
1. The ringleaders.
(1) The necessity of a head to every schism and faction; never was breach made in the vineyard of Christ but some principal beast led the whole herd. If their reward in heaven be so great that save one soul from death, how great shall their torment be in hell that pervert many souls to destruction!
(a) The way to suppress a schism is to cut off the head; it will be hard for a body to move headless.
(b) Seeing there are such corrupters of our truth, and disturbers of our peace, let us be sure to hold the truth in peace, cleaving to our Head, Jesus Christ (Col 2:19).
(2) The great force of example.
(a) Let this teach men of place to look unto their exemplary lives, lest, as they have made themselves examples of transgression, God make them examples of destruction.
(b) Seeing we are all apt to be followers, let us seek out the best patterns (Php 3:17; Psa 16:3).
(3) Their mischiefs.
(a) There is a plurality, diversity of their ways. Truth is but one, errors are infinite. Goodness is a uniform simple, sin a multiform compound. Satan baits his hook according to the appetite of the fish. He studies many ways to make you wretched; do you study one way to make yourselves blessed.
(b) These ways are pernicious or damnable. The wicked never rest till they meet with final ruin.
2. The rabble.
(1) Their multitude many. Wickedness is never scant of followers.
(2) Their tractableness–shall follow. There is a pliable disposition in all men naturally to evil, in these a desperate precipitation.
(a) The greediness of the ungodly to sin, that they scarce tarry for temptation.
(b) Sin is strong when it meets with a weak resister. How easy is it for error to domineer over ignorance!
(c) Observe the power of evil men over their associates, whether in perverting the higher faculties of the soul, reason, and understanding, and conscience, or in corrupting the lower will and affections.
(d) We must not fall off from the faith and Church of Christ because multitudes travel another way.
(e) Seeing there is such certain danger in following after common copies, let me avert you from all these pestilent examples, and propose to you one worth your imitation.
II. A detraction.
1. The patient that suffers.
(1) The singularity–the way, that excellent way. There is only one way of truth and of salvation by it.
(2) The sincerity–the way of truth.
(a) It is certain. It is called the testimony (Isa 8:20) because it bears witness unto itself; so is it called the truth because it shall accomplish itself.
(b) It is excellent, as being the letters patent of our salvation.
2. The injury that is offered to it.
(1) By whom. The instruments or occasioners of this scandal–those misled proselytes. The seminaries of infection have poisoned them, and they spread that pestilence, to the dishonour of Christ and the scandal of His gospel.
(a) Not only the principals, but even the accessories in schism are guilty of sin, and liable to punishment.
(b) The authors of this seducement are not discharged, though their scholars have dissipated the evil.
(2) The way of truth shall be evil spoken of. The aspersion laid upon the gospel by their means is blasphemy, the worst kind of evil speaking. (Thos. Adams.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 2. Many shall follow] WILL follow, because determined to gratify their sinful propensities.
Pernicious ways] . Their destructions; i.e. the heresies of destruction, or destructive opinions, mentioned above. But instead of , destructions, , lasciviousnesses or uncleannesses, is the reading of ABC, and upwards of sixty others, most of which are among the most ancient, correct, and authentic. This is the reading also of both the Syriac, all the Arabic, the Coptic, AEthiopic, Armenian, Slavonic, Vulgate, Chrysostom, Theophylact, OEcumenius, and Jerome. A very few, and those of little repute, have the word in the text.
The word lasciviousnesses is undoubtedly the true reading, and this points out what the nature of the heresies was: it was a sort of Antinomianism; they pampered and indulged the lusts of the flesh; and, if the Nicolaitans are meant, it is very applicable to them, for they taught the community of wives, c. Griesbach has received this reading into the text.
By reason of whom] These were persons who professed Christianity and because they were called Christians, and followed such abominable practices, the way of truth-the Christian religion, , was blasphemed. Had they called themselves by any name but that of Christ, his religion would not have suffered.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; Greek, their destructions, i.e. those ways of error which are attended with destruction (the effect being put for the cause by a metonymy); and the sense is, that as these false teachers shall bring destruction upon themselves by their heresies; so others, running with them into the same errors, shall fall into the same destruction.
By reason of whom; or, by whom, viz. these false teachers, or their followers, or both.
The way of truth; the gospel, so called, as being the doctrine of saving truth. It is called the way, Act 9:2; 19:9; 22:4; the way of salvation, Act 16:17; the way of God, Act 18:26.
Shall be evil spoken of; blasphemed, whether by false teachers themselves and their followers, or by others taking occasion by them: see Rom 2:24; 1Ti 6:1; Tit 2:5.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. followout: so the Greek.
pernicious waysTheoldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, “licentiousness”(Jude 4). False doctrine andimmoral practice generally go together (2Pe 2:18;2Pe 2:19).
by reason of whom“onaccount of whom,” namely, the followers of the false teachers.
the way of truth shall beevil spoken of“blasphemed” by those without, whoshall lay on Christianity itself the blame of its professors’ evilpractice. Contrast 1Pe 2:12.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And many shall follow their pernicious ways,…. Their principles and their practices, which lead to destruction, The Complutensian edition, the Alexandrian copy, and six copies of Beza’s, and others, read “their lasciviousnesses”; and so the Vulgate Latin version renders it, “their luxuries”; and all the Oriental versions seem to have read in like manner. The Syriac version renders it, “their impurity”; and the Arabic version, “their unchastities”; and the Ethiopic version, “their lust”; and which seems to have respect to the impure conversation of the followers of Simon Magus, the Nicolaitans, the Gnostics, Carpocratians, and others, who indulged themselves in all unnatural lusts and uncleanness; and generally, when men make shipwreck of faith, they also do of a good conscience, and become immoral in their conversations; and yet, as destructive as their principles, and as dishonourable and scandalous as their practices be, many were, and are their followers; so it was foretold by Christ, Mt 24:11, and so it has been, Re 13:3. The road both of error and wickedness is a broad one, in which many walk; and a multitude is no proof of the truth of a church or of the principles of men, nor to be followed:
by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of; that is, either Christ, who is truth itself, and the true way to eternal life and happiness; or the Gospel, the word of truth, which holds forth Christ the truth, and points to him, and every other truth, and nothing but truth; or the Christian religion, which is the true way, in opposition to all sects and heresies; and is what should be blasphemed and spoken against, either by these men or their followers; for the phrase may be rendered, “by whom”, as it is in the Vulgate Latin version, and the meaning be, that they should, in a blasphemous way, speak and write against Christ and his truths, reproach and revile them, and in a virulent manner oppose them, and trample them under foot: “or for the sake of them”, as other versions read; and as we do; “by reason of them”; they should be the occasion, by their impure lives, of the name of Christ, and his doctrines, being blasphemed by profane and irreligious men; see Ro 2:24. The Alexandrian copy, and one of Stephens’s, read “the glory of truth”; and so the Ethiopic version, “the glory of his truth”.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Lascivious doings (). Associative instrumental ease after (future active, for which verb see 1:16). See 1Pe 4:3 for this word.
By reason of whom (‘ ). “Because of whom” (accusative case of relative, referring to , many). (their) refers to (false teachers) while to their deluded followers. See Ro 2:23f. for a picture of such conduct by Jews (quotation from Isa 52:5, with used as here with ‘ , because of you).
The way of truth ( ). H (way) occurs often in N.T. for Christianity (Acts 9:2; Acts 16:17; Acts 18:25; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14). This phrase is in Ge 24:48 as “the right road,” and that is what Peter means here. So Ps 119:30. See again 2Pet 2:15; 2Pet 2:21.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Shall follow. See on ch. 2Pe 1:16.
Pernicious ways [] . The true reading is ajselgeiaiv, lascivious doings. So Rev. See on 1Pe 4:3. The use of the plural is rare. Compare Jude 1:4.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And many shall follow their pernicious ways.” False teachers and prophets will have (Greek polloi) many follow their (aselgeiais) pernicious ways of “licentiousness.” False teaching and immorality seem to be Siamese evils Jud 1:4; Jud 1:8; Jud 1:19.
2) “By reason of whom.” (Greek di ous) by reason or means of whom.
3) “The truth shall be evil spoken of.” the (Greek aletheias) – the system or Word of truth shall be (blasphemethesetai) “blasphemed.” Even Paul once did this, Act 26:11.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
2. And many shall follow. It is, indeed, no slight offense to the weak, when they see that false doctrines are received by the common consent of the world, that a large number of men are led astray, so that few continue in true obedience to Christ. So, at this day, there is nothing that more violently disturbs pious minds than such a defection. For hardly one in ten of those who have once made a profession of Christ, retains the purity of faith to the end. Almost all turn aside into corruptions, and being deluded by the teachers of licentiousness, they become profane. Lest this should make our faith to falter, Peter comes to our help, and in due time foretells that this very thing would be, that is, that false teachers would draw many to perdition.
But there is a double reading even in the Greek copies; for some read, “lasciviousness,” and others, “perdition.” I have, however, followed what has been mostly approved. (165)
By reason of whom the way of truth. This I consider to have been said for this reason, because as religion is adorned when men are taught to fear God, to maintain uprightness of life, a chaste and virtuous conduct, or when at least the mouth of the wicked is closed, that they do not speak evil of the gospel; so when the reins are let loose, and every kind of licentiousness is practiced, the name and the doctrine of Christ are exposed to the reproaches of the ungodly. Others give a different explanation — that these false teachers, like filthy dogs, barked at sound doctrine. But the words of Peter appear to me on the contrary to intimate, that these would give occasion to enemies insolently to assail the truth of God. Though then they would not themselves assail the Christian faith with calumnies, yet they would arm others with the means of reproaching it.
(165) Few copies have “perdition,” or perditions, for the word is in the plural number; and very many have “lasciviousness,” and also the Vulg. and Syr. versions. Having before mentioned their destructive opinions or heresies, which involved the denial of the Lord who bought them, he now refers to the immorality which accompanied their false doctrines; and that immorality is here referred to is evident from this, that the way of truth would be evil spoken of or calumniated. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
2Pe. 2:2 And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Expanded Translation
And many shall follow (imitate, observe and use as a guide for their own lives) their unbridled, unrestrained, and shameless ways; because of whom the way of truth shall be reviled, railed at, and spoken of with contempt.
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And many shall follow their lascivious doings
See the word follow (exakoloutheo) defined under 2Pe. 1:16. Following close at their heels, imitating and copying their ways, the weak, simple-minded, and ignorant would be led astray! How great will be the damnation of those who so lead others! (Note Jas. 3:1.) And into what are their followers led? Into lascivious doings (aselgeia). Be sure to see our definition of this term under 1Pe. 4:3. Instead of teaching them to restrain their immoral and sinful ways, these prevaricators help their dupes throw off their restraints and lose their self-control. How God shall hold them accountable in the day of judgment!
by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of
The irreligious and the worldling often lump all religion together. These false teachers were instructors in religion. But their doctrines denied Christ and their lives were unrestrained, lawless, and immoral. How easy it was, then, for many to speak reproachfully of the right way.[58]
[58] blasphemeo (hence our word blaspheme), literally meant to speak against; to calumniate, rail at, revile.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(2) Many shall follow their pernicious ways.Pernicious ways is a translation of the plural of the word just rendered destruction. (See fourth Note on 2Pe. 2:1.) But here the reading is undoubtedly wrong. The margin has the right readinglascivious ways (or better, wanton ways)being the plural of the word translated wantonness in 2Pe. 2:18. Wiclif has lecheries; Rheims riotousnesses.
The connexion between false doctrine and licentiousness was often real, and is so still in some casese.g., Mormonism. But it was often asserted and believed without foundation. Impurity was the common charge to bring against those of a different creed, whether between heathen and Christian or between different divisions of Christians.
By reason of whom.The many who are led astray are meant, rather than the original seducers. (Comp. Rom. 2:24.)
The way of truth.(See Note on Act. 9:2.) The way of truth occurs in Clement of Alexandria (Cohort. ad Gentes, x.), the only near approach to anything in 2 Peter in all the writings of his that have come down to us. This is strong evidence that he did not know the Epistle, especially as references are frequent to 1 Peter, which is sometimes quoted thus: Peter in his Epistle says (Strom. iv. 20).
Shall be evil spoken of.By the heathen, who will judge of the way of truth by the evil lives of the many who have really been seduced from it, though they profess still to follow it. In the homily commonly called the Second Epistle of Clement (13) there is a remarkable amplification of this statement. Our Epistle was probably known to the writer of the homily, who to a considerable extent preaches against similar evils.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. Their pernicious ways Most of the oldest and best authorities read their licentiousness. They carried their doctrine into practice; and the prediction that many would follow their example of dissoluteness, and think it purity, was abundantly fulfilled. Irenaeus says, that Simon Magus taught that “they who believed in him were free to live as they pleased, and that men would be saved by his grace, and not according to their works; and that nothing is good by nature, but only by institution. And therefore his votaries live in lasciviousness.” The immoral conduct of these Christian professors inevitably caused Christianity to be evil spoken of. Clemens Alexandrinus gives as a reason for his writing, the infamy brought upon the Christian name by the shameless lives of false teachers, and the necessity of disabusing the public mind.
‘And many will follow their lascivious doings, by reason of whom the way of the truth will be evil spoken of.’
A prominent aspect of their teaching would seem to have been a claim that the way to acceptability with the divine was by lascivious behaviour, probably including illicit sex and drunkenness. The idea may have been that they attained ‘oneness’ with their god(s) by ‘making love’ to sacred prostitutes and avid women in the Temples, or because their behaviour was seen as denying the flesh by treating it as irrelevant and letting it run away with itself. Either way lust and desire controlled their thinking.
Unbelievable though it may seem, there are so-called Christians today who also consider that they can behave in a similar way because it is ‘natural’, and because ‘God wants them to enjoy life’. This is the argument for illicit sex between homosexuals, which along with adultery, where the same excuse is often used, is clearly condemned in Rom 1:24-27. It is also the basis for much drunkenness. And the result is that Christianity is held up to ridicule because of its supposed adherents, as a result of the fact that Christians fail to be Christlike. Here Peter reveals that those who argue in this way are false teachers and will come to their due end
The practical outworking of this was found in those days among the Nicolaitans and similar groups who are mentioned in Rev 2:6; Rev 2:14-15; Rev 2:20, where attendance at idolatrous feasts and engaging in loose sex on religious grounds was clearly practised, along with drunkenness.
2Pe 2:2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways, &c. The absurd doctrines and wicked practices of professed Christians have done infinite harm, and often caused the enemies of religion to blaspheme. The Judaizers much infested the first Christians, and perverted many in the Churches of Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, and Crete. The Nicolaitans, Carpocratians, and Gnostics succeeded them, being exceedinglyimpious in their principles, and obscene in their lives; and they occasioned great scandal to the Christian name. As the Jews and Heathens took little pains to distinguish between Christians who did or did not live according to the rules of the gospel, hence mankind were imposed upon, and both the populace and governors greatly incensed against them. The church of Rome has succeeded them, and caused Jews and all manner of Infidels to speak evil of Christianity. It was highly proper that the apostles should forewarn the Christians of this event, that they might not give heed to licentious doctrines, nor be shocked when such things happened; but be the more confirmed in the faith, when the accomplishment so exactly answered to the prediction.
2Pe 2:2 . ] The activity of these would not be without result; cf. 2Ti 2:17 . With . cf. chap. 2Pe 1:16 .
] i.e. their will serve as a rule to many, so that they give themselves up to them; cf. Jud 1:4 . The connection of erroneous doctrine with sensual excesses is shown in 2Pe 2:18-19 .
] , not: “by whom;” Vulg.: per quas; but: “ on account of whom ;” they (either the , or those led astray by them, or both) by their give those who are not Christians occasion for against the ; cf. 1Ti 6:1 ; Rom 2:24 . (Barnab. c. v.: via veritatis), a designation of Christianity or of the Christian religion (cf. on the expression , Act 9:2 ; Act 19:9 ; Act 19:23 ; Act 22:4 ; Act 24:14 ; Act 16:17 ; Act 18:25 ), in so far as it is the form of life in harmony with divine truth (not leading to the truth).
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Ver. 2. The way of truth shall be, &c. ] The ancient Christians were generally hated and hooted at by the heathens for the heretics’ sake, who were also a kind of Christians, as Augustine complaineth (De Cir. Dei). And Epiphanius addeth that many Pagans refused to come near the Christians to join with them in any good exercise, Improbis scelestorum illorum factis consternati, as being offended at the unclean conversation of various heretics, the Priscillianists especially, whose doctrine was,
” Iura, periura, secretum prodere noli. “
2 . and many shall follow after (see on ch. 2Pe 1:16 ) their licentiousnesses (the connexion of depraved moral conduct with erroneous doctrine was in the early ages of the church almost universal: see the Pastoral Epistles passim, and below 2Pe 2:18-19 . In [6] Jude, the two are expressed co-ordinately: , . . . . . . ) on whose account ( by reason of whom , i. e. from the of those who follow after the false teachers: for to these, and not to the false teachers themselves, is the most likely referable. It is those who, seeming to be in the way of truth, yet favour and follow false teachers, that cause most scandal to the way of truth itself) the way of truth (reff. and Ep. Barnab. 5, p. 734, “homo habens viam veritatis”) shall be evil spoken of (“ab iis qui foris sunt, discrimen ignorantibus verorum et falsorum Christianorum.” Bengel):
[6] When, in the Gospels, and in the Evangelic statement, 1Co 11:23-25 , the sign () occurs in a reference, it is signified that the word occurs in the parallel place in the other Gospels, which will always be found indicated at the head of the note on the paragraph. When the sign () is qualified , thus, ‘ Mk.,’ or ‘ Mt. Mk.,’ &c., it is signified that the word occurs in the parallel place in that Gospel or Gospels, but not in the other or others .
2Pe 2:2 . . are “acts of lasciviousness”. . contains the root-idea of “genuineness”. It combines the ideas of the knowledge of God and His purposes in Christ; and of the human obligation to right living that springs from it. “He that doeth truth cometh to the light.” The writer of 2 Peter is, as always, concerned to oppose a merely intellectual Gnosticism, which has its ultimate fruit in immorality. Cf. Psa 119:29-30 . . The whole Church suffered in reputation because of these men. Cf. Rom 2:24 , 1Ti 6:1 .
follow. See 2Pe 1:16.
pernicious ways. Greek. apoleia, as 2Pe 2:1, but the texts read “lasciviousnesses”. Greek. aselgeia. See Rom 13:13.
by reason of. App-104. 2Pe 2:2.
evil spoken of = blasphemed, as 1Pe 4:4.
2. and many shall follow after (see on ch. 2Pe 1:16) their licentiousnesses (the connexion of depraved moral conduct with erroneous doctrine was in the early ages of the church almost universal: see the Pastoral Epistles passim, and below 2Pe 2:18-19. In [6] Jude, the two are expressed co-ordinately: , . . . . . . ) on whose account (by reason of whom, i. e. from the of those who follow after the false teachers: for to these, and not to the false teachers themselves, is the most likely referable. It is those who, seeming to be in the way of truth, yet favour and follow false teachers, that cause most scandal to the way of truth itself) the way of truth (reff. and Ep. Barnab. 5, p. 734, homo habens viam veritatis) shall be evil spoken of (ab iis qui foris sunt, discrimen ignorantibus verorum et falsorum Christianorum. Bengel):
[6] When, in the Gospels, and in the Evangelic statement, 1Co 11:23-25, the sign () occurs in a reference, it is signified that the word occurs in the parallel place in the other Gospels, which will always be found indicated at the head of the note on the paragraph. When the sign () is qualified, thus, Mk., or Mt. Mk., &c., it is signified that the word occurs in the parallel place in that Gospel or Gospels, but not in the other or others.
2Pe 2:2. , many) How sad!-) Others read ;[5] but is read in Peter and other places in the plural, whereas is not: and wantonness is that bait which draws many to follow them; Jud 1:4. That following is succeeded at length by destruction: whereas wantonness, not perdition, so meets the gaze [at once], that men are led to speak evil of the way of truth: and this also is the crime, by which the punishment mentioned in 2Pe 2:6 is incurred. In such a variation of readings it is easy to bring forward arguments for either of the two: but it is unnecessary to do so, since the decision ought to be made on the authority of manuscripts. See App. Crit., edit, ii., on this passage.- , on account of whom) It refers to of them.- , the way) 2Pe 2:15; 2Pe 2:21. Gen 24:48, , (Septuagint), in the way of truth.-, shall be evil spoken of) by those who are without, and know not how to distinguish between true and false Christians.
[5] ABC Vulg. read . Rec. Text has , without any very old authority.-E.
many: Mat 24:10-13, Mat 24:24, Mar 13:22, 1Jo 2:18, 1Jo 2:19, Rev 12:9, Rev 13:8, Rev 13:14
pernicious ways: or, lascivious ways, as some copies read, by reason. Rom 2:24, 1Ti 5:14, Tit 2:5, Tit 2:8
ways: 2Pe 2:15, 2Pe 2:21, Psa 18:21, Isa 35:8, Jer 6:16, Mat 7:14, Mat 22:16, Mar 12:14, Joh 14:6, Act 13:10, Act 16:17, Act 18:26, Act 19:9, Act 24:14
evil: 2Pe 2:12, Act 14:2, 1Pe 2:12, Jud 1:10, Jud 1:15
Reciprocal: Lev 13:44 – utterly unclean Deu 31:29 – corrupt yourselves Ezr 4:2 – Let us Pro 19:27 – General Jer 5:31 – prophets Jer 23:14 – in the Jer 29:8 – your dreams Jer 44:15 – all the Eze 12:24 – General Eze 13:19 – for handfuls Mat 13:41 – and they Mat 18:7 – unto Mar 9:42 – offend Act 5:36 – to whom Act 8:10 – they Rom 16:17 – cause 1Co 11:19 – there 1Co 15:33 – evil Gal 2:4 – unawares 1Ti 5:15 – General 2Ti 2:16 – for Tit 1:10 – there Heb 12:15 – and thereby Jam 3:6 – a world 1Pe 4:14 – on 1Jo 4:5 – and
2Pe 2:2. The leading thought in pernicious is something that is destruction of the truth. That definition is confirmed by the rest of the verse, for it says the way of truth shall be evil spoken of by the ones who follow the false teachers.
2Pe 2:2. And many shall follow their wantonnesses. The A. V. gives pernicious ways, following a reading which is now given up. On the noun see on 1Pe 4:3. The same strong term is used for following, as in chap. 2Pe 1:16. It denotes completeness or closeness of pursuit. Here again the immoral life is represented as the natural result of the false belief. So too, and still more positively, in Jud 1:4.
by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of. As to the verb see on 1Pe 4:4. Christianity is designated the way of the truth as being a mode of life which results from, or bears the qualities of, the truth. The term way in this particular application occurs with marked frequency in the Book of Acts (comp. Act 9:2, Act 16:17, Act 18:25-26, Act 19:9; Act 19:23, Act 22:4, Act 24:14). The connection leaves it ambiguous whether the persons referred to here are the false teachers themselves, or their followers, or both together. The most natural reference on the whole would be to those who have been immediately spoken of as certain to follow these teachers. In this case the point may be, as it is understood, e.g., by Alford, that greatest injury is done to the cause of Christ among those outside by men who, while seeming to be in the way of truth, yet favour and follow false teachers.
As if the apostle had said, “Notwithstanding heretics bring such fatal destruction upon themselves, yet many that profess Christianity shall be seduced by them, and follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the enemies of religion will speak evil of it, and the professors of it.
Observe here, 1. The thriving and growth of heresies, many shall follow their pernicious ways.
Where note the nature of error, it is pernicious and destructive; and the efficacy of error, not a few, but many are in danger of being perverted by it.
Observe, 2. The sad sequel or fruit of this, by reason of whom the way of truth is evil spoken of.
Here note, 1. The title given to the Christian religion, it is the way of truth, so stiled from its parentage and original, the God of truth; in regard of its efficacy, it works truth in the inward parts, and because it brings those that embrace and practice it, to the enjoyment of him who is the God of truth.
Note, 2. The coarse usage which religion meets with from many in the world, it is blasphemed or evil-spoken of by persons following seducers, by reason of whom the way of truth is evil spoken of. It is no new or unusual thing for religion, and the sincere professors of it, to be traduced and slandered by heretical seducers and false teachers.
2Pe 2:2-3. And many shall follow their pernicious ways Their destructive doctrines, and sinful practices. By reason of whom the way of truth The doctrine of the gospel, and the genuine religion of Christ; shall be evil spoken of By many others, who will blend all false and true Christians together, as if the errors and vices of those members who are corrupted were to be charged on those who are not infected with their disorders; or the vices of a few were to be imputed to all. And through covetousness Having nothing in view but worldly gain; shall they Namely, the false teachers here spoken of; with feigned words Words formed to deceive, smooth and artful speeches, such as covetous merchants, or unfair traders, make use of to put off bad goods; make merchandise of you Use you to gain by you. In this single sentence, says Macknight, there is a clear prediction of the iniquitous practices of those great merchants of souls, the Romish clergy, who have rated all crimes, even the most atrocious, at a fixed price; so that if their doctrine be true, whoever pays the price may commit the crime without hazarding his salvation. Whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not Was long ago determined, and will be executed speedily. All sinners are adjudged to destruction; and Gods punishing some proves he will punish the rest; and their damnation slumbereth not How fondly soever they may dream of escaping it. Thus, while the apostle asserts the justice of God, he declares his patience. He is slow to punish, that sinners may have time to repent. But if they continue impenitent, he will, without fail, punish them at last.
Verse 2
Many shall follow, &c. Men never have so great a power and influence for evil, as when they introduce immoralities and sin under the cloak and defence of some perverted form of religious doctrine. This is fanatical vice, the worst, most corrupting, and most dangerous form in which vice ever appears,–as the history of Christianity in all ages will testify. It is on, this account that heresy is denounced in the New Testament in such strong terms of reprobation. For heresy is not honest error. It is the hypocritical perversion of religious truth to the purposes of licentiousness and sin.–The way of truth; true religion.
2:2 {2} And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
(2) There shall not only be heresies, but also many followers of them.
Reckless and hardened immorality would accompany their doctrinal error.
"Clearly they permitted and defended immorality in a very broad sense." [Note: Bigg, p. 273.]
When people abandon God’s standard of truth they usually adopt a lower standard of morality. Since sensuality appeals to the flesh, many people follow the example of heretics believing that they are correct in doing so because of the rationalizations of their teachers.
"No doctrine, however senseless and monstrous, which under the guise of a religious faith ministers to the sensual appetites of men, will ever want followers." [Note: Lillie, p. 442.]
This "religion" brings great dishonor on the church because unbelievers identify the immoral as professing Christians and judge their behavior as hypocritical.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)