2:17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.
Peter continues to describe the false prophets and teachers (see verses 1-16) with an interesting set of metaphors. First, he says they are like waterless springs, and then says they are like mists driven by a storm. The term ‘springs’ is often translated ‘fountains’ or ‘wells’ referring to a source of water, but in this case, minus the water. The term ‘mists’ can also be translated ‘clouds’ or ‘vapor’.[1] The Greek word for ‘storm’ implies a strong storm and is often translated as a hurricane, whirlwind, or tempest.[2] Both metaphors refer to some form of water. The Bible speaks a great deal about water (read Isaiah 55:1a, 10-11; Matthew 5:6; John 4:10; 6:35; 7:37-38, for a few examples), as water represents life, and we know that without water there is no chance of life (same reason astronomy today looks for evidence of water on planets). However, in the Bible it points to something even more important, and that is Spiritual life, Jesus offers us Living Water (read John 4:10), so that we will never thirst again (read John 6:35).
It is interesting to note that Satan often mimics God with a false version of same sort of thing (practice, ritual, etc.) In the Bible some examples may include the Mazzaroth (or constellations, see 2 Kings 23:5; Job 38:31), versus what has become the zodiac (or the source of astrologic readings today); the Holy Trinity, versus what some call the unholy trinity (see Revelation 16:13), or something more recent such as the reality of Creation versus the theory of evolution. Satan wants to corrupt (or pollute) the good things of God in order to make them more attractive to the unbelieving world, all while minimizing the real thing. So, Peter is saying that even though they may look like fountains (offering truth) that these false prophets and teachers are nothing more than just a mirage, like a cloud in the sky that looks like it might bring life-giving water to a dry desert, but is only a vapor passing by (essentially worthless, read Jude 12).
Peter continues by saying that for these people a gloomy darkness has been reserved, the Greek implies total darkness (similar to verse four). Peter again reminds us that that the darkness of hell (condemnation) has been reserved or “held open” for people responsible for their false teaching and prophesying (see Matthew 8:5-13; 22:1-13). Peter further points out that they will claim they possess great wisdom and knowledge (which goes hand in hand with verse ten where they are described as being bold and arrogant). Peter says they speak loud boasts of folly (devoid of truth completely). I like the Greek word Peter uses here for ‘boasts’ it essentially refers to someone being “over swollen.”[3] They lead (or should I say ‘reel in’) people to believe they possess great theological scholarship, profound Spiritual insight, and possibly a strong direct connection to God. Jude says these people are like “wandering stars” (the term would be ‘meteors’ today); they are bright one moment and then dim out completely the next. Sadly, much of that wisdom includes convoluted doctrines embraced by pseudo-Christian cults, groups, and even churches. It often comes from liberal interpretations or points of view. These ideas appear good or even correct at first glance, but all it takes is being off a little and then soon no truth is in sight. We have all heard some of those ‘great insights’ like: “the Bible contains the Word of God but is not all the Word of God,” “Genesis is nothing more than a fairy tale,” or “that we all need to pray to the east.” These are just a few of the ill-conceived ideas running amok in Christianity today (read 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 6:2-5; Jude 16). Once on that slippery slope of lies, it’s hard to get off!
So, how do you tell the difference from a true Bible teacher and a false teacher? First, we need to know and become intimate with the genuine article, in other words we need to study and know God’s Word ourselves. Just like how the Secret Service (we discussed in chapter 32) who studies real currency closely to spot a counterfeit instantly, we too need to know the real thing so we can recognize false teaching instantly. That is why as teachers and students of the Word, we also need to teach and learn the whole counsel of God (see Acts 20:27, Ephesians 1:11). Meaning we should not select and choose what we want to teach or learn, we need to know the entire Word of God. This is something that cannot be done by simply listening to Sunday morning sermons. One trait of a true Christian can be seen in their insatiable thirst for the Word, the Living Water!
2:18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.
Peter continues by saying they will entice (the same word he used in verse 14 meaning ‘to catch by hook’) using sensual passions of the flesh. Unsuspecting people are being lured in by hearing what they want to hear (no need to confess sins just follow your unbridled lusts!) These people also are barely able to escape from those that live in deception. They target those that are struggling with problems and they hear promises about prosperity, freedom from broken relationships, freedom from their struggles with lusts, freedom from emotional problems, or anything to make them feel better, all while keeping them from the True Healer, Jesus. It is not our job to make Christianity appear something it is not; our job is to bring people to God. Paul warns about what would happen if we listen or teach the wrong gospel message (read 2 Timothy 3:1-6). One classic example of being unwilling to let go of the allurement of the world and fully accepting Jesus, is the story about the “Rich Man” found in Mark’s gospel (read Mark 10:17-22).
2:19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
Peter explains that these false prophets and teachers may promise freedom, but only God can provide true liberty from sin (see Galatians 5:13; James 1:25). Peter also says that they offer something that they do not have since they are slaves (Greek word ‘doulos’ referring to their willingness to being slaves or servants) of corruption (or destruction) themselves. Simply put, they may offer purpose, prosperity, peace, and happiness, but do not possess any of these traits themselves. “For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2 Peter 219b, NLT) This verse uses a Greek word that implies being brought into bondage (see also Romans 6:15-23; John 8:31-38; Galatians 5:1 and Hebrews 2:14-15).
⇐Previous Chapter (Introduction/Index) Next Chapter⇒
[1] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 3507
[2] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 2978
[3] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 5246