2 Peter 2:4 KJV [4] “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;”      Peter gives us a chilling example of the angels who sinned against God. Their judgment reveals how seriously God responds to pride and rebellion. These angels were once powerful, spiritual beings that dwelt in the heavens with God. However, their elevated position did not protect them from the divine punishment they faced when they rebelled. We must remember that privilege does not replace obedience. God demands obedience …

2 Peter 2:3 KJV [3] “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”      In this verse, Peter issues a stern warning against the false prophets of his day. He first identifies covetousness as the driving force behind false teaching. These individuals are not motivated by love for the truth or concern for God’s people, but by greed and personal gain. We see so much of that in the world today. We are no strangers to fake preachers who try to exploit …

2 Peter 2:2 KJV [2] “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”     The word “pernicious” means “having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.” Peter has in mind the shameless conduct of these apostate men. They have abandoned the truth and have endorsed filthy and foul lifestyles. What is shocking to me in this verse is not the conduct of these preachers, but the size of the crowd. Notice, the beginning of this verse says that “many” shall follow them.     These …

2 Peter 2:1 KJV [1] “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.”      The word for “false prophet” points to one who speaks forth or openly proclaims a lying message that he claims to have received from God. Their message is both deceptive and damnable to those who give them an ear. Peter was faced with this issue in his time, and we are still dealing with it in …

2 Peter 1:21 KJV [21] “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”      Whenever I read this verse, I understand that Peter is referring to those who were involved in penning the Bible. The men whom the Holy Spirit moved upon were not perfect men, but they were holy men of God. God gave His Word to men who had walked with Him. We have a Holy Book given to us by the Holy Spirit, who moved upon holy men …

2 Peter 1:20 KJV [20] “knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”      I’m thankful that we have a Bible in these last days. As believers, we understand that the Word of God is our guide for daily living. It is more accurate and up-to-date than any newspaper that has come off the presses. The Internet is still trying to catch up with our Bible in its latest news and events. It is for this reason that we do not look to the world for our counsel, but rather to the Word of …

2 Peter 1:19 KJV [19] “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”      Peter had heard the voice of God audibly. He had been on the holy mountain with Christ and saw the glory of God firsthand. However, he wanted these saints to know that we have a more sure word of prophecy. We have the Word of God in written form. God gave us His Word in …

2 Peter 1:18 KJV [18] “And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”      Peter, James, and John were eyewitnesses on the Mount of Transfiguration. They had the privilege of seeing Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, each in a glorified state. This must have been an amazing experience on the holy mountain that day. We know that it had a lasting impact, because Peter is still talking about it in this Epistle.      He reminds us that it was not only what they saw that got their attention, but also what …

2 Peter 1:17 KJV [17] “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”      Peter was on the Mount of Transfiguration and saw Jesus in all of His glory. He also saw Moses and Elijah, and they, too, were glorified before him. Peter was not alone because James and John were with him. Probably the most startling event that took place on the mountain that day was the fact that Peter, James, and John were …

2 Peter 1:16 KJV [16] “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”      Peter is speaking from experience in this verse. He saw the transfigured Christ with his own eyes. He saw Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in their glorified state. Can you imagine what that must have been like? However, Peter was not focused on Moses and Elijah. He was focused only on Jesus Christ. It reminds me of the old song that says, “Jesus will outshine them …