One of the reasons that the Bible seems so relevant today is because the basic nature of men does not change. The second chapter of Peter’s second epistle describes how this is true of false teachers. By looking deeply into this chapter, we can see that while the specific doctrine they teach varies, the motivational force is the same.
The closing verses of chapter one described where truth is found. It did not originally come from “cunningly devised fables” (v. 16). It did not come from the prophets giving their own private interpretation of what they thought God’s will was (v. 20), but it came because God’s Holy Spirit spoke directly to them (v. 21).
It is obvious that when Peter wrote all of God’s will had been revealed. Peter says that by the time he wrote this message God had already given (past tense) every truth of the New Testament (v. 3). In fact, Peter says they already knew (from the teachings of inspired apostles and prophets) what he was now delivering in a written form (v. 12).
Because the fullness of the revelation had been given and the need from prophets would cease, take time to notice the contrast of two words in the opening verse of the second chapter. While during the time of the presence of God’s true prophets there were those who falsely claimed to be His prophets, the time would come when there would be false teachers among mankind. That contrast is between the words prophets and teachers. Yet, both were still false.
What follows Peter’s words is a description of the nature of teachers that were among the people. The list that follows is not complete but helps us recognize those false teachers in our day.
· They hide their real motive and appear to be motivated as godly teachers are (v. 1).
· They secretly operate, and only their closest allies fully perceive their true nature (v. 1).
· Their doctrine does not come from God but comes from what others say, and this is why Peter calls it heresy (“hear-say—not God say”) (v. 1).
· They deny the Lord who bought them. They may call Him Lord but have rejected what the Lord has said and have made themselves their own lord.
· Their actions cause the Lord of all lords to be evil spoken against and many follow them (v. 2).
· They are motivated by covetousness (v. 3).
There is so much more in this chapter. Read it and you will understand what is happening in our own time!