2 Peter 3:14–18

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Commentary
 Vs. 14 Two things that the Apostle Peter says that we as the beloved of God are to do in light of the coming Day of the Lord. And that is to be found by Him in peace, and be without spot and blameless. Now the first that Peter expounds here is that we be diligent (that is that we strive, or make every effort) to be found by the Lord Jesus Christ in peace. First amongst ourselves as believers, (Rom 14:17-19; 1 Cor 14:33; 2 Cor 13:11; Eph 4:3 etc.) and then with those in the world (consider 1 Cor 7:15; Heb 12:14). And so rather than striving with each other over non-essential matters, or with  those in world who do not believe. We need to in seeking to defend the Gospel of peace be sure that we ourselves remain people of peace, and not be dragged into needless strife and debate with those forces hostile towards it. For being zealous for a good thing is only as good as one presents it and preserves it. As the Apostle James says "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:18 Thus in contrast to quarreling amongst ourselves, or with those in the world (consider Prov. 20:3), we should seek to live peaceably with all people, just as the Apostle Paul says: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." Rom 12:18
Now this does not preclude that we will have to take a public stand for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, and thus there may be conflicts in our lives for having done so (Matt 10:27-28; 32-33), even with those in our own families (Matt 10:34-39; Luke 12:51-53). But it does preclude that we become the authors of such things, by doing so in a non-Christ like way. For the Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and He came to restore God's peace to believing humanity, and then to all of creation, when the consummation of all things written within the Scriptures takes place.
And so Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far off (i.e. Gentiles) and to you who were near (i.e. Jews), so that He might extend and bring God's peace into us all who believe in Him here and now (see Eph. 2:17). For the Lord Jesus Christ became God's Peace for us, by first suffering Crucifixion death to atone for all our sins and transgressions. And having done so, Jesus rose from the dead, so that He might bring God's Peace into us, by His Spirit, when we believe in Him (John 14:27). Therefore Jesus commands us all who believe in Him to be His peacemakers in this world (Matt 5:9). By both declaring and living out His Gospel's Message of God's peace given freely to all who repent and believe in Him (Rom 10:15). "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Col 1:19-20 Thus by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins remission and risen from the dead for our justification, God imputes His Righteousness to us and brings us into a peaceful relationship with Himself (Rom 5:1; 2 Cor 5:21). And so having been brought into God's Kingdom by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person we are to be His peaceful messengers and agents of it, to a lost and often hostile world (Matt 5:44-48). That's the first part part of the Apostle Peters exhortation "be diligent to be found by Him in peace." The second part is that we be found by Him without spot and blameless. Now the Apostle Peter is here (to bring across a moral and spiritual truth) harkening back too (at least from our perspective) the Old Covenant ceremonial commandments that required that whatever animal sacrifice was consecrated, and thus to be offered to the Lord, be without blemish. And so just as our new lives are now consecrated to the Lord Jesus Christ for His worship and service, we too are to strive to be without spot and blameless. That is without moral or spiritual defects (i.e. sins and such) or anything else by which someone might make a just charge against us for some unlawful act or deed. Thus not only are we to strive to live in peace with all people, but we are to strive to live Godly lives both amongst our brethren, and in this godless world. Again in Hebrews 12:14 we are commanded: "pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

10 For “He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.

11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;

Let him seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

And His ears are open to their prayers;

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12

Vs. 15 "and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you"

The Apostle Peter here emphasis two points; the first is that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation, not condemnation (John 3:17), but the salvation of everyone who will repent and believe in Him. Something as Peter points out, the Apostle Paul declares and expounds in his epistles (see Rom 2:4).

Vs. 16 "as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."

Speaking of these things in his epistles according to the wisdom given him, the Apostle Paul, as Peter alludes to here, is the master of theological discourse in the New Testament. Which makes it all the more ironic that the man appointed by God to be such, had to contend with and defend his works from those who being untaught and unstable twist his words to their own destruction, as they do the rest of the Scriptures.  And sadly the same situation today still exists as many a Pastor can testify too having had to defend his sermons from those who have no business critiquing either them or him.

Vs. 17-18 "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."

And so the Apostle Peter warns us beforehand not to listen to, or be drawn into, needless debates and strife with those who seem to be more interested in contending with those inside of the house of faith, then for the faith (Jude 3). Therefore let us all who believe in Jesus be steadfast and hold to the truth of God's Word as the basis of all moral and spiritual truth, and not be led away with the error of the wicked, who inevitable stray from it, and disobey it. Instead let us all who believe grow in the grace and the knowledge of Lord and Savior Jesus. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Peter 3:10-13

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Commentary
Vs. 10-13 The Apostle Peter here begins by declaring the "Day of the Lord." Now the phrase the "Day of the Lord" was first declared by God's prophets in the Old Testament. It is a Day when God renders judgment on and repays His enemies (Malachi 4:1). As well it is a Day of Redemption for those who have put their trust in Him (Joel 2:28-32). Now the Day of the Lord as an act of God's judgment on His enemies is first seen in the Old Testament on those in Israel who had forsaken Him (), then on the nations around Israel who helped her go astray, and or who had brought her downfall about (i.e. Assyria, Babylon etc.). As well the Day of the Lord, as expressed in the Old Testament, is a Day still to be fulfilled as the Day of the Lord's judgment on the whole world. That is roughly the judgment aspect of the Day of the Lord, though there are many other aspects to it (see Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9, 34:8; 63:4-6; Jeremiah 46:10; Joel 2:1-2; 3:1-17; Amos 5:18-20; Zeph 3:8; Zechariah 14; Malachi 4:5). And so the phrase the Day of the Lord (also referred to as the Day of Christ, Day of the Lord Jesus, Day of God in the New Testament (see 1 Cor 1:8; 2 Cor 1:14; Phil 1:10; 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Peter 3:12) is an encompassing one.
It's "inauguration" began with the Lord Jesus Christ's coming as a Man to save believing mankind through His Crucifixion death and Resurrection from the dead as the precursor event before His finial judgment at end of time, which will see both the salvation and the restoration of Israel (Obadiah 15-21) as well as the redemption of the church. Thus the Day of the Lord is declared to have begun with God's Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost (Acts 2:20) where the Lord Jesus Christ's Redemption of all who believe in Him has begun. Though that is not the finial work of it. For this current church era, often referred to as the time of the Gentiles must first be fulfilled, before the Lord Jesus Christ draws all of Israel back to Himself. And thus the Redemptive aspect of the Day of the Lord will not see it's conclusion until the Lord Jesus Christ's Second coming when He will take to Himself both His bride the church and save believing Israel out of Jacobs troubles, before He executes His finial and everlasting judgment on the unrepentant and unbelieving world (consider Rev 6:12-17; 19:11-21 etc.). And that is the aspect of the Day of the Lord that the Apostle Peter is emphasizing here. The Day of the Lord at the end of time when Jesus returns for His bride the church, and saves Israel out of Jacob's troubles at the end of the tribulation period. Before He executes His finial judgment on the world. Each then will occur in their own time.
Thus the Day of the Lord will be the precursor event before He sets up a new heavens and earth where He will reign, Israel will be restored, and righteousness and peace will be the established norm (Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:1-9; Jeremiah 50:4-5; Hosea 3:5; Micah 4:1-3; Obadiah 17-21 etc.). That is roughly the Day of the Lord, though there are many other Scriptures and aspects relating to it. Now because the Day of the Lord involves both salvation and judgment at the heart of it all is a call of repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what is absolutely critical for one to be prepared for the Day of the Lord. Therefore the Apostle Peter warns us all not to be caught unaware and unprepared, but to live our lives every day in expectation of it (consider Zephaniah 2:3). For as the Apostle Peter declares here, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself first warned (see Luke 21:34-36), both He and it will come like a thief in night and will catch many unaware (see 1 Thess 5:2-10; Rev 16:15). For just as in the days of Noah when the flood came and took away the whole unbelieving and unrepentant world, so will the coming of the Son of Man (Matt 24:37-44). Therefore since not only this world and all the works in it will be dissolved by fire (vs 12). The Apostle Peter says "what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" (vs 11) "looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God" (vs 12). For truly this current created order, the heavens and earth, and all things within them, are all destined to be destroyed by God's eternal fire. So that it all might make way for the new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells (vs 13). For only then, when the Lord Jesus Christ reigns, will there be lasting peace on earth (consider Isaiah 32:17-18).  For truly there can be no peace in this sin driven and corrupted world that continually justifies and codifies by law their own evil desires (antithesis Isaiah 26:9). Nonetheless during the Lord Jesus Christ's Reign, righteousness and peace will be the norm on earth. For He will rule the world with a rod of iron so that whenever or wherever wickedness rises up, it will be quickly and effectively snuffed out. Thus sin and Satan having been dwelt with, righteousness and peace will be the established norm in all the earth (consider Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:9; 65:17-25; Micah 4:1-4, 6-8).

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 Draft version

2 Peter 3:1-9

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Commentary
Vs. 1-2 The Apostle Peter here identifies this as his second Epistle to the beloved. That is all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as testified too in the Scriptures, are to be thought of and treated as beloved brethren. And so every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who receives God's Word is to be received by us all. For truly all of us In Christ are beloved of God. And so Peter says here that his writing to us is so as to stir up our pure minds. That is stir up or awaken our minds to pure or holy thinking and thus living. For unlike the scoffers whose minds are polluted and who live according to their ungodly lusts and evil desires, believers are called to sanctification; that is the purification of body, soul, and mind. Now the only means for doing this is by Scriptures. And thus the Apostle Peter says that we are to be mindful (that is we are to remember and reflect upon), both the words of the holy prophets as well the Biblical Apostles commandment of our Lord and Savior. For truly the study of Scripture and or meditation on it's precepts, prophecies and commandments is absolutely critical to surviving the inevitable onslaught from the unbelieving and godless ideologies that are in this world.

Vs. 3-4 And so Peter goes on to say: 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

And so as the Lord's return draws near for the Redemption of His church, and thus His taking His bride to Himself forever, scoffers will increase, just as ungodliness will. In the Old Testament scoffers likewise arose mocking God's Word through His prophets before God's judgment fell on them and the nations who likewise walked in their own ways (consider 2 Chr 30:10; 36:16; Isaiah 22:12-14; Jer 6:17-21; 7:1-34; 18:1-17; 20:7-13; Lam 3:14; Hosea 7:1-10; etc.). And so the Apostle Peter likely reflecting upon the Scriptures testimony of mankind's unrepentant hearts before God's judgment fell on them all, by the Holy Spirit now sees in a time when there will be such days again. Now the Apostle Peter is not alone in his assessment of these things. The Apostle Paul, as well as Jude, by the Spirit of God recall God's prophetic word regarding these, as well as warn of their rising up in their day, as well being a manner of life for many in the last days (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12; 2 Tim 3:1-9; Jude 14-15, 17-19). Therefore believers should not be discouraged by these things, for even Jesus had to face ungodly mockers before He was received up into glory (Matt. 20:19; 27:29, 31, 41). For that has always been the treatment of God's people in this Godless world (consider 2 Kings 2:23-25; Nehemiah 4:1; Job 12:4; 30:1; Prov 14:9; Acts 2:13; Heb 11:36). Therefore as the proliferation of the Gospel reaches its zenith there will be increasingly numbers of mockers, who having a form of the knowledge of God, yet in unbelief will mock Jesus' Second Coming, just as Old Testament Israel mocked the prophets forewarning of God's judgment, because it to was delayed for a season (consider Ezek 12:21-28).
Having already personally experienced this form of blasphemy while trying to share Christ, having heard both His Second coming, and even His Crucifixion death mocked. It's easy to see this already unfolding in our day as clear Biblical terminology once highly revered and regarded, yet now is so glibly tossed about and into contexts in which it has no place being used, or better misused. And so that's always a sign of clear unbelief, and thus a rejection of the truth, when God's Person, Word and or His Prophecies or Promises in His Word is treated as a trivial thing. Therefore the Apostle Peter says that scoffers in the last days will arise and say: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
And that's exactly what happened to me when I tried to share Christ with a certain middle aged fellow. He quickly and unabashedly retorted back almost to script by saying Jesus hasn't come back in two thousand years... Now I've witnessed to hundreds of people from all walks of life and truly his brazen response initially threw me. But in hindsight it is in reality just a confirmation of God's prophetic Word. For as in the Apostle Peters day when he had fellow Jews who also had a semblance of the knowledge of God, yet mocked his testimony and his declaring Jesus' Second Coming to them. So it will be for everyone who faithfully follows and witnesses Jesus Christ as Lord, crucified for our sins remission and raised from dead the third day, ascended back to heaven forty days later, and now seated at God the Father's right hand waiting till all His enemies are made His footstool. Every believer who in faith, seeks to share their faith, will at some point encounter ungodly mockers and or fierce unbelievers. That's reality, and a chance I'm willing to take, and so I hope you are too. Because their is no greater purpose or honor in life than in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with one and all. And so the Apostle Peter says that they will justify their complacency by saying: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Now if anyone thinks that all things have continued on as they were from the beginning of creation until now they truly are blinded and or seeing just what they want to see. For there is nothing that has continued from the days of the Biblical fathers until this day that has not been shaken, and is being shaken, so that those perishable things may pass away, and those eternal things may remain (consider Heb 12:25-29). From priesthoods, to covenants, to Temple's, to nations, all has been made by God, to be removed by God, to make way for the eternal glory of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. And so just as the upheaval of all of creation witnesses to Christ's Second coming (consider Matt 24:4-14), so does the growing prevalence of lawlessness and complacency in this world (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12). For all of creation must suffer the futility of their own endeavours apart from the redeeming work of God in Christ in order to find it. For all that is done outside of God's Redemption plans for all of creation is utterly transient and futile, just as God has ordained it all to be (consider Rom 8:19-23).  

Vs. 5-7 And so Peter knowing the scoffers self-sufficient pride recalls their self delusion here by saying: 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Here the Apostle Peter recalls that just as God's Word brought forth the world and heavens into being. God's Word also brought forth the flood in the days of Noah, destroying all but eight people preserved in Noah's Ark, for all of their wickedness against it (vs. 5-6). And so it is the same Word of God that is now preserving the present heavens (i.e. sky and stars) and earth, which are being reserved for fire, until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. So that a new heavens and earth in which Righteousness dwells, can exist apart from sin, and the sins of mankind which have corrupted it all (2 Peter 3:12-13; Rev 21:1-22:17). And that is why Jesus is first offering and bringing salvation to all who repent and believe in Him here and now. For as Jesus is the firstborn over all of creation, so He is the firstborn over the new creation. So that we all who believe in Him might be (along with Him) the first fruits, if you will, of God's new creation. For Jesus having already tasted death for everyone, by His Crucifixion death and shed blood at Calvary to atone for all our sins, has become by His Resurrection from the dead, the firstborn of many brethren (Rom 8:29; Col 1:15, 18; Rev 1:5).
And thus the life and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ now comes by the Holy Spirit, to live within us all who believe in Jesus. So that God might dwell in us all. For truly we who believe in Jesus are the Temple of the Lord, now sanctified and set apart for His worship and service. And so we are new creations In Christ, being made new, and into Christ-likeness (beginning with our Spirit re-birth) so that both our transformation and sanctification as God's new creations In Christ, and ultimately for God's new creation, can be evident to all. And so we are now God's redeemed children, both being transformed day to day from one glory to another, yet longing for Jesus Christ's return and His taking us all to Himself, so that we might all forever enjoy the glory of the Lord, where He will reign in all Righteousness over all of God's new creation.

Vs. 8-9 The Apostle Peter in response to the scoffers scoffing at the Lord's perceived delays, here reminds us of both the eternity and longsuffering of God. Who is neither governed, nor restricted by time as mortal man is. But who sees and can experience all things: past, present, future, as His now. And so Peter says here: 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
And so whatever perceived delays one might have about Christ's coming, these have nothing to do with Almighty God being unable to fulfill His Promised Return, but with mankind whose finite being and perspective is governed by time. For God neither tarries, nor delays, at the appointed time He will keep His Promise and fulfill His Word. A time which we might add that no mortal knows, but only God the Father in heaven knows (Matt 24:36). And so the Apostle Peter says here that God is longsuffering towards us, not wanting any to perish but that all should come to repentance. And that is what is to take place in the interim. For when the Lord returns (or one dies) there will be no more chance for repentance. Today then, indeed right now is the time of salvation for you if you have not yet come to repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And this you can do by believing that God loves love and sent Jesus Christ to suffer Crucifixion death in your place so that you can have remission of all your sins and everlasting life the moment you believe in Jesus. Therefore If you have not yet done that, but now perceive your need to do so, please by all means come to the Lord Jesus Christ and freely receive remission of all your sins and eternal life. First by repentance towards God, which is a change of mind about oneself, God, or others, as is needed.
In essence it is too acknowledge and confess too God that one has indeed sinned against Him and others, and thus is guilty before Him. And thus it's not that your not as bad or wicked as so, and so, it's that in heart you probably are. For in our own ways and means were all fully capable of all the evil that we see, hate, and condemn in others. Make no mistake about it, the evil we see and condemn in others, is often festering in our own hearts and minds. Thus at the heart of repentance is a "change of mind", which then leads to a change in ones lifestyle. For when we stop trying to justify ourselves and or our less than God honoring words and actions. And instead take our rightful seat with those sinners who bring nothing of themselves to God other than a heartfelt confession and out pouring of sorrow for having sinned, and thus of needing His mercy, we find His mercy (consider Luke 18:9-14; James 4:8-10). For the Scripture does not justify us in of ourselves by our own obedience. Instead it confines us all under sin (Rom 3:23) that the promised gift of righteousness might be given to all who believe in Jesus (Gal 3:22). For faith in Jesus Christ crucified for our sins remission and raised from the dead for our justification is what opens the door of God's salvation to us all, by which He both saves and changes us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Note: this is a draft version

2 Peter 2:18–22

 18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Commentary
Vs. 18 The Apostle Peter here sees right through the false teachers pretentious words and alluring ways. And so here Peter exposes their tactics, while warning us all not to fall into their hands. He begins by saying that when they speak great swelling words of emptiness... Not insightfulness, not usefulness, but emptiness. The word used here in this context means to be devoid of substance, to be vain, futile, empty. Because what the false teachers speak and teach is ineffectual for Christian life and living. For they are not taught, nor guided by the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures. They are only taught and guided by their own fleshly wisdom and human resources. And so for all of their verbal pomp and fanfare, their words in effect convey nothing that is of the Spirit of God, and often less of what is Biblically sound and truthful. And so when they do use the Scriptures they only manipulate them, and or taking Biblical promises out of context, they use them to allure and captivate people. Not to serve Jesus Christ's plans and purposes, rather just their own. For that is what false teachers do, they only arouse, then exploit peoples own sinful lusts and selfish desires, for their own gain. And so Peter goes on to say "...they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error."

Now the phrase "lusts of the flesh" encompasses all of ones sinful, sensual, sexual desires that are hostile to Word of God. And so in the New Testament the "lusts of the flesh" are always held as juxtaposed to fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:16-21). For to live according to the lusts of the flesh is to be in love with this world, and thus at war with God (consider 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Peter 2:11). Yet that is just what the false teachers do. They live according to the lusts of their flesh, and thus they always show themselves to love this world, love money, love sexual pleasure (consider Phil 3:17-19; 2 Peter 2:10, 14-16; Jude 4). Now in contrast to them every true child of God is commanded to put away the worldly and ungodly lusts of the flesh (consider Rom 6:12; 13:14; Gal 5:24; Eph 4:22; Col 3:5; 1 Thess 4:4-8; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Peter 1:14; 2:11; 4:2; 2 Peter 2:10; 1 John 2:16). Instead we are to live richly and fully and enjoy all that has given us in the natural and Spiritual spheres by exercising all things in moderation and self control (1 Cor 6:12; 1 Tim :17-19). Rather then living by unbridled lusts and unrestrained desires. For those who submit themselves to their sinful natures truly become slaves of sin, as Jesus said (John 8:24-26). And that is why Jesus was crucified, and rose again from the dead. Not only to atone for all our sins, but also to libertate us from them (see Rom 6). Yet it is through appealing to the "lusts' of the flesh", through lewdness (asélgeia, i.e. sexual "license", the unrestrained and immoral indulgence of ones sexual passions) that the false teachers find themselves such willing and broad audiences. Because they appeal to, and seek to legitimize the sinful nature and godless desires of mankind. Undermining God's everlasting decrees about human morality, sexuality, and thus our responsibility to God and each other, that commands expressions of human sexuality be exercised by mutual consent in a monogamous heterosexual marriage (Heb 13:4). Instead they preach a "grace" that says men and women are at liberty to indulge in these, as they please, in whatever contexts they please. Even when the Scriptures clearly warn otherwise (consider Mark 9:43-50; 1 Cor 6:9-11; James 4:4). And so they only lie to their hearers when they tell them that they can live by, and for their godless lusts and passions, and still be at peace with God. For as the Apostle Paul also warns us all, to be fleshly minded is death (Rom 8:6). Both a state of ones being (Eph 2:3), as well as ones end, if one continues on in it (Rev. 22:14-15). And so their is no inner peace for the one who lives carnally. For to do so is only to be in a constant state of war with God, oneself, and others. For truly the Scriptures throughout warn us all that no one shall prevail who lives according to their own ungodly lusts and sinful desires (consider Isaiah 57:19-21). Therefore in contrast to being carnally minded which is death. Every believer is commanded to put off their old nature with it's sinful desires, and instead put on the new nature which is in accord with true righteousness and holiness, and thus live by the Spirit of God, and not by the deceitful lusts of the flesh (Eph 4:22-24).

For again the false teachers "allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error." And so though those who leave the world and come into the church community have escaped (in one sense) from those still in the world living by it's erroneous ways and sin laden ideals; and thus still living in error; they are not immune to being pulled back into the world. For Satan's ministers are not just found in the world, sadly they are in the church as well (consider 2 Cor 11:13-15). And so not until one comes into that absolutely critical, soul saving, life changing relationship with God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ does He change them and set them free. Transferring us from the powers of darkness and into the Kingdom of the Son of his love (Col 1:13). Giving us a new mind, a new heart, and by default new desires, because we are now indwelt by Him through the Holy Spirit who makes us new creations In Christ (2 Cor 5:17). Therefore not until one is transformed by Holy Spirit new-birth by faith in Jesus do they have any Spirit resources to resist the sinful desires of their flesh, or overcome the schemes of the devil. For though one is in the church community, (which is a great place to be), they maybe still outside of House of faith, that is the Body of Christ, where every believer truly belongs and forever resides. And so they are very vulnerable to Satan's schemes and attacks through his ministers. Because they do not have Holy Spirit union with God, and thus they do not have the mind of Christ, nor the Spiritual discernment to know what is of God, and what is not (1 Cor 2:13-16).
Their old nature is still as active as it ever was, and thus they can be lured away from the truth of Gospel by false teachers, who always appeal to carnal nature of mankind. Whether through covetousness and greed, as is often the case nowadays, or through the lusts of the flesh and lewdness. The effect is the same, they inevitably lead people away from the truth of the Gospel, and back into their old sins or lifestyles (consider 2 Cor 11:19-21).

Vs. 19 "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage."

Here the Apostle Peter is warning that though the false teachers promise their hearers liberty; yet they themselves are only slaves of corruption (i.e. depravity). Now not only are they slaves to their sins, it might also be said they are slaves of all that is perishing. And so everything that is worldly and sensual and temporary these they find themselves coveting and in bondage too, while everything immortal and everlasting they miss and miss-represent. And so the Apostle Peter goes onto warn "for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage." Most translations render this as the false teachers enslavement to their own corruption. While the NKJ here seems to be warning that those who heed the false teachers doctrine and lifestyles, rather than finding liberty, are only going to be brought back into bondage by them. As the greater context is indicating.

Vs. 20-22 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

The Apostle Peters warning in verse twenty rings throughout the ages of the Gospel's preaching. For the knowledge of God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does indeed free one from the pollutions of this world, if they believe Him and obey Him. Now the phrase "pollutions of the world" is referencing all that is morally and Spiritually corrupt in the eyes of God. In Revelations 18:1-6 the pollutions of the world are represented as originating in spiritual Babylon. Therefore we as believers are commanded to come out and be separate from it, lest we share in her sins and receive of her plagues. Similarly in 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 we are commanded not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers lest we be pulled into their sins and lifestyles. And so we are commanded not to touch what is unclean, but rather we are to come out and be separate from all the moral and spiritual pollutions of this world, that God might receive us as His sons and daughters. Again in Ephesians 5:11 we are commanded to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Therefore for every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ there must be a strong renunciation in ones life of all that is morally and Spiritually corrupt (2 Cor 4:2). For there are no spectators in the Lord Jesus Christ's church. Your either all in, or all out (consider Matt 12:30). Now if your not all in, then you truly are susceptible to what the Apostle Peter is warning about here. For in escaping the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, does not guarantee anything until you come into that personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and are committed to Him in discipleship. For to fail to make the foundational step of faith by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead is to fail in discipleship. And so to have true knowledge of God, and yet become entangled in the pollutions of the world again, and be overcome by them, is the worse fate of all. For the latter end is worse than the beginning, Because God has so richly provided for us all the way of escape from sin, death, and judgment by faith in His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Therefore the Apostle Peter does not mince words here. If someone loves their sins more than the Lord Jesus and returns to them, "...it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” vs. 21-22

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Note: this is a draft version

2 Peter 2:12–17

12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

Commentary
In verses ten and eleven the Apostle Peter began to graphically describe false teachers nature. Beginning to present there a whole list of godless attributes that both defines their persons, and describes their character. Saying that they walk (i.e. live) according to the flesh "in the lust of uncleanness" (vs. 10); that is they live according to their sexual lusts and bodily appetites (consider Phil 3:17-19). Saying that they despise (i.e. disdain) authority, whether from God or through man. Saying they are presumptuous, self-willed individuals, who are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries whereas angels who are greater in power and might don't even dare do so. And so Peter continues on here by saying that "they like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption" vs. 12
The Apostle Peter thus compares their constitution or nature to that of natural brute beasts who like them, are only governed by their natural instincts and desires. And like wild beasts that are only fit to be caught and destroyed, so these are to be regarded, or better disregarded completely. For these false teachers being devoid of the Spirit of God (and thus all healthy Spirit given appetites for Godly things like righteousness, holiness and self-control) are only led and ruled by their sinful desires. And so both their reasoning's and rationalization of all things they say, do, and pursue, reflects their lack of spiritual life, discernment, and understanding. For they not only error in their judgments on spiritual matters (consider 1 Cor 2:13-15). They also speak evil of whatever things they do not understand.
For having neither the Word of God or the Wisdom of God in their lives (as the original word translated brute here is indicating). They truly are spiritually dumb, in every aspect of Holy Spirit life and liberty. Instead they corrupt themselves in whatever things they know naturally, as the Apostle Jude also states of them: "But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves." Jude 10
And so Peter using a kind of a play on a word here in the original says  "they will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime"... vs 12-13
That will they perish in their own corruption is indicating their eternal judgment (consider 1 Peter 4:18). And so they will receive "the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime..." (consider Prov. 11:31; Gal 6:7). Peter then continues on after that thought by saying "....They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you"... The Apostle Peters referring to them as spots and blemishes is indicating that in the Body of Christ where moral and spiritual purity is to be highly cherished and pursued (consider Eph 5:27). These natural brute beasts who live according to their own ungodly lusts, are truly moral spots and spiritual blemishes amongst all brethren. For in whatever things they corrupt themselves, they inevitably corrupt others. The Apostle Peter further says of them "carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children." vs. 13-14
And so carousing (or reveling) in their own deceptions while they feast with true brethren, these dreamers who claim spiritual knowledge, and to be teachers anointed by God, are in reality just self serving dogs. Just consider the four reprehensible things that the Apostle Peter says of them here:
1) they carouse in their own deceptions while they feast with you
2) they have eyes full of adultery and cannot cease from sin
3) they entice unstable souls (and so as noted in 2 Peter 3:16 they make unstable disciples)
4) They have a heart trained in (lit. exercised towards) covetousness (consider 1 Tim 6:5)
Thus they are singularly defined by what is utterly base and dishonorable. For they are greedy, immoral, deceivers, who wilfully misrepresent the truth of the Gospel.

Vs. 15-16 And so Peters recalling their covetousness says them: "15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet." vs. 15-16

Now Balaam was a prophet who though knowing the Lord's will, forsook it, for his own greedy desires. And so Balaam sought to make himself rich by cursing the children of Israel (who were preparing to enter the promised land) for the then king of Moab who had sent envoy's to him. For he feared the children of Israel would over run him and his people. And so when Balaam went with the envoy's, contrary to the Lord's will, the Angel of the Lord withstood him. Yet at first only his donkey saw Him; Balaam being spiritually blinded by his own greed did not, and so Balaam's donkey fearing certain death kept trying to turn aside to save them. But Balaam in his greed kept driving her on. And so the Lord opened the mouth of his own dumb donkey to rebuke him through it. And so the irony is self-evident as a prophet is supposed to be wise and discerning, fearing the Lord in all things, not self-willed and stupid (See Numbers 22:22-35). Therefore the Apostle Peter compares the false teachers greed and covetousness to that of Balaam. Who likewise in their greediness "drive on" against the Lord's will and commandments to their own ruin and eternal destruction (consider Matt 6:24). And so the Apostle Peter sums up his condemnation of them by saying: "These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever." vs. 17

For in having no substance, these false teachers are compared with wells without water; that is they being empty of Spirit life and giftedness are utterly useless at satisfying the souls thirst. As well they are compared too clouds carried by a tempest. And so like clouds carried by a tempest to their finial destiny. So false teachers will be carried by the Tempest of God's wrath to their finial resting places,


Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982


Additional Resources Consulted
Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Word Studies
brute (Str 249; GK 263; TDNT 4.141; TDNTA 505; LN 30.12; 89.19)
utterly perish (Str 2709; GK 2967; TDNT 9.93; TDNTA 1259)
corruption (Str 5351; GK 5780; TDNT 9.93; TDNTA 1259)
carouse (Str 5172; GK 5588; LN 88.253)
carousing (Str 1792; GK 1960; LN 88.253; LN 88.253)

 

2 Peter 2:4-11

4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.

Commentary

The Apostle Peter here lays forth the Biblical and historical grounds for his strong condemnation of all false teachers. In this Peter cites three historic events, all recorded for us in the Book of Genesis (see Gen 6:1-4; 6:5-9:17; 19:1-29). He begins first with God's dealings with those angels who sinned against God, saying: "For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment" vs. 4  In Jude 6 the Scripture similarly states: "And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day."

In the Genesis account (if we take that as the reference) there the angels (i.e. sons of God) left the heavenly abode and dwelt amongst mankind as mortals and took to themselves woman as wives. The resulting offspring (not only produced a race of mortal giants) but seems to have hastened mankind's wickedness and rebellion on earth. And so immediately following that there is God's response, not just to their deed, but to the whole of humanity, who at that time had become utterly wicked and corrupt (see Genesis 6:5-8). Yet one man, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. A preacher of righteousness. Who in the face of overwhelming opposition held fast to faith in God and refused to be conformed to the prevailing cultures wickedness and degradation all around him. And so it would be through Noah, one of eight people, whom the Lord would set aside in the Ark to preserve the human race, before bringing in the flood on the ungodly. And so from that, and with the reestablishment of mankind on the earth, we again read of mankind's propensity towards evil. This time in the days of Abraham, when God would visit His punishment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Notorious for their homosexual and sexually immoral practices. These two principal cities of the ancient world would be consumed by fire and brimstone sent from God from heaven. Making them a clear example to all of mankind, of the end of all who practice such things. And so as the Scripture states God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemning them to destruction, making them an example of all who would live ungodly (vs. 6).

Now before doing so, God delivered Abraham's nephew Lot, who had early separated from Abraham because the land could not contain them both (see Genesis 13:5-13). And so Lot chose the plain of the Jordan near Sodom and Gomorrah, (thinking it would be a good place to dwell because the countryside look favorable for his herds). But in reality, he did not know what he was getting himself into. And so the Apostle Peter here recalls how God delivered the righteous Lot, before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. For as Peter says in verse eight and nine, 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment".

Thus two great truths are presented before us here. First, God knows how to deliver the Godly out of temptations, not eliminate them completely, as we would often like, but deliver us out of them (consider 1 Cor 10:13). For though we live in a world that is filled with temptations, being led astray by the Tempter, we do not live as powerless people in this godless world. We who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have been given both the Holy Spirit, as well as the Word of God by which we can overcome both sin and Satan when we appropriate these God given resources to ourselves. That is appropriate by faith what the Lord Jesus Christ has not only done to save us, and all who believe in Him. But also, empower us by His Spirit to live Godly lives (Gal 5:16-24). For it is Jesus Christ Himself who now lives in us, and is the One who is not only upholding us by our union in life, death, and Resurrection with Him (Rom 6:6; Col 2:12; Jude 1). But Jesus Himself is by His Spirit within us transforming us. So that we all who are In Christ will more and more reflect His true image (2 Cor 3:17-18). For God does not expect, or want us to stand alone against the Tempter and His schemes. Rather we are to take our stand with the Lord Jesus Christ against him (Eph 6:11). Thus not in our own strength, resources, or abilities, but with Christ's. We are to stand. Putting on the whole armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-17) so that we might stand in the day of temptation, by rejecting Satan's lies and the world's ways, by God's truth (2 Cor 10:5). For in believing and obeying God's Word the Tempter will always be thwarted. Therefore just as the Apostle Peter says here God knows how deliver the godly out of temptations (consider Psalm 37:28; 97:10; 145:20; Prov 2:8), and reserve (that is keep in a certain state or guard) the unjust/unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment (2 Peter 3:7). And so quoting from the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Abridged Edition: "The wicked will be under punishment between death and judgment, i.e., until their destiny is finally fixed." (see TDNT Abridged Edition, page 451 under κολάζω).

Vs. 10-11 In the first part of the Apostle Peters exhortation he looked to the Biblical history to demonstrate God's impartial dealing with both angels and mankind who willfully sin against Him. The reason for doing so was to demonstrate to us all that though false teachers may "prosper" for a season, their end and destruction, like those before them, is assured (consider Job 21:30; Prov 16:4; Rom 9:22-26). And so even though God's people will have to bear long with Him while such things are taking place. God knows how to keep the wicked under punishment for the day of judgment. Whether this is to affect their miseries in this life by taking away their peace (consider Isaiah 57:19-21), or simply letting them continue on in their current state of being, so as to fill up the measure of their sins, for the finial day of eternal punishment. God knows how to deal with each and every one, who in their fleshly pride rebels against Him. "and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord." vs. 10-11

Now the Apostle Peter identifies them here by two traits, both which directs their lives and defines their person. The first is that they walk according to the flesh, in the "lust of uncleanness." Whether as an action or a state of their being (TDNTA). Both the TDNT and it's abridged edition TDNTA says that this is "the licentious affirmation of sexual impulses" (TDNT) while the abridged edition gives it as: "licentious passion that defiles" (TDNTA). That is they live by, and for the sexual lusts of their flesh. And so that is how they see, assess, and approve of others. Not by the Spirit of God, but rather through their carnal eyes and fleshly mindedness, they make much of the corruptible flesh and little of the everlasting soul. Yet we who believe in Jesus, are commanded to judge no one according to the flesh (consider John 8:15; 2 Cor 5:16-17), much less live according to it (Rom 8:1, 4, 5, 12, 13). But for them that is default measure of everyone and everything. And so they are readily identified by what drives them, and that is the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:4).

The next thing that that identifies them is "a spirit of rebellion." As the Apostle Peter says here, they don't see God given authority as something for mankind's betterment, rather they despise it (vs. 10). The word here literally means "to think against" and in no uncertain terms is here indicating "to despise, to regard with contempt". And thus they do not honor, nor respect God given lawfully authority, as we are commanded to do (Prov 24:21; Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13, 18 etc.).
Rather they in their hearts and minds are set against it, literally despising it. And thus their lives (and the lives and assemblies they influence) often bear the fruits of such an evil attitude. For as the Old Covenant Israelites who came out of Egypt neither feared God, nor the man Moses He commanded to lead them into the promised land. So these are a constant thorn in the side, as well as threat to peaceful cohabitation of all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. And so Peter says here: "They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord." vs. 10-11
The description the Apostle Peter gives here of them is fully congruent with what the Apostle Jude says of them, and their person, in his condemnation of them (see Jude 8). Now the word translated presumptuous here means "to dare", "to have courage", "to be bold". And it is indicating a godless fearlessness not only towards those in authority, but also of speaking against them. And so they neither heed, nor respect God given authority. Rather they are self-willed individuals; that is they are self satisfied, overbearing, arrogant individuals who neither fear God or those He has placed in authority to govern us all. Whether in the world or in the Church. Instead as Peter goes on to say, they are not even afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, "whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord." vs. 11

And so one quickly sees how these godless individuals who make themselves out to be something in the church, but in reality they are nothing. For they know nothing of the glory of God, nor of Christ, yet they are fearless in speaking evil of dignitaries, whether angelic beings (as the context indicates) or God's own who bear Christ's glory in their person, by Jesus' Person and Spirit, indwelling and glorifying Himself through them (consider Rom 8:29-30; 1 Peter 4:14).  And so my point is not to altar the context (or it's meaning) rather to demonstrate the true nature of these godless and brazen individuals, who not only disdain godly authority, they also fearlessly speak against it, going so far as to even speak evil of God's dignitaries.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982 

Word Studies
hell (Str 5020; GK 5434; LN 1.25) 1x
uncleaness (Str 3394; GK 3622; TDNT 4.647; TDNTA 593; LN 88.259) 1x
despise (Str 2706; GK 2969; TDNT 3.631; TDNTA 421; LN 88.192) 9x
self-willed (Str 829; GK 881; TDNT 1.508; TDNTA 87; LN 88.206) 2x
dignitaries (Str 1391; GK 1518; TDNT 2.233; TDNTA 178; LN 1.15; 12.6; 12.49; 14.49; 25.205; 33.357; 33.468; 76.13; 79.13; 87.4; 87.23) 168x

Acroymns
Str: Strong, James. Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2001.
GK: Goodrick-Kohlenberger (oringinal languages numbering system)
LN: Louw-Nida, Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. electronic ed. of the 2nd edition. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.
TDNT: Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Edited by Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley and Gerhard Friedrich. electronic ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964-.
TDNTA: Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Abridged Edition, Kittel, Gerhard, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 1985.
 
The word translated hell in verse four (tartaroo) is the word the ancient Greeks used to describe the place where the wicked dead suffer punishment for their deeds (Strongs). Here Peter is using it to bring across to the Greek mind (i.e. Gentiles), the O.T. Hebrew word and concept for hell (Gehennna).

Note: this is a draft version