2 Peter - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

– note that he does not say, “fall from their faith.” Sound doctrine promotes sound and
stable living. False doctrine produces instability for believers, a state of confusion, and
frustrated living. (W. Baker) The aim of our calling and election appears to be holiness in
this life, perseverance in suffering, and inheriting a blessing in the life to come. (J.
Dillow)
As in 2 Peter 1:10-11, the danger is that they might “fall” and forfeit their rich welcome
into the eternal kingdom … The danger of falling away is something real for true
Christians. Ignorant and unstable people have distorted the epistles of Paul, and this act
resulted in their “destruction.” That the same result can come upon these “dear friends”
seems to be stated when he warns them “not to be carried away by the error of lawless
men and fall from your secure position.” Why would this warning be addressed to these
“dear friends,” if in fact it was not possible for them to experience this danger? … The
general thrust of the book, as summed up at the end in 3:17, is concerned with their
perseverance and not their assurance. Peter wants his readers to prove that they are
Christians by living a godly life ... To “be on your guard” is a parallel thought to “make
your calling and election sure.” “Fall from your own steadfastness” is manifestly the
same as to stumble in 1:10. To “make our calling and election sure” means to guarantee
by adding to our faith the character qualities of 1:5-7 that our calling and election will
achieve their intended aim. (J. Dillow) There can be no communion between truth and
error. (W. Wiersbe) Reversionists and unbelievers live in error while believers in
fellowship live in truth. How can they truly commune with one another? (LWB)
We must exercise care over our spiritual diet, over our spiritual growth, for it is
impossible, by any means, to remove the record of failure. God has made us responsible
for growth, and at the judgment seat of Christ we will be examined in reference to our
growth. (J. Pentecost) Oh, don’t be a lazy Christian, not learning the Word of God. There
is no little gimmick, there is no little course you can take in a week, there is no little
program that you can go through that will change and revolutionize your life – there is no
easy way. We are to seriously study the entire Word of God, not just a few little verses of
Scripture that we throw about and kick around like a football. My friend, if you have a
comprehensive knowledge of Scripture and apply it to your own life, you will be a
steadfast Christian. As we saw at the beginning of this epistle, Peter’s characteristic word
is knowledge. (J. McGee) False teachers are not satisfied with ambushing one or two,
now and then, here and there; they want to sweep large groups of people away from the
correct doctrine of Christ. Those who keep company with such people are in danger of
being led astray, referred to as falling. This does not refer to losing one’s salvation. (K.
Gangel)
We are in great danger of being seduced, and turned away from the truth. The unlearned
and unstable, and they are very numerous, do generally wrest the scripture. Many who
have the scriptures and read them do not understand what they read; and too many of
those who have a right understanding of the sense and meaning of the word are not
established in the belief of the truth, and all these are liable to fall into error. Few attain
to the knowledge and acknowledgment of doctrinal Christianity; and fewer find, so as to
keep in the way of practical godliness, which is the narrow way, which only leadeth unto