2 Peter 2:9
if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
if all this is so
This phrase serves as a conditional statement, linking the preceding examples of divine intervention and judgment to the present assurance. The Greek word "εἰ" (ei) introduces a logical conclusion based on previous arguments. In the context of 2 Peter, the apostle Peter has just recounted instances of God's judgment and deliverance, such as the flood in Noah's time and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This phrase underscores the certainty and reliability of God's actions in history, affirming that His past interventions are a basis for present and future hope.

then the Lord knows
The Greek word for "knows" is "οἶδεν" (oiden), which implies not just awareness but an intimate, comprehensive understanding. This knowledge is not passive; it is active and purposeful. The Lord's knowledge is perfect and encompasses all circumstances, reflecting His omniscience. This assurance is comforting to believers, as it emphasizes that God is fully aware of their situations and needs.

how to rescue
The term "rescue" comes from the Greek "ῥύεσθαι" (rhuesthai), meaning to deliver or save from danger. This word is often used in the New Testament to describe God's deliverance of His people from peril. It conveys the idea of a powerful intervention, where God actively pulls the godly out of trials. This reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and preserve His faithful ones amidst adversity.

the godly
The Greek word "εὐσεβεῖς" (eusebeis) refers to those who are devout, pious, and live in reverence to God. In the biblical context, the godly are those who have aligned their lives with God's will and are committed to His ways. This term highlights the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that those who are faithful to Him can expect His deliverance.

from trials
The word "trials" is translated from the Greek "πειρασμοῦ" (peirasmou), which can mean tests, temptations, or afflictions. In the biblical narrative, trials are often seen as opportunities for growth and refinement of faith. This phrase assures believers that God is not only aware of their trials but is also actively working to deliver them from such challenges, reinforcing the idea that trials are temporary and under God's control.

and to hold
The Greek word "τηρεῖν" (terein) means to keep, guard, or preserve. In this context, it refers to God's ability to keep the unrighteous under His judgment. This word underscores God's justice and His commitment to ensuring that justice is served. It is a reminder that God's patience should not be mistaken for inaction; He is actively preserving the unrighteous for a future reckoning.

the unrighteous
The term "ἀδίκους" (adikous) refers to those who are unjust, wicked, or morally wrong. In the biblical worldview, the unrighteous are those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. This phrase serves as a warning that God's justice is impartial and that those who persist in unrighteousness will face consequences.

for punishment
The Greek word "κολαζομένους" (kolazomenous) implies correction or retribution. It is a term that conveys the idea of divine justice being meted out. This phrase assures believers that God will not overlook sin and that there is a set time for the unrighteous to face the consequences of their actions.

on the day of judgment
This phrase refers to the eschatological event when God will judge the living and the dead. The "day of judgment" is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the finality and certainty of God's justice. It serves as both a warning to the unrighteous and a comfort to the godly, affirming that God's justice will ultimately prevail. This future-oriented perspective encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God's righteous judgment is assured.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord
Refers to God, who is omniscient and omnipotent, capable of delivering the godly and judging the unrighteous.

2. The Godly
Those who live in accordance with God's will, striving for righteousness and holiness.

3. The Unrighteous
Individuals who live in opposition to God's commands, often characterized by sinful behavior.

4. Trials
Challenges or tests of faith that believers may face, which God uses to strengthen and purify them.

5. Day of Judgment
A future event when God will judge all people, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Knowledge
God is fully aware of our circumstances and has the power to deliver us from trials. Trust in His timing and wisdom.

Purpose of Trials
Trials are not meaningless; they serve to refine our faith and draw us closer to God. Embrace them as opportunities for growth.

Assurance of Justice
The unrighteous will not escape God's judgment. This assurance should encourage believers to live righteously and share the gospel.

Living Godly Lives
Strive to live in a way that reflects God's holiness, knowing that He is both our deliverer and judge.

Hope in Judgment
The day of judgment is a source of hope for believers, as it promises the ultimate vindication and reward for the godly.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's ability to rescue the godly from trials impact your response to personal challenges?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself for the trials that may come, based on the assurance of God's deliverance?

3. How does the certainty of judgment for the unrighteous influence your interactions with those who do not know Christ?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance from a trial. How did it strengthen your faith?

5. How can the promise of God's justice on the day of judgment motivate you to live a more godly life today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 10:13
This verse speaks about God's faithfulness in providing a way out of temptation, similar to how He rescues the godly from trials.

Psalm 34:17
Highlights how the Lord hears and delivers the righteous from their troubles, echoing the theme of divine rescue.

Revelation 20:12-15
Describes the final judgment, where the unrighteous are held accountable, aligning with the concept of punishment on the day of judgment.

James 1:12
Discusses the blessing of enduring trials, reinforcing the idea that trials serve a purpose in the believer's life.

Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus' teaching on the separation of the righteous and the unrighteous at the final judgment.
Deliverance and CondemnationJ.R. Thomson 2 Peter 2:9
False TeachersU.R. Thomas 2 Peter 2:1-22
False TeachersR. Finlayson 2 Peter 2:1-22
A Christian in the World is Like a Rose Among Noxious Weeds2 Peter 2:4-10
A Saint's VexationThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:4-10
Angelic SinnersHomilist2 Peter 2:4-10
Deliverance from Temptation the Privilege of the RighteouR. South, D. D.2 Peter 2:4-10
Distress of the Pious At the Wickedness of the GodlessJ. Fronmuller.2 Peter 2:4-10
Fallen Angels a Lesson to Fallen MenC. H. Spurgeon.2 Peter 2:4-10
God's Dealings with the Godly and Their PersecutorsThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:4-10
Grief At SinTinling's Illustrations2 Peter 2:4-10
How Ought We to Bewail the Sins of the Places Where We Live2 Peter 2:4-10
Just LotThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:4-10
Lot in SodomF. Storr, M. A.2 Peter 2:4-10
Noah's PreachingT. Adams.2 Peter 2:4-10
Sodom and GomorrhaT. Adams.2 Peter 2:4-10
Sodom and Gomorrha an Example of the Fate of the UngodlyWm. Ames, D. D.2 Peter 2:4-10
The Lord's Knowledge Our SafeguardC. H. Spurgeon.2 Peter 2:4-10
The Punishment of the Angels that SinnedT. Adams.2 Peter 2:4-10
The Punishment of the WickedT. Crowther.2 Peter 2:4-10
The Reality of Future PunishmentW. Brock.2 Peter 2:4-10
The Trial and Deliverance of the GodlyS. Morell.2 Peter 2:4-10
People
Balaam, Beor, Bosor, Noah, Noe, Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Gomorrah, Pontus, Sodom
Topics
Able, Continuing, Deliver, Evil-doers, Godly, Hold, Judgement, Judging, Judgment, Knoweth, Ones, Pious, Punished, Punishment, Readiness, Rescue, Reserve, Safe, Temptation, Temptations, Testing, Till, Trial, Trials, Unjust, Unrighteous, Upright
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Peter 2:9

     1310   God, as judge
     1320   God, as Saviour
     4122   Satan, tempter
     5350   injustice, hated by God
     6040   sinners
     6660   freedom, through Christ
     6738   rescue
     7227   flood, the
     8027   faith, testing of
     8265   godliness
     9240   last judgment

2 Peter 2:4-9

     4938   fate, final destiny
     5593   trial
     6125   condemnation, divine

2 Peter 2:4-10

     5828   danger
     8846   ungodliness

2 Peter 2:5-9

     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher

2 Peter 2:6-9

     4275   Sodom and Gomorrah

Library
The Owner and his Slaves
'Denying the Lord that bought them.'--2 Peter ii. 1. The institution of slavery was one of the greatest blots on ancient civilisation. It was twice cursed, cursing both parties, degrading each, turning the slave into a chattel, and the master, in many cases, into a brute. Christianity, as represented in the New Testament, never says a word to condemn it, but Christianity has killed it. 'Make the tree good and its fruit good.' Do not aim at institutions, change the people that live under them and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not.
(Admonition 31.) Differently to be admonished are those who lament their transgressions, and yet forsake them not, and those who forsake them, and yet lament them not. For those who lament their transgressions and yet forsake them not are to be admonished to learn to consider anxiously that they cleanse themselves in vain by their weeping, if they wickedly defile themselves in their living, seeing that the end for which they wash themselves in tears is that, when clean, they may return to filth.
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
'The sea of Apamia' is reckoned the seventh among those seas that compass the land of Israel; which word hath a sound so near akin to the word Pamias, by which name the Rabbins point out the fountains of Jordan,--that the mention of that word cannot but excite the memory of this, yea, almost persuade that both design one and the same place: and that the sea Apamia was nothing else but some great collection of waters at the very springs of Jordan. This also might moreover be added to strengthen that
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Perseverance of Saints.
FURTHER OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. 4. A fourth objection to this doctrine is, that if, by the perseverance of the saints is intended, that they live anything like lives of habitual obedience to God, then facts are against it. To this objection I reply: that by the perseverance of the saints, as I use these terms, is intended that, subsequently to their regeneration, holiness is the rule of their lives, and sin only the exception. But it is said, that facts contradict this. (1.) The case of king Saul is
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Of Councils and their Authority.
1. The true nature of Councils. 2. Whence the authority of Councils is derived. What meant by assembling in the name of Christ. 3. Objection, that no truth remains in the Church if it be not in Pastors and Councils. Answer, showing by passages from the Old Testament that Pastors were often devoid of the spirit of knowledge and truth. 4. Passages from the New Testament showing that our times were to be subject to the same evil. This confirmed by the example of almost all ages. 5. All not Pastors who
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

As Many as were Called by Grace, and Displayed the First Zeal...
As many as were called by grace, and displayed the first zeal, having cast aside their military girdles, but afterwards returned, like dogs, to their own vomit, (so that some spent money and by means of gifts regained their military stations); let these, after they have passed the space of three years as hearers, be for ten years prostrators. But in all these cases it is necessary to examine well into their purpose and what their repentance appears to be like. For as many as give evidence of their
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course.
1. Christ has instructed his disciples to expect opposition and difficulties in the way to heaven.--2. Therefore a more particular view of them is taken, as arising from the remainder of indwelling sin.--3. From the world, and especially from former sinful companions.--4. From the temptations and suggest ions of Satan.--5, 6. The Christian is animated and encouraged, by various considerations, to oppose them; particularly by the presence of God; the aids of Christ; the example of others, who, though
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Believe and be Saved
It is the Holy Spirit alone that can draw us to the cross and fasten us to the Saviour. He who thinks he can do without the Spirit, has yet to learn his own sinfulness and helplessness. The gospel would be no good news to the dead in sin, if it did not tell of the love and power of the divine Spirit, as explicitly as it announces the love and power of the divine Substitute. But, while keeping this in mind, we may try to learn from Scripture what is written concerning the bond which connects us individually
Horatius Bangs, D.D.—God's Way of Peace

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' - Col 1:23. Intending next Lord's day to enter upon the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the grounds of religion. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. II. The best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded. I. It is the duty of Christians
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Catholic Epistles.
I. Storr: De Catholicarum Epp. Occasione et Consilio. Tüb. 1789. Staeudlin: De Fontibus Epp. Cath. Gott. 1790. J. D. Schulze: Der schriftstellerische Charakter und Werth des Petrus, Jacobus und Judas. Leipz. 1802. Der schriftsteller. Ch. des Johannes. 1803. II. Commentaries on all the Catholic Epistles by Goeppfert (1780), Schlegel (1783), Carpzov (1790), Augusti (1801), Grashof (1830), Jachmann (1838), Sumner (1840), De Wette (3d ed. by Brückner 1865), Meyer (the Cath. Epp. by Huther,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Authenticity and Credibility of the Pentateuch.
1. The historic truth of the Pentateuch is everywhere assumed by the writers of the New Testament in the most absolute and unqualified manner. They do not simply allude to it and make quotations from it, as one might do in the case of Homer's poems, but they build upon the facts which it records arguments of the weightiest character, and pertaining to the essential doctrines and duties of religion. This is alike true of the Mosaic laws and of the narratives that precede them or are interwoven
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Barren Fig-Tree;
OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR: SHOWING, THAT THE DAY OF GRACE MAY BE PAST WITH HIM LONG BEFORE HIS LIFE IS ENDED; THE SIGNS ALSO BY WHICH SUCH MISERABLE MORTALS MAY BE KNOWN. BY JOHN BUNYAN 'Who being dead, yet speaketh.'--Hebrews 11:4 London: Printed for J. Robinson, at the Golden Lion, in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1688. This Title has a broad Black Border. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This solemn, searching, awful treatise, was published by Bunyan in 1682; but does not appear
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Testimonies.
"Without faith it is impossible to please God."--Heb. xi. 6. In order to prevent the possibility of being led into paths of error, faith is directed, not to a Christ of the imagination, but to "the Christ in the garments of the Sacred Scripture," as Calvin expresses it. And therefore we must discriminate between (1) faith as a faculty implanted in the soul without our knowledge; (2) faith as a power whereby this implanted faculty begins to act; and (3) faith as a result,--since with this faith (1)
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

How those are to be Admonished who do not Even Begin Good Things, and those who do not Finish them when Begun.
(Admonition 35.) Differently to be admonished are they who do not even begin good things, and those who in no wise complete such as they have begun. For as to those who do not even begin good things, for them the first need is, not to build up what they may wholesomely love, but to demolish that wherein they are wrongly occupied. For they will not follow the untried things they hear of, unless they first come to feel how pernicious are the things that they have tried; since neither does one desire
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The First Wall.
Let us, in the first place, attack the first wall. It has been devised, that the Pope, bishops, priests and monks are called the Spiritual Estate; Princes, lords, artificers and peasants, are the Temporal Estate; which is a very fine, hypocritical device. But let no one be made afraid by it; and that for this reason: That all Christians are truly of the Spiritual Estate, and there is no difference among them, save of office alone. As St. Paul says (1 Cor. xii.), we are all one body, though each member
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

They Shall be Called the Children of God
They shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 In these words the glorious privilege of the saints is set down. Those who have made their peace with God and labour to make peace among brethren, this is the great honour conferred upon them, They shall be called the children of God'. They shall be (called)', that is, they shall be so reputed and esteemed of God. God never miscalls anything. He does not call them children which are no children. Thou shalt be called the prophet of the Highest'
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Education of Jesus.
This aspect of Nature, at once smiling and grand, was the whole education of Jesus. He learned to read and to write,[1] doubtless, according to the Eastern method, which consisted in putting in the hands of the child a book, which he repeated in cadence with his little comrades, until he knew it by heart.[2] It is doubtful, however, if he understood the Hebrew writings in their original tongue. His biographers make him quote them according to the translations in the Aramean tongue;[3] his principles
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Tests of Love to God
LET us test ourselves impartially whether we are in the number of those that love God. For the deciding of this, as our love will be best seen by the fruits of it, I shall lay down fourteen signs, or fruits, of love to God, and it concerns us to search carefully whether any of these fruits grow in our garden. 1. The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God. He who is in love, his thoughts are ever upon the object. He who loves God is ravished and transported with the contemplation of
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
To Theoctista, Patrician [153] . Gregory to Theoctista, &c. We ought to give great thanks to Almighty God, that our most pious and most benignant Emperors have near them kinsfolk of their race, whose life and conversation is such as to give us all great joy. Hence too we should continually pray for these our lords, that their life, with that of all who belong to them, may by the protection of heavenly grace be preserved through long and tranquil times. I have to inform you, however, that I have
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

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