2 Peter 2:17
These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
These men
This phrase refers to false teachers and prophets who were prevalent in the early Christian church. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges from individuals who distorted the gospel for personal gain or out of ignorance. The Greek word used here, "houtoi," emphasizes a specific group that Peter is warning against. These individuals are not just misguided but are actively leading others astray, which is why Peter's warning is so severe.

are springs without water
In the arid climate of the Middle East, a spring without water would be a profound disappointment and a symbol of false hope. The Greek word "pēgai" refers to a source or fountain, which should provide life-giving water. In a spiritual sense, these false teachers promise nourishment and refreshment but deliver nothing of substance. This imagery is powerful, as it highlights the emptiness and futility of their teachings.

and mists driven by a storm
The phrase evokes a sense of instability and unpredictability. The Greek word "homichlai" refers to a fog or mist, which lacks substance and is easily dispersed. The storm, "lailaps," suggests a violent wind, indicating that these false teachers are not only unstable but also dangerous, as they can lead believers into confusion and chaos. Historically, storms were feared for their destructive power, and this metaphor underscores the potential harm these individuals can cause to the faith community.

Blackest darkness
This phrase is a vivid depiction of the ultimate fate awaiting these false teachers. The Greek term "zophos" refers to a deep, impenetrable darkness, often associated with the underworld or a place of judgment. In a biblical context, darkness is frequently used to symbolize separation from God, moral corruption, and divine judgment. This serves as a stark warning of the spiritual consequences of leading others away from the truth.

is reserved for them
The use of the word "reserved," from the Greek "tēreō," implies a deliberate and certain outcome. It suggests that God, in His justice, has set aside a specific judgment for those who persist in falsehood and deception. This is a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views the distortion of His truth and the leading astray of His people. It underscores the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and the ultimate accountability each person faces before God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle and author of this epistle, addressing false teachers and their destructive heresies.

2. False Teachers
Individuals within the early Christian community who were misleading believers with false doctrines.

3. Early Christian Communities
The recipients of Peter's letter, who were being warned against the influence of false teachings.
Teaching Points
Discernment in Teaching
Believers must be vigilant and discerning about the teachings they accept, ensuring they align with Scripture.

The Danger of False Promises
Like springs without water, false teachers offer promises that cannot satisfy or sustain spiritual life.

Judgment for Deception
The "blackest darkness" reserved for false teachers serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of leading others astray.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine
Grounding oneself in sound doctrine is crucial to avoid being swayed by misleading teachings.

Spiritual Vigilance
Regular study of the Bible and prayer are essential practices to maintain spiritual vigilance and discernment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify "springs without water" in today's context, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves from their influence?

2. In what ways does the imagery of "mists driven by a storm" help us understand the nature of false teachings?

3. How does the warning of "blackest darkness" reserved for false teachers impact our understanding of God's justice and mercy?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are grounded in sound doctrine and not swayed by false teachings?

5. How can we apply the teachings of 2 Peter 2:17 to encourage others in our community to remain steadfast in their faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jude 1:12-13
Jude also describes false teachers using similar imagery, emphasizing their emptiness and the judgment awaiting them.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, comparing them to trees that bear bad fruit, highlighting the need for discernment.

Jeremiah 2:13
God condemns Israel for forsaking Him, the "spring of living water," for broken cisterns, paralleling the emptiness of false teachings.
False TeachersU.R. Thomas 2 Peter 2:1-22
False TeachersR. Finlayson 2 Peter 2:1-22
A Fatal PromiseHomilist2 Peter 2:17-22
A Great Gain, a Great Loss, and a Great CurseD. Thomas, D. D.2 Peter 2:17-22
Altogether Become AbominableJ. R. Lumby, D. D.2 Peter 2:17-22
ApostasyThornley Smith.2 Peter 2:17-22
Deceivers and DeceivedThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:17-22
Disappointing TeachersProf. J. R. Lumby.2 Peter 2:17-22
Entangled AgainThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:17-22
False TeachersThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:17-22
Moral Theory of Civil LibertyH. W. Beecher.2 Peter 2:17-22
Necessity of Perseverance in Well-DoingA. Symson.2 Peter 2:17-22
No Place Like HomeW. Haslam.2 Peter 2:17-22
On Spiritual or Inward LibertyR. Price, D. D.2 Peter 2:17-22
On the Slavery of ViceH. Blair, D. D.2 Peter 2:17-22
Sin Renewed After PardonA. Symson.2 Peter 2:17-22
The Danger of RelapseBp. Forbes.2 Peter 2:17-22
The Danger of RelapsingBp. Smalridge.2 Peter 2:17-22
The Dog Returned to His VomitA. Symson.2 Peter 2:17-22
The Method of the SeducersThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:17-22
The Sinner's Natural Power and Moral WeaknessC. G. Finney.2 Peter 2:17-22
The Temptation of LibertyW. Rudder, D. D.2 Peter 2:17-22
The Way of RighteousnessThos. Adams.2 Peter 2:17-22
Vicious BondageH. Johnson, D. D.2 Peter 2:17-22
Wells Without WaterJ. P. Hutchinson.2 Peter 2:17-22
People
Balaam, Beor, Bosor, Noah, Noe, Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Gomorrah, Pontus, Sodom
Topics
Age, Along, Black, Blackest, Blackness, Carried, Clouds, Darkness, Dense, Driven, Driving, Eternal, Forever, Fountains, Gloom, Kept, Mist, Mists, Nether, Reserved, Springs, Store, Storm, Tempest, Thick, Waterless, Wells
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Peter 2:17

     4278   spring of water
     4293   water
     4801   black
     4812   darkness, God's judgment
     4840   mist
     4851   storm
     4855   weather, God's judgment
     5558   storing
     5580   thirst
     8237   doctrine, false
     8707   apostasy, personal
     9023   death, unbelievers
     9512   hell, experience

2 Peter 2:13-19

     6512   salvation, necessity and basis

2 Peter 2:14-18

     6746   sanctification, means and results
     8777   lust

2 Peter 2:17-18

     5550   speech, negative
     6121   boasting

2 Peter 2:17-19

     5468   promises, human
     5575   talk, idle

2 Peter 2:17-22

     2426   gospel, responses
     5481   proverb
     5602   vomit
     8766   heresies

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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