2 Peter 2:18 Study Bible: For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who actually escape from those who live in error;

◄ 2 Peter 2:18 ►

With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.

Study Bible

With lofty but empty words
The phrase "lofty but empty words" suggests a grandiose style of speech that lacks substance. The Greek word for "lofty" (ὑπέρογκα, hyperogka) implies something swollen or exaggerated. Historically, false teachers often used impressive rhetoric to captivate their audience, much like the sophists of ancient Greece who were known for their persuasive but often deceptive speech. This serves as a warning to Christians to discern the content of teachings, ensuring they align with the truth of Scripture rather than being swayed by eloquence alone.

they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh
The term "sensual passions" (ἐπιθυμίαις, epithymiais) refers to strong desires or lusts, particularly those that are sinful or fleshly. In the context of the early church, this phrase highlights the danger of teachings that cater to human desires rather than spiritual truths. The "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx) in biblical terms often denotes the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit. This reflects a recurring theme in Scripture where believers are urged to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

and entice those who are just escaping
The word "entice" (δελεάζουσιν, deleazousin) is a fishing term in Greek, meaning to lure or bait. This imagery suggests a deliberate attempt to trap or deceive. The phrase "just escaping" indicates new believers or those who are in the process of leaving behind a life of sin. Historically, the early church faced challenges from false teachers who targeted these vulnerable individuals, attempting to draw them back into error. This serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing and protecting new believers within the Christian community.

from others who live in error
The phrase "live in error" (πλανημένοις, planēmenois) refers to those who are led astray or deceived. The Greek root implies a wandering or straying from the truth. In the historical context of 2 Peter, this likely refers to those who have embraced heretical teachings or immoral lifestyles. The early church was surrounded by a variety of philosophical and religious ideas that often conflicted with Christian doctrine. This highlights the necessity for believers to remain grounded in the truth of God's Word and to be vigilant against teachings that deviate from it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
The apostle and author of this epistle, addressing the early Christian communities and warning them against false teachers.

2. False Teachers
Individuals who distort the truth of the Gospel, using persuasive and deceptive language to lead believers astray.

3. Early Christian Communities
The recipients of Peter's letter, who are being cautioned against the influence of false teachings.

4. Sensual Passions
The fleshly desires that false teachers exploit to entice believers.

5. Those Escaping from Error
New or vulnerable believers who are at risk of being misled by false teachings.

Teaching Points

Discernment is Essential
Believers must cultivate discernment to recognize and resist the empty words of false teachers.

Guard Your Heart
Protect your heart from being enticed by the sensual passions that false teachers appeal to.

Rooted in Scripture
Stay grounded in the truth of God's Word to avoid being led astray by deceptive teachings.

Community Support
Engage with a strong community of believers who can provide support and accountability.

Spiritual Maturity
Strive for spiritual maturity to withstand the allure of false teachings and remain steadfast in faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify "lofty but empty words" in today's context, and what steps can we take to guard against them?

2. In what ways do false teachers appeal to "sensual passions," and how can we protect ourselves from such enticements?

3. How does the warning in 2 Peter 2:18 relate to the broader biblical theme of false teachings, as seen in other scriptures like Jude 1:16 and Romans 16:18?

4. What role does community play in helping believers escape from error and resist false teachings?

5. How can we apply the teachings of 2 Peter 2:18 to ensure we are growing in spiritual maturity and not swayed by deceptive influences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jude 1:16
This verse also warns about individuals who use flattering words to gain advantage, similar to the false teachers Peter describes.

Romans 16:18
Paul warns about those who deceive the hearts of the naive with smooth talk and flattery, paralleling Peter's concerns.

1 Timothy 4:1
Paul speaks of a time when some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits, which aligns with Peter's warning about false teachers.

Matthew 7:15
Jesus warns about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing, a concept echoed in Peter's description of false teachers.

Galatians 5:19-21
Paul lists the acts of the flesh, which are similar to the sensual passions that false teachers exploit.

Sermons

False Teachers	U.R. Thomas	2 Peter 2:1-22
False Teachers	R. Finlayson	2 Peter 2:1-22
A Fatal Promise	Homilist	2 Peter 2:17-22
A Great Gain, a Great Loss, and a Great Curse	D. Thomas, D. D.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Altogether Become Abominable	J. R. Lumby, D. D.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Apostasy	Thornley Smith.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Deceivers and Deceived	Thos. Adams.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Disappointing Teachers	Prof. J. R. Lumby.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Entangled Again	Thos. Adams.	2 Peter 2:17-22
False Teachers	Thos. Adams.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Moral Theory of Civil Liberty	H. W. Beecher.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Necessity of Perseverance in Well-Doing	A. Symson.	2 Peter 2:17-22
No Place Like Home	W. Haslam.	2 Peter 2:17-22
On Spiritual or Inward Liberty	R. Price, D. D.	2 Peter 2:17-22
On the Slavery of Vice	H. Blair, D. D.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Sin Renewed After Pardon	A. Symson.	2 Peter 2:17-22
The Danger of Relapse	Bp. Forbes.	2 Peter 2:17-22
The Danger of Relapsing	Bp. Smalridge.	2 Peter 2:17-22
The Dog Returned to His Vomit	A. Symson.	2 Peter 2:17-22
The Method of the Seducers	Thos. Adams.	2 Peter 2:17-22
The Sinner's Natural Power and Moral Weakness	C. G. Finney.	2 Peter 2:17-22
The Temptation of Liberty	W. Rudder, D. D.	2 Peter 2:17-22
The Way of Righteousness	Thos. Adams.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Vicious Bondage	H. Johnson, D. D.	2 Peter 2:17-22
Wells Without Water	J. P. Hutchinson.	2 Peter 2:17-22

People

Balaam, Beor, Bosor, Noah, Noe, Peter

Places

Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Gomorrah, Pontus, Sodom

Topics

FALSE, Appealing, Arrogant, Attraction, Bait, Barely, Boastful, Boasts, Clean, Conducting, Cravings, Desires, Dissoluteness, Earthly, Emptiness, Empty, Entice, Entrap, Error, Escape, Escaped, Escaping, Fled, Flesh, Fleshly, Folly, Free, Frivolous, Highflown, High-sounding, Human, Immorality, Indeed, Influence, Kind, Lasciviousness, Lasciviousnesses, Licentious, Licentiousness, Loud, Lustful, Lusts, Making, Nature, Newly, Ones, Overswellings, Passions, Pour, Power, Quite, Sensuality, Sinful, Speak, Speaking, Swelling, Talk, Themselves, Truly, Unclean, Uttering, Vanity, Walk, Wantonness

Dictionary of Bible Themes

2 Peter 2:18

     5804   charm
     5832   desire
     5845   emptiness
     5864   futility
     6022   sin, causes of
     6121   boasting
     6163   faults
     6166   flesh, sinful nature
     6250   temptation, sources
     8739   evil, examples of

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

2 Peter 2:18-19

     4123   Satan, deceiver
     4125   Satan, agents of
     5020   human nature
     8339   self-control
     8750   false teachings
     8821   self-indulgence

2 Peter 2:18-20

4030 world, behaviour in

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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