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2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again
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1. 2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again
2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again 2 Peter 2 provides an interesting commentary on what appears to be happening in the world today - that has happened before. This becomes more clear when some words are returned to their original meaning.

2. Matthew 5:13-16 Context
pigs Pig
Verse routeMatthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]

fish Fish
Verse route5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

birds Bird
Verse route5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

sheep Sheep
Verse route5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]


House on sand wordsThese ideas will be in the summary of the houses built on rock and sand at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Words in these verses may be code words, have double meanings, be play on words, etc. The Greek words may have been changed (mistranslated), omitted, etc. [top-down view]

Information sign More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

3. Review: Filling in the patterns
Reflexive kingdom kingdomed Bird Reflexive lightize light Fish Reflexive saltize salt Pig
1. preying
on others
1. candle of
the candlestick
2. swimming
in sin
2. light of
the world
3. blocking
the way
3. salt of
the earth

1. False life: 15: You are the kingdom of heaven/air. If the kingdom is a false kingdom, how shall the kingdom be kingdomed, with "negative consequences" (birds).
2. False truth: 14: You are the light of the world. If the light is false light, how shall the light be lighted. with "negative consequences" (fish).
3. False way: 13: You are the salt of the earth. If the salt is false salt, how shall the salt be salted, with "negative consequences" (pigs).

Let us elaborate the "negative consequences" of each verse for use as a model.

Information sign More: Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine

4. Belief
If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. Saint Augustine (Early Christian father)


Believe only parts of the Bible Cherry pick 2
Do people today pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will believe?
Do pastors today pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will believe? Do they then pass on those parts to their flock and not tell them about other parts?

Information sign More: Augustine of Hippo
Note that you can ignore parts of the Gospel that you do not know about or do not understand (ignorance of the law) or you can ignore parts of the Gospel in order to deceive others (and yourself).

5. 2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again
The chapter of 2 Peter 2 provides an interesting commentary on what appears to be happening in the world today - that has happened before.

Peter ends the chapter with the summary.
Verse route2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. [kjv]

Repeat 2Is what happened before the flood happening again today? "It's like déjà-vu all over again".

6. Coffee
The French phrase "déjà vu""already seen"and is the source of the English phrase "déjà vu" as in something that is happening that reminds one of something that happened before.

Don't look so glum. Perk up. In terms of "déjà brew", there are "grounds" for a coffee joke right now.
Book cover: Yogi BerraThe French phrase "déjà vu""already seen"and is the source of the English phrase "déjà vu" as in something that is happening that reminds one of something that happened before.

It's like déjà-vu all over again Yogi Berra (American professional baseball player and manager)

Information sign More: Yogi Berra

7. Yogi sayings
 
Yogi:
 
Yogi:
 
Yogi:
 
Yogi:
 
Yogi:
 
Yogi:


Information sign More: Yogi Berra

8. Chapter divisions
ScrollSince chapter divisions were created in the Middle Ages, the setup for chapter 2 is at the end of chapter 1 where Peter talks about eyewitness testimony, prophecy and how the prophets decided to write what they wrote.

Information sign More: Chapter and verse divisions

9. Brief: eyewitness testimony and prophecy

10. Setup done
Now that the setup from chapter 1 is done, let us continue at chapter 2.

Information sign More: Chapter and verse divisions

11. Past and future
The past is often an indicator of the future. In statistics this is called a "historical frequency" model. Today that is part of "data science".

Verse route2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [kjv]
Verse routeεγενοντο δε και ψευδοπροφηται εν τω λαω ως και εν υμιν εσονται ψευδοδιδασκαλοι οιτινες παρεισαξουσιν αιρεσεις απωλειας και τον αγορασαντα αυτους δεσποτην αρνουμενοι επαγοντες εαυτοις ταχινην απωλειαν [gnt]
Verse route2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]

Both often put their own gain above that of who they are deceiving.

Information sign More: Come quickly: sooner or later

12. Deny the Lord
The Greek for "heresy" refers to a group that has an idea.

Information sign More: A difference of opinion of a heretical group heresy
Can one "deny" the "Lord" by putting oneself in place of Christ? That is, impersonating Christ rather than imitating Christ.

Information sign More: Imitator or impersonator of Christ
Peter should know what it means to "deny" the Lord. The "swift" destruction is "quick" which may or may not happen "shortly".

Information sign More: Come quickly: sooner or later

13. 2 Peter 2:1
   2 Peter 2:1 
 All 
KJV: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Greek: εγενοντο δε και ψευδοπροφηται εν τω λαω ως και εν υμιν εσονται ψευδοδιδασκαλοι οιτινες παρεισαξουσιν αιρεσεις απωλειας και τον αγορασαντα αυτους δεσποτην αρνουμενοι επαγοντες εαυτοις ταχινην απωλειαν

14. Pernicious ways
Verse route2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]

The English word "pernicious" comes from the Latin word "perniciosus""destructive".

The ancient Greek word "ἀσέλγεια""lewd, sensual" which appears to better fit the theme of the entire chapter.

Can you speak evil of the truth by not talking about the truth? Might omitted words be "idle words"? How about the unpardonable sin?

15. Strongs - sensual

16. Idle words
Verse route2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]

Do people today speak evil (Greek word "blasphemy") of the way of the truth of Jesus?

Information sign More: Speaking evil in a famous way
Information sign More: A biased view about being unbiased
Information sign More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting

17. The way, the truth and the life
Verse route2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]

Levels of truth Way Truth Life

Can one have "life" in Jesus without the "way" and the "truth"?
Verse routeJohn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [kjv]


18. John 14:6 Way truth and life
Verse routeJohn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [kjv]
Verse routeλεγει αυτω ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου [gnt]
Verse routeviaveritasvita … [v]

Levels of truth Way Truth Life
Jesus is the "way", "truth" and "life".
In Latin, these three words start with "v": "via", "veritas" and "vita". The Greek and Hebrew words for "truth" have to do with "reality" and not "logic" or "opinion". Thus, Jesus is the "way" (opinion as in glory), the "truth" (reality as in science) and the "life" (logic as in information).

Information sign More: Greek truth as reality
Information sign More: Hebrew truth as reality
Information sign More: Truth types and 1 John

19. John 14:6

   John 14:6 
 All 
KJV: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Greek: λεγει αυτω ο ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου
Latin: dicit ei Iesus ego sum via et veritas et vita nemo venit ad Patrem nisi per me

20. Cherries
Cherry pick 2Discuss: Do pastors or teachers today pick and choose which parts of the Bible on which they will preach or teach? Is this a problem?

Information sign More: Selective evidence fallacy: Cherry picking
Discuss: Do people today pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will believe?

21. 2 Peter 2:2
   2 Peter 2:2 
 All 
KJV: And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Greek: και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις απωλειαις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται

22. Plastic words and merchandise
Verse route2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι εν πλεονεξια πλαστοις λογοις υμας εμπορευσονται οις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει [gnt]

Credit cardPeter says that these "false teachers" will use "plastic" words to make "merchandise" of their followers as in selling at an "emporium".
In Romans 16, Paul make a play on words between "useful words", "subtle sermons" in Latin, and "Christ words".

Information sign More: Romans 16 A belly-ache pun on useful Christ-like words

23. 2 Peter 2:3
   2 Peter 2:3 
 All 
KJV: And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Greek: και εν πλεονεξια πλαστοις λογοις υμας εμπορευσονται οις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει

24. Modern Greek
What are "feigned words"? The modern Greek adjective "πλαστικός" (pla-stee-KOS) ≈ "plastic" originally meant something that is easily formed/changed.

The KJV (King James Version) uses "merchandise". The modern Greek word "εμπορικό κέντρο" (ehm-po-ree-KO KEHN-tro) ≈ "shopping center", has roots in the word Peter uses, «εμπορευσονται», from which comes the English word "emporium".

25. Useful words
Rather than teaching the words of Christ, they will teach "useful" words that sound like Christ but are not (pun by Paul) - to feed their bellies

Information sign More: Romans 16 A belly-ache pun on useful Christ-like words

26. Marketing techniques
Verse route2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι εν πλεονεξια πλαστοις λογοις υμας εμπορευσονται οις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει [gnt]



Modern marketing techniques have become the business of many churches. The "business" becomes more important than the "church". Messages can be tailored to avoid losing (paying) customers.
One business motto is that "the customer is always right". Is this a good principle?

Information sign More: Taking care of business

27. The customer is always right
One business motto is that "the customer is always right". How do you really know what Jesus wants? That is where knowing the truth and detecting deception are important. And that starts with definitions.

Discuss: If Jesus is to be the primary customer of the church, then what are the objective functions to be maximized or minimized. Provide evidence from the Bible.

Information sign More: Taking care of business

28. Time
Peter will later say, in chapter 3, that God is giving everyone time to change, but that time is limited.

29. Feigned words
What are "feigned words"? The modern Greek adjective "πλαστικός" (pla-stee-KOS) ≈ "plastic" originally meant, as above, something that is easily formed/changed.

Aside: The modern world uses a lot of plastic. To make plastic requires oil. If oil prices go up, so does the price of anything made with plastic.

30. Strongs - plastic

31. Merchandise
The KJV uses "merchandise".

The English word "emporium" is from the Latin word "emporium""trading station" from the ancient Greek word "ἐμπόριον""trading station, market" which is from the ancient Greek word "ἔμπορος""traveler, merchant" as in one who makes a journey.

The modern Greek word "εμπορικό κέντρο" (ehm-po-ree-KO KEHN-tro) ≈ "shopping center", has roots in the word Peter uses, «εμπορευσονται», from which comes the English word "emporium".

32. Strongs - merchandise

33. Not better than the angels
Verse route2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [kjv]

The fallen angels got into trouble. So will humans.
For many angels of God now consorted with women and begat sons who were overbearing and disdainful of every virtue, such confidence had they in their strength; in fact the deeds that tradition ascribes to them resemble the audacious exploits told by the Greeks of the giants. Jewish Antiquities, I, 73.

In Genesis 5 and as recorded by Josephus in the first century, these fallen angels appear to have consorted (had relations) with women. This "genetic" engineering created hybrids and was, in part, the reason for the flood of Noah. Noah was not "perfect" but his genes were not corrupted.

Information sign More: Tartarus and the bottomless pit

34. Josephus
Whatever happened, this appears to have happened before the flood of Noah (with some additional references after the flood).

35. Josephus
Josephus was a Jewish historian working for the Romans. His main works include a history of the Jews and a history of the Jewish War against the Romans.

For many angels of God now consorted with women and begat sons who were overbearing and disdainful of every virtue, such confidence had they in their strength; in fact the deeds that tradition ascribes to them resemble the audacious exploits told by the Greeks of the giants. Josephus. Jewish Antiquities, I, 73.

Examples: Centaur, Minotaur, etc.


36. 2 Peter 2:4
   2 Peter 2:4 
 All 
KJV: For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
Greek: ει γαρ ο θεος αγγελων αμαρτησαντων ουκ εφεισατο αλλα σειραις σειροις ζοφου ταρταρωσας παρεδωκεν εις κρισιν τετηρημενους τηρουμενους

37. Many sins
Verse route1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [kjv]
Verse routeη ουκ οιδατε οτι αδικοι θεου βασιλειαν ου κληρονομησουσιν μη πλανασθε ουτε πορνοι ουτε ειδωλολατραι ουτε μοιχοι ουτε μαλακοι ουτε αρσενοκοιται [gnt]
Verse route6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [kjv]

Paul lists many sins that should not be supported nor condoned. [Same or similar words in Clement, Didache, etc.] Important point: Whatever penalty or remedy you determine for one sin listed, it should apply to every sin in the list.

It appears that anything that is not a (good) witness to God is a sin, the literal meaning of the Greek word for "sin".

38. A hard look at soft ideas
The temptations of Jesus by Satan form most of chapter 4 of Matthew. Jesus acquires some disciples, starts to preach the gospel of the kingdom, heal the sick and diseased, etc.

Verse routeMatthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι περιηγεν εν ολη τη γαλιλαια διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας και θεραπευων πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν εν τω λαω [gnt]
Verse routesananslanguoreminfirmitatem … [v]

The ancient Greek word "μαλακός""soft, tender, gentle, mild". Of persons, in a bad sense, it means "faint-hearted", "effeminate", "cowardly", "incapable of bearing pain". It can mean "effeminate" and, for sexual partners, the "passive" or "receptive" side of such a relationship.

This word is used in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and LXX (Septuagint) is translated in various and interesting ways. What is the range of meanings for this Greek word? Aristotle to the rescue!

Information sign More: A hard look at soft ideas

39. Matthew
Verse routeMatthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι περιηγεν εν ολη τη γαλιλαια διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας και θεραπευων πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν εν τω λαω [gnt]
Verse routesananslanguoreminfirmitatem … [v]
Verse route9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι περιηγεν ο ιησους τας πολεις πασας και τας κωμας διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας και θεραπευων πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν [gnt]
Verse routecuranslanguoreminfirmitatem [v]
Verse route10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι προσκαλεσαμενος τους δωδεκα μαθητας αυτου εδωκεν αυτοις εξουσιαν πνευματων ακαθαρτων ωστε εκβαλλειν αυτα και θεραπευειν πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν [gnt]
Verse routecurarentlanguoreminfirmitatem [v]



Information sign More: A hard look at soft ideas

40. Matthew
Verse routeMatthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
Verse routeαλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων [gnt]

Book: Cambridge Greek LexiconFrom the Cambridge Greek Lexicon (volume 2), the ancient Greek word "μαλακία""softness, effeminacy, unmanliness, feebleness, faint-hardheartedness". Only in the GNT is the meaning "infirmity" or "sickness".

The ancient Greek word "μαλακός""soft, tender, gentle, mild". Of persons, in a bad sense, it means "faint-hearted", "effeminate", "cowardly", "incapable of bearing pain". It can mean "effeminate" and, for sexual partners, the "passive" or "receptive" side of such a relationship.

Information sign More: Matthew 17:24-27 Tacky attacks on a senseless tax
Information sign More: A hard look at soft ideas

41. Many sins
Many of the same sins are repeated by the early church father Polycarp in his letter to the Philippians. (omitted)

Information sign More: Sin and good people
Information sign More: A martyred witness to a translation error
Discussion question: Should one risk the wrath of God by condoning or otherwise supporting behavior that is deemed a sin?

42. 1 Corinthians 6:9
 All 
KJV: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Greek: η ουκ οιδατε οτι αδικοι βασιλειαν θεου βασιλειαν ου κληρονομησουσιν μη πλανασθε ουτε πορνοι ουτε ειδωλολατραι ουτε μοιχοι ουτε μαλακοι ουτε αρσενοκοιται

43. 1 Corinthians 6:10
 All 
KJV: Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Greek: ουτε κλεπται ουτε πλεονεκται ουτε ου μεθυσοι ου λοιδοροι ουχ αρπαγες βασιλειαν θεου ου κληρονομησουσιν

44. Flood of Noah
Verse route2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [kjv]
Verse route2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; [kjv]

Ark EncourterIf the previous verse was not hint enough, Peter explicitly connects the fallen angels with the flood of Noah.

These people before the flood were "ungodly". Can we guess what that entailed? Was it like Sodom and Gomorrah?

Will it happen again?

Information sign More: Tartarus and the bottomless pit

45. 2 Peter 2:5
   2 Peter 2:5 
 All 
KJV: And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
Greek: και αρχαιου κοσμου ουκ εφεισατο αλλ αλλα ογδοον νωε δικαιοσυνης κηρυκα εφυλαξεν κατακλυσμον κοσμω ασεβων επαξας

46. Romans 1:24-27 Vile affections
Verse routeRomans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [kjv]
Verse route1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [kjv]
Verse route1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [kjv]
Verse route1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [kjv]

Paul appears to talk of this time before the flood in Romans 1. Discuss: Some interpret this to be a small number of individuals throughout history, including the Romans at the time of Paul. Note: As with many passages, it is possible that both can be true.


47. Romans 1:24
   Romans 1:24 
 All 
KJV: Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Greek: διο και παρεδωκεν αυτους ο θεος εν ταις επιθυμιαις των καρδιων αυτων εις ακαθαρσιαν του ατιμαζεσθαι τα σωματα αυτων εν εαυτοις αυτοις

48. Romans 1:25
   Romans 1:25 
 All 
KJV: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Greek: οιτινες μετηλλαξαν την αληθειαν του θεου εν τω ψευδει και εσεβασθησαν και ελατρευσαν τη κτισει παρα τον κτισαντα ος εστιν ευλογητος εις τους αιωνας αμην

49. Romans 1:26
   Romans 1:26 
 All 
KJV: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Greek: δια τουτο παρεδωκεν αυτους ο θεος εις παθη ατιμιας αι τε γαρ θηλειαι αυτων μετηλλαξαν την φυσικην χρησιν εις την παρα φυσιν

50. Romans 1:27
   Romans 1:27 
 All 
KJV: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Greek: ομοιως τε και οι αρρενες αρσενες αφεντες την φυσικην χρησιν της θηλειας εξεκαυθησαν εν τη ορεξει αυτων εις αλληλους αρσενες εν αρσεσιν την ασχημοσυνην κατεργαζομενοι και την αντιμισθιαν ην εδει της πλανης αυτων εν εαυτοις αυτοις απολαμβανοντες

51. Verbs
... more to be added ...

52. Days of Noah
When asked about the end times, Jesus says the following in the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24.

Verse routeMatthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
Verse route24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [kjv]
Verse route24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]

[Vegetarianism, genetic engineering, marriages, etc.]

53. Matthew 24:39 Sudden surprise
Jesus says that this will happen suddenly.
Verse routeMatthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ουκ εγνωσαν εως ηλθεν ο κατακλυσμος και ηρεν απαντας ουτως εσται η παρουσια του υιου του ανθρωπου [gnt]

Is Jesus coming back? Will this be suddenly? Will it be a surprise? Here are the upcoming discourses and parables in this Olivet discourse. This surprise is often associated with "weeping" and "gnashing of teeth".

Information sign More: Matthew 25: 31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats
Information sign More: Gnashing of the teeth
Information sign More: Matthew 24:36-51 Day and hour

54. Sodom and Gomorrah
Verse route2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [kjv]

Verse routeMatthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [kjv]


Book: Ruth and Billy Graham: The legacy of a coupleIf God doesn't soon bring judgment upon America, He'll have to go back and apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah! (often attributed to Billy Graham, but stated by his wife, Ruth, in 1965)

How might we get around the idea of judgment?

55. Connection
Verse route2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [kjv]

Peter makes the connection more clear by connecting these ideas with Sodom and Gomorrah.

Sodom and Gomorrah were made an example of those that live "ungodly". Might it be useful to define "ungodly"?

Jesus mentions the punishment for those in Sodom three times in Matthew.


56. 2 Peter 2:6
   2 Peter 2:6 
 All 
KJV: And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
Greek: και πολεις σοδομων και γομορρας τεφρωσας καταστροφη κατεκρινεν υποδειγμα μελλοντων ασεβειν ασεβεσιν τεθεικως

57. Lot
The only righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah were Lot and his daughters and, perhaps, his wife. All others were ungodly and were destroyed.
Verse route2 Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: [kjv]

Verse route2:8 ( For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) [kjv]

How should one view "sin" or "unlawful deeds" (before God) today?

Are you "vexed" by such deeds? The Greek word for "deeds" means serious sexual sin.

58. 2 Peter 2:7
   2 Peter 2:7 
 All 
KJV: And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
Greek: και δικαιον λωτ καταπονουμενον υπο της των αθεσμων εν ασελγεια αναστροφης ερρυσατο

59. 2 Peter 2:8
   2 Peter 2:8 
 All 
KJV: ( For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
Greek: βλεμματι γαρ και ακοη ο δικαιος εγκατοικων εν αυτοις ημεραν εξ ημερας ψυχην δικαιαν ανομοις εργοις εβασανιζεν

60. Sin and sinners
Sin and sinner grid Do you hate sin? Do you love the sinner?

Two lawsThis is not easy to do. The wide gates are at the extremes. The narrow gate is in the center. Jesus says that few will find the path through that narrow gate. (Matthew 7).


Information sign More: Change what you are doing

61. Jude
Jude has a similar statement about the time before the flood and the time of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Verse routeJude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. [kjv]

Jude uses the Greek word for "mists of darkness".

62. Jude 1:6
   Jude 1:6 
 All 
KJV: And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Greek: αγγελους τε τους μη τηρησαντας την εαυτων αρχην αλλα απολιποντας το ιδιον οικητηριον εις κρισιν μεγαλης ημερας δεσμοις αιδιοις υπο ζοφον τετηρηκεν

63. Strongs - darkness

64. Strange flesh
Jude continues.
Verse routeJude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. [kjv]

The Greek for "strange flesh" is that of "different flesh" - in addition to having indulged in "sexual immorality" (fornication).

Discuss: To what might the "different flesh" refer?


65. Jude 1:7
   Jude 1:7 
 All 
KJV: Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Greek: ως σοδομα και γομορρα και αι περι αυτας πολεις τον ομοιον τουτοις τροπον τουτοις εκπορνευσασαι και απελθουσαι οπισω σαρκος ετερας προκεινται δειγμα πυρος αιωνιου δικην υπεχουσαι

66. Strongs - fornication

67. Jesus talks about Sodom
Jesus mentions the punishment for those in Sodom three times in Matthew.
Verse routeMatthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [kjv]

Abraham had tried to bargain with God, to spare the city if 50 righteous could be found, then 40, down to 10. The angels could not leave Sodom until Lot was safely taken away. His works were lost, by fire.

Information sign More: Profitable and expedient counterfactual logic

68. Matthew 10:15
 All 
KJV: Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Greek: αμην λεγω υμιν ανεκτοτερον εσται γη σοδομων και γομορρων εν ημερα κρισεως η τη πολει εκεινη

69. Works and fire
Paul talks about works and fire and salvation. Lot appears to be an example.

Verse route1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. [kjv]
Verse routeεκαστου το εργον φανερον γενησεται η γαρ ημερα δηλωσει οτι εν πυρι αποκαλυπτεται και εκαστου το εργον οποιον εστιν το πυρ αυτο δοκιμασει [gnt]

Verse route3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. [kjv]
Verse routeει τινος το εργον κατακαησεται ζημιωθησεται αυτος δε σωθησεται ουτως δε ως δια πυρος [gnt]


70. 1 Corinthians 3:13

 All 
KJV: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Hebrew: מעשה כל איש יגלה כי היום הוא יבררהו כי באש יראה ואת מה מעשה כל איש ואיש האש תבחננו׃
Greek: εκαστου το εργον φανερον γενησεται η γαρ ημερα δηλωσει οτι εν πυρι αποκαλυπτεται και εκαστου το εργον οποιον εστιν το πυρ αυτο δοκιμασει

71. 1 Corinthians 3:15

 All 
KJV: If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Hebrew: ואם ישרף מעשהו יפסידנו והוא יושע אך כמו מצל מאש׃
Greek: ει τινος το εργον κατακαησεται ζημιωθησεται αυτος δε σωθησεται ουτως δε ως δια πυρος

72. Jesus talks about Sodom
Verse routeMatthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [kjv]

Verse route11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. [kjv]

Discuss: Does this change your ideas on which sins (e.g., as listed by Paul) are the most grievous?

As Jonah was successful at Nineveh, Jesus appears to say that Sodom would have repented if Jesus had done the miracles there.


73. Matthew 11:23
 All 
KJV: And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Greek: και συ καπερναουμ η καφαρναουμ μη εως του ουρανου υψωθεισα υψωθηση εως αδου καταβιβασθηση καταβηση οτι ει εν σοδομοις εγενοντο εγενηθησαν αι δυναμεις αι γενομεναι εν σοι εμειναν εμεινεν αν μεχρι της σημερον

74. Matthew 11:24
 All 
KJV: But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Greek: πλην λεγω υμιν οτι γη σοδομων ανεκτοτερον εσται εν ημερα κρισεως η σοι

75. Temptation and doomsday
Verse route2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: [kjv]
Verse routeοιδεν κυριος ευσεβεις εκ πειρασμου ρυεσθαι αδικους δε εις ημεραν κρισεως κολαζομενους τηρειν [gnt]
Verse routetemptacioundai of dom … [wy]

In Old English, "doom" meant "judgment". Thus, "doomsday" means "judgment day". The ancient Greek word "πειράζω""examine" and is often translated in the KJV as "tempt". The Greek for "temptation" means an "examination" to deceive using what you think or know to be true.

Verse routeMatthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

The Lord can deliver the righteous from temptation. What about the "ungodly"?

Information sign More: Matthew 7:1-2 Here comes the judge, but just barley
Information sign More: Matthew 4:1-11 Examining evil temptations

76. 2 Peter 2:9

   2 Peter 2:9 
 All 
KJV: The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Hebrew: כי יודע יהוה להציל את חסידיו מנסיון ולחשך את הרשעים ליום המשפט להשיב גמולם להם׃
Greek: οιδεν κυριος ευσεβεις εκ πειρασμου ρυεσθαι αδικους δε εις ημεραν κρισεως κολαζομενους τηρειν
Wycliffe: For the Lord kan delyuere piteuouse men fro temptacioun, and kepe wickid men `in to the dai of dom to be turmentid;

77. Temptation
Do the "ungodly" understand sin and temptation?

Do the "ungodly" ask to be delivered from temptation? Consider the Lord's Prayer. Was Lot delivered from evil?
Verse routeMatthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

To avoid temptation, one must recognize sin according to the word of God.


78. Temptation and pirates
The Greek word for "temptation" is related to the English word "pirate" as in someone who snatches away something of value.

Information sign More: Matthew 4:1-11 Examining evil temptations

79. Matthew 6:13
   Matthew 6:13 
 All 
KJV: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Greek: και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου οτι σου εστιν η βασιλεια και η δυναμις και η δοξα εις τους αιωνας αμην

80. Characteristics of the ungodly
Verse route2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. [kjv]
Verse routeμαλιστα δε τους οπισω σαρκος εν επιθυμια μιασμου πορευομενους και κυριοτητος καταφρονουντας τολμηται αυθαδεις δοξας ου τρεμουσιν βλασφημουντες [gnt]
Verse route2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]
Verse route2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; [kjv]

Who are "they"? What do "they" not "understand"?

Peter goes on to list some other characteristics of the "ungodly" in general and of false teachers who justify and lead the way in being ungodly.

A term used by Jesus for this behavior is that of "mammon" where one puts oneself before God.

Information sign More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

81. Characteristics of the ungodly

82. 2 Peter 2:10
   2 Peter 2:10 
 All 
KJV: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Greek: μαλιστα δε τους οπισω σαρκος εν επιθυμια μιασμου πορευομενους και κυριοτητος καταφρονουντας τολμηται αυθαδεις δοξας ου τρεμουσιν βλασφημουντες

83. Angels and false teachers
Verse route2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]

Even angels do not bring accusations against these false teachers and the ungodly. Why?

The second Kingdom Parable of the wheat and the weeds provides an explanation. One should promote the truth without verbally (or physically) attacking other views. Jesus uses the words "you have heard it said ...". One can add "but the Bible appears to say ...".

Information sign More: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox

84. 2 Peter 2:11
   2 Peter 2:11 
 All 
KJV: Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
Greek: οπου αγγελοι ισχυι και δυναμει μειζονες οντες ου φερουσιν κατ αυτων παρα κυριω βλασφημον κρισιν

85. Brute beasts
Verse route2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; [kjv]

They speak against God of things they do not understand. Is ignorance of the God's law a reason? Jesus explains this in the first Kingdom Parable of the sower and the seed.

These false teachers and ungodly are likened to "brute beasts".

What exactly is a "brute beast"?

86. Brute beasts
The Greek word translated as "brute beast" meant a magnificent war horse whose only purpose is to "utterly perish" in war according to the desires of the commander of that military unit. Man is made in the image of God.

Information sign More: Brute beasts and magnificent war horses
The same Greek term could refer to the "beasts of burden" or pack animals that handled the supplies and work of the army. Those other animals will be mentioned in a few verses.

87. 2 Peter 2:12
   2 Peter 2:12 
 All 
KJV: But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
Greek: ουτοι δε ως αλογα ζωα γεγεννημενα φυσικα γεγενημενα εις αλωσιν και φθοραν εν οις αγνοουσιν βλασφημουντες εν τη φθορα αυτων καταφθαρησονται και φθαρησονται

88. 2 Peter 2:13 Hedonistic rioting
Verse route2 Peter 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; [kjv]
Verse routeαδικουμενοι μισθον αδικιας ηδονην ηγουμενοι την εν ημερα τρυφην σπιλοι και μωμοι εντρυφωντες εν ταις απαταις αυτων συνευωχουμενοι υμιν [gnt]

The Greek for "count" is related to the word for "hegemony". The word for "pleasure" is the source of the English word "hedonism".

Discuss: Do "sinners" or "false teachers" want to come into your church and "feast" with you so that you become part of their conspiracy? Are we really "better together"?

Information sign More: The Christian Hedonism fallacy
What do you think of when you hear someone having pleasure to "riot" in the day time, publicly showing their disdain for God and wanting everyone else to approve? The ancient Greek word "τρυφαώ""coddled, pampered, indulged".

89. 2 Peter 2:13
   2 Peter 2:13 
 All 
KJV: And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Greek: κομιουμενοι αδικουμενοι μισθον αδικιας ηδονην ηγουμενοι την εν ημερα τρυφην σπιλοι και μωμοι εντρυφωντες εν ταις απαταις αυτων συνευωχουμενοι υμιν

90. Pampered lifestyle
Verse routeMatthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
Verse routeαλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων [gnt]

Verse routeLuke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. [kjv]
Verse routeαλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ιματιοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι εν ιματισμω ενδοξω και τρυφη υπαρχοντες εν τοις βασιλειοις εισιν [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "τρυφαώ""coddled, pampered, indulged". Luke records the "delicately" or "pampered". This detail is not in Matthew.

Information sign More: A hard look at soft ideas
Information sign More: Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

91. Matthew 11:8
   Matthew 11:8 
 All 
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
Greek: αλλα τι εξηλθετε εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ιματιοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων εισιν

92. Luke 7:25
   Luke 7:25 
 All 
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
Greek: αλλα τι εξεληλυθατε εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ιματιοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι εν ιματισμω ενδοξω και τρυφη υπαρχοντες εν τοις βασιλειοις εισιν

93. Isaiah 5:18
   Isaiah 5:18 
 All 
KJV: Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
Hebrew: הוי משכי העון בחבלי השוא וכעבות העגלה חטאה׃
Greek: ουαι οι επισπωμενοι τας αμαρτιας ως σχοινιω μακρω και ως ζυγου ιμαντι δαμαλεως τας ανομιας

94. Adultery
Verse routeIsaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: [kjv]
Verse route5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter ! [kjv]

Isaiah talks of those ungodly that display their iniquity as if on parade. Do we see displays and parades of iniquity today?

What might be some examples?
Verse route2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: [kjv]

These false teachers promote, and the ungodly accept, all that is sinful before God. In Matthew 5 (external worldly influences) and again in Matthew 18 (internal church influences) Jesus says that if what you see traps you into sin, one should remove that "eye". That is, remove or nullify the temptation.

Information sign More: Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out

95. Isaiah 5:20
   Isaiah 5:20 
 All 
KJV: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter !
Hebrew: הוי האמרים לרע טוב ולטוב רע שמים חשך לאור ואור לחשך שמים מר למתוק ומתוק למר׃
Greek: ουαι οι λεγοντες το πονηρον καλον και το καλον πονηρον οι τιθεντες το σκοτος φως και το φως σκοτος οι τιθεντες το πικρον γλυκυ και το γλυκυ πικρον

96. 2 Peter 2:14
   2 Peter 2:14 
 All 
KJV: Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Greek: οφθαλμους εχοντες μεστους μοιχαλιδος και ακαταπαυστους ακαταπαστους αμαρτιας δελεαζοντες ψυχας αστηρικτους καρδιαν γεγυμνασμενην πλεονεξιαις πλεονεξιας εχοντες καταρας τεκνα

97. Balaam and the beast of burden
Verse route2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; [kjv]
Verse route2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. [kjv]


The false teacher Balaam would not curse God but knew how to lead the people astray with ungodly behavior. Balaam liked getting paid to fill his belly with such teaching.

To find the problem, "follow the money" - the root of all evil.

The "dumb ass" is written by Peter as "beast of burden" as the faithful followers who proclaim the truth.


Like that "dumb ass", those faithful followers who are "beasts of burden" will be struck and rebuked by the false teachers who do not follow their ungodly ways.


98. 2 Peter 2:15
   2 Peter 2:15 
 All 
KJV: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Greek: καταλιποντες την καταλειποντες ευθειαν οδον επλανηθησαν εξακολουθησαντες τη οδω του βαλααμ του βοσορ βεωρ ος μισθον αδικιας ηγαπησεν

99. Follow the money
One way to find the root of problems is to "follow the money".
Verse route1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [kjv]



Information sign More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure
Information sign More: The coveting of greed

100. 1 Timothy 6:10
 All 
KJV: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Greek: ριζα γαρ παντων των κακων εστιν η φιλαργυρια ης τινες ορεγομενοι απεπλανηθησαν απο της πιστεως και εαυτους περιεπειραν οδυναις πολλαις

101. 2 Peter 2:16
   2 Peter 2:16 
 All 
KJV: But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
Greek: ελεγξιν δε εσχεν ιδιας παρανομιας υποζυγιον αφωνον εν ανθρωπου φωνη φθεγξαμενον εκωλυσεν την του προφητου παραφρονιαν

102. Wells without water
Verse route2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. [kjv]
Verse routeουτοι εισιν πηγαι ανυδροι και ομιχλαι υπο λαιλαπος ελαυνομεναι οις ο ζοφος του σκοτους τετηρηται [gnt]

Peter calls these false teachers "wells without water".

Jesus has the "living water". There are many imposter's. The "false teachers" have only a "mist of darkness" as they "impersonate" Christ rather than "imitating" Christ.Many false teachers will come using the name of Jesus.


Verse routeMatthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [kjv]
Verse routeπολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τω ονοματι μου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλους πλανησουσιν [gnt]



Information sign More: Imitator or impersonator of Christ

103. 2 Peter 2:17
   2 Peter 2:17 
 All 
KJV: These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Greek: ουτοι εισιν πηγαι ανυδροι νεφελαι και ομιχλαι υπο λαιλαπος ελαυνομεναι οις ο ζοφος του σκοτους εις αιωνα τετηρηται

104. Anti-Christs
The term "anti-Christ" as used by John refers to someone who puts themselves in place of Christ (impersonation) as a false teacher. Jesus warns of such "false Christs".

Verse routeMatthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [kjv]
Verse routeπολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τω ονοματι μου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλους πλανησουσιν [gnt]

These false teachers may not say the exact words "I am Christ" but will often say "Christ says to do this and that" where the "this and that" are their own views not supported by the Bible.

Information sign More: The one Antichrist and many antichrists

105. Matthew 24:5
   Matthew 24:5 
 All 
KJV: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Greek: πολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τω ονοματι μου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλους πλανησουσιν

106. Words of vanity and liberty
Verse route2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. [kjv]
Verse routeυπερογκα γαρ ματαιοτητος φθεγγομενοι δελεαζουσιν εν επιθυμιαις σαρκος ασελγειαις τους ολιγως αποφευγοντας τους εν πλανη αναστρεφομενους [gnt]

These false teachers will speak great words of vanity to attract followers by telling those followers to ignore things that God desires.

The word "swelling" does not appear to be in the Greek. Instead, they speak "arrogantly" as in "bending" or "bulging" words of "vanity".

Verse route2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. [kjv]
Verse routeελευθεριαν αυτοις επαγγελλομενοι αυτοι δουλοι υπαρχοντες της φθορας ω γαρ τις ηττηται τουτω δεδουλωται [gnt]

Those false teachers will promise "freedom" as in "social freedom" and/or "political freedom" and the ability to do whatever they want.

In doing so, both the false teachers and those that follow them will be in bondage to sin and their ungodly desires.

In the Greek, the words "liberty" and "corruption" start each thought to stress their importance.


107. 2 Peter 2:18
   2 Peter 2:18 
 All 
KJV: For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
Greek: υπερογκα γαρ ματαιοτητος φθεγγομενοι δελεαζουσιν εν επιθυμιαις σαρκος ασελγειαις τους οντως αποφυγοντας ολιγως αποφευγοντας τους εν πλανη αναστρεφομενους

108. Strongs - arrogant

109. Strongs - vanity

110. Strongs - speaking words

111. 2 Peter 2:19
   2 Peter 2:19 
 All 
KJV: While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Greek: ελευθεριαν αυτοις επαγγελλομενοι αυτοι δουλοι υπαρχοντες της φθορας ω γαρ τις ηττηται τουτω και δεδουλωται

112. Political change
Verse routeGalatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

This verse, is often taken out of context to promote social and/or political change.

One is hard-pressed to find any saying of Jesus, Paul, etc., that advocates or approves of social change - when the civil powers are separate from the religious powers. Throughout history, one side's "freedom fighter" is the other side's "terrorist". A fictional example is Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series.

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113. Galatians 3:28
 All 
KJV: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Greek: ουκ ενι ιουδαιος ουδε ελλην ουκ ενι δουλος ουδε ελευθερος ουκ ενι αρσεν και θηλυ παντες γαρ υμεις εις εστε εν χριστω ιησου

114. Entanglement
Verse route2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. [kjv]
Verse routeει γαρ αποφυγοντες τα μιασματα του κοσμου εν επιγνωσει του κυριου και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου τουτοις δε παλιν εμπλακεντες ηττωνται γεγονεν αυτοις τα εσχατα χειρονα των πρωτων [gnt]
Verse routecoinquinationesinpliciti … [v]

That freedom in Christ will be twisted and contorted into a bondage to sin. They will be worse off than before.

Discuss: Is Peter talking about a large scale phenomena before the flood and again in the end times? Is Peter talking about individuals and small groups throughout history? Might both be true?

Verse routeMatthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. [kjv]
Verse routeουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι περιαγετε την θαλασσαν και την ξηραν ποιησαι ενα προσηλυτον και οταν γενηται ποιειτε αυτον υιον γεεννης διπλοτερον υμων [gnt]



Information sign More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

115. Quantum entanglement


Bit and qubitA modern discovery is that of "quantum entanglement".

Information sign More: Quantum computing

116. Matthew 23:15

 All 
KJV: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Greek: ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι περιαγετε την θαλασσαν και την ξηραν ποιησαι ενα προσηλυτον και οταν γενηται ποιειτε αυτον υιον γεεννης διπλοτερον υμων

117. 2 Peter 2:20
   2 Peter 2:20 
 All 
KJV: For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Greek: ει γαρ αποφυγοντες τα μιασματα του κοσμου εν επιγνωσει του κυριου και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου τουτοις δε παλιν εμπλακεντες ηττωνται γεγονεν αυτοις τα εσχατα χειρονα των πρωτων
Latin: si enim refugientes coinquinationes mundi in cognitione Domini nostri et salvatoris Iesu Christi his rursus inpliciti superantur facta sunt eis posteriora deteriora prioribus

118. Déjà vu all over again
Verse route2 Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. [kjv]

Counter-factual logic is logic or reasoning that is "counter to fact". That is, "what if" such and such had happened. Jesus uses such "what if" reasoning, as do humans in their reasoning..
Verse route2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. [kjv]

Is it "déjà-vu all over again"?

Peter indicates that what has and will happen has happened before - with much the same result. Is this verse about individuals, large collections of individuals, or both (and more)? Is the situation before the flood and again at Sodom and Gomorrah similar to what is happening again today?

Information sign More: Profitable and expedient counterfactual logic
Information sign More: Sayings of the dog and the sow

119. 2 Peter 2:21
   2 Peter 2:21 
 All 
KJV: For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Greek: κρειττον γαρ ην αυτοις μη επεγνωκεναι την οδον της δικαιοσυνης η επιγνουσιν επιστρεψαι υποστρεψαι εκ της παραδοθεισης αυτοις αγιας εντολης

120. 2 Peter 2:22
   2 Peter 2:22 
 All 
KJV: But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Greek: συμβεβηκεν δε αυτοις το της αληθους παροιμιας κυων επιστρεψας επι το ιδιον εξεραμα και υς λουσαμενη εις κυλισμα κυλισμον βορβορου

121. In the beginning
Verse routeMatthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [kjv]

Verse route19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? [kjv]

A human has about a trillion cells each of which has DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).
Verse routeExodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. [kjv]
Verse routeτιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα ινα ευ σοι γενηται και ινα μακροχρονιος γενη επι της γης της αγαθης ης κυριος ο θεος σου διδωσιν σοι [lxx]



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122. Matthew 19:4
   Matthew 19:4 
 All 
KJV: And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις ουκ ανεγνωτε οτι ο ποιησας κτισας απ αρχης αρσεν και θηλυ εποιησεν αυτους

123. Matthew 19:5
   Matthew 19:5 
 All 
KJV: And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Greek: και ειπεν ενεκεν ενεκα τουτου καταλειψει ανθρωπος τον πατερα και την μητερα και προσκολληθησεται κολληθησεται τη γυναικι αυτου και εσονται οι δυο εις σαρκα μιαν

124. Love is better
God is love and love as god God and Love

Some say that "All you need is love" (Beatles song title). Some say "God is love" and "love is god" (converse fallacy). But which god?

Some say we can ignore God's other laws as long as we love others. That we are "better together" and that loving others trumps loving God (but not Trump).

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125. Love and the world
Verse routeJohn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [kjv]

Verse route3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [kjv]

The Greek for "condemn" means to separate, as into "sheep" and "goats", which did not happen in the first coming of Jesus as the "Messiah" and "Kinsman Redeemer". That appears to be happening at the second coming of Jesus as "King" and "Avenger of Blood".

126. John 3:16
   John 3:16 
 All 
KJV: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Greek: ουτως γαρ ηγαπησεν ο θεος τον κοσμον ωστε τον υιον αυτου τον μονογενη εδωκεν ινα πας ο πιστευων εις αυτον μη αποληται αλλ αλλα εχη ζωην αιωνιον

127. John 3:17
   John 3:17 
 All 
KJV: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Greek: ου γαρ απεστειλεν ο θεος τον υιον αυτου εις τον κοσμον ινα κρινη τον κοσμον αλλ ινα σωθη ο κοσμος δι αυτου

128. Rock and sand
Rock and sandBuild your house on the granite rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite. The higher one goes up the human sand hierarchy or sand tree, the more the temptation to ignore the foundation of the rock and to start to "influence" or "manipulate" others as "leaders" for one's own purposes.
To the extent that the Church of believers built on the sand of man helps one do what Jesus wants them to do, it is good. To the extent it does not, it is not good.
Some birds will make "stones" (sand on which to build their birdhouse) appear as "bread". That is, give "bad" "gifts" or "houses" to their "children".

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129. Love
Note the one needs both:

130. Sin: decision analysis
A simple decision analysis has you making a decision, yes or no, and two ways another decision can go, yes or no.

Second decision
SinlessFor each outcome, a probability and cost is estimated. One often wants to minimize expected cost or maximize expected value.

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131. Sin decision tree
 ▶ 
 + 
 - 
 1 First decision 
 2 Second decision 
 3 True positive: yes-yes 
 4 True negative: no-no 
 5 False positive: yes-no 
 6 False negative: no-yes 
 7 Complete decision tree 



The fundamental questions:

132. Warning
2 Peter 3 contains interesting prophecies in terms of scientific knowledge some 1800 years before they were understood. He ends with a warning (next to last verse of the book).
Verse route2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. [kjv]

Verse route3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. [kjv]


133. 2 Peter 3:17
   2 Peter 3:17 
 All 
KJV: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Greek: υμεις ουν αγαπητοι προγινωσκοντες φυλασσεσθε ινα μη τη των αθεσμων πλανη συναπαχθεντες εκπεσητε του ιδιου στηριγμου

134. 2 Peter 3:18
   2 Peter 3:18 
 All 
KJV: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Greek: αυξανετε δε εν χαριτι και γνωσει του κυριου ημων και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου αυτω η δοξα και νυν και εις ημεραν αιωνος αμην

135. Neighbors
Jesus divides people into two groups. [Brute beasts as magnificent war horses, false prophet/teacher Balaam beating the beast of burden]

136. Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
Verse route1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [kjv]

Verse routeMatthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [kjv]

Verse route18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]

The verse pairs in Matthew 5:29-30 and 18:8-9 are similar in that they talk about plucking out eyes as members of the body and cutting off hands and feet rather than being cast into "hell" or "everlasting" "fire". Are we "better together"? Is there "strength in numbers"? Do we need to "protect each other's reputation"? Do we need to "have each other's back"? This similarity appears to connect the two passages but there are some differences. Understanding one pair may help in understanding the other pair.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 talks of eyes as members of the body of the church. Is there a connection to the verses in Matthew?

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137. Matthew 5:19-20 Righteous commandment breaking
Verse routeMatthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
Verse route5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]

Context is important!

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138. Matthew 5:19 Birdhouse rules
Verse routeMatthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]

As in the "peacemaker" verse, 10 verses earlier, Jesus does not say who it is who is doing the "calling". The paraphrase fits any human organization. This meaning does not necessarily make the traditional interpretation invalid.

Bird house
Paraphrase: Whoever breaks the least of the rules established by the bird for the birdhouse, and teaches others in that birdhouse to do so, will be called least in that birdhouse. But whoever does and teaches those rules shall be called great in the birdhouse.

To "preach" or "teach" in the birdhouse, one must espouse the views or "righteousness", not of God or Jesus, but of the lead bird. Saying: You'll be birdseed.

[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]

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139. Matthew 5:20 Righteous birds
Verse routeMatthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
Verse routeλεγω γαρ υμιν οτι εαν μη περισσευση υμων η δικαιοσυνη πλειον των γραμματεων και φαρισαιων ου μη εισελθητε εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων [gnt]

Unlike an earlier verse, there is no "amen" or "verily" or even "blessed" starting this verse. The "righteousness" can be God's "righteousness" or man's "righteousness" (or both). Context is important.
Paraphrase: Except your righteousness (as defined by the birds) exceeds the righteousness of those birds, you shall not enter and/or be promoted as a member of that birdhouse.

Note that this alternate meaning does not make the traditional interpretation invalid.

[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]

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140. Weeping and gnashing of teeth
Verse routeMatthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
Verse routeοι δε υιοι της βασιλειας εκβληθησονται εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων [gnt]


Many people will come to you and tell you how you can make more money, do this, do that. But if you do what they say, and it does not work out, you will always feel bad about it. Listen to what they say, but make your own decision. That way, if it does not work out, you will know that you made that decision. Sam Snyder

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141. Matthew 8:12
   Matthew 8:12 
 All 
KJV: But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Greek: οι δε υιοι της βασιλειας εκβληθησονται εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων

142. End of page

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