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2 Peter 2:1-22 True and False Teachers

1 False Teachers and Their Destruction
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment;

5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;

6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;

7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men

8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—

9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.
Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings;

11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.

12 But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.

13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.

14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!

15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.

19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.

22 Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

Read the full chapter 2 Peter 2

Cross References for 2 Peter 2:1-22

1 Kings 22:6 - So the king of Israel brought together the prophets—about four hundred men—and asked them, “Sha... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 22:6 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 22:6

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Revelation 13:14 - Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inh... Click to read the verse Revelation 13:14 Click to read the verse Revelation 13:14

Galatians 5:20 - idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions... Click to read the verse Galatians 5:20 Click to read the verse Galatians 5:20

1 John 2:18 - Warning Against Antichrists Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that th... Click to read the verse 1 John 2:18 Click to read the verse 1 John 2:18

Titus 1:11 - They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought ... Click to read the verse Titus 1:11 Click to read the verse Titus 1:11

Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cu... Click to read the verse Galatians 3:13 Click to read the verse Galatians 3:13

Zechariah 13:3-4 - And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother, to whom he was born, will say to him, ‘Y... Click to read the verse Zechariah 13:3-4 Click to read the verse Zechariah 13:3-4

1 Kings 13:18 - The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word ... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 13:18 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 13:18

1 Timothy 5:8 - If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has d... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 5:8 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 5:8

Deuteronomy 13:1 - Worshiping Other Gods If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and annou... Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 13:1 Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 13:1

Malachi 3:5 - “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers a... Click to read the verse Malachi 3:5 Click to read the verse Malachi 3:5

Hebrews 10:29 - How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of G... Click to read the verse Hebrews 10:29 Click to read the verse Hebrews 10:29

Isaiah 8:19 - When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a peopl... Click to read the verse Isaiah 8:19 Click to read the verse Isaiah 8:19

1 Timothy 4:1 - Instructions to Timothy The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:1 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:1

2 Peter 3:16 - He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters conta... Click to read the verse 2 Peter 3:16 Click to read the verse 2 Peter 3:16

Acts 20:29 - I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Click to read the verse Acts 20:29 Click to read the verse Acts 20:29

Matthew 7:15 - “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are fero... Click to read the verse Matthew 7:15 Click to read the verse Matthew 7:15

Deuteronomy 13:1-3 - Worshiping Other Gods If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and annou... Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 13:1-3 Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 13:1-3

Ephesians 4:14 - Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there... Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:14 Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:14

Matthew 24:24 - For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceiv... Click to read the verse Matthew 24:24 Click to read the verse Matthew 24:24

Jude 1:4 - For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among yo... Click to read the verse Jude 1:4 Click to read the verse Jude 1:4

Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the ri... Click to read the verse Ephesians 1:7 Click to read the verse Ephesians 1:7

Exodus 15:16 - terror and dread will fall upon them. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone... Click to read the verse Exodus 15:16 Click to read the verse Exodus 15:16

Deuteronomy 32:6 - Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Cr... Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 32:6 Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 32:6

Revelation 5:9 - And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you... Click to read the verse Revelation 5:9 Click to read the verse Revelation 5:9

Micah 3:11 - Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes fo... Click to read the verse Micah 3:11 Click to read the verse Micah 3:11

Colossians 2:18 - Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for t... Click to read the verse Colossians 2:18 Click to read the verse Colossians 2:18

Philippians 3:19 - Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Th... Click to read the verse Philippians 3:19 Click to read the verse Philippians 3:19

1 Corinthians 6:20 - you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 6:20 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 6:20

Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darknes... Click to read the verse Isaiah 5:20 Click to read the verse Isaiah 5:20

Isaiah 9:15 - the elders and prominent men are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. Click to read the verse Isaiah 9:15 Click to read the verse Isaiah 9:15

1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether... Click to read the verse 1 John 4:1 Click to read the verse 1 John 4:1

Titus 3:10 - Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do wi... Click to read the verse Titus 3:10 Click to read the verse Titus 3:10

1 Timothy 4:1-3 - Instructions to Timothy The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:1-3 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:1-3

1 Peter 1:8 - Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe... Click to read the verse 1 Peter 1:8 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 1:8

Ezekiel 13:17 - “Now, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their ... Click to read the verse Ezekiel 13:17 Click to read the verse Ezekiel 13:17

Job 31:3 - Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Click to read the verse Job 31:3 Click to read the verse Job 31:3

Romans 16:18 - For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and fl... Click to read the verse Romans 16:18 Click to read the verse Romans 16:18

2 Peter 2:3 - In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnati... Click to read the verse 2 Peter 2:3 Click to read the verse 2 Peter 2:3

Deuteronomy 13:6 - If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend... Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 13:6 Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 13:6

Isaiah 56:10-11 - Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark;... Click to read the verse Isaiah 56:10-11 Click to read the verse Isaiah 56:10-11

Romans 14:15 - If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not... Click to read the verse Romans 14:15 Click to read the verse Romans 14:15

Luke 21:8 - He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I a... Click to read the verse Luke 21:8 Click to read the verse Luke 21:8

Mark 13:22 - For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the ... Click to read the verse Mark 13:22 Click to read the verse Mark 13:22

Luke 6:26 - Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prop... Click to read the verse Luke 6:26 Click to read the verse Luke 6:26

Matthew 24:11 - and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Click to read the verse Matthew 24:11 Click to read the verse Matthew 24:11

1 Corinthians 11:19 - No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 11:19 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 11:19

Jeremiah 28:15-17 - Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sen... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 28:15-17 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 28:15-17

Galatians 2:4 - This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom w... Click to read the verse Galatians 2:4 Click to read the verse Galatians 2:4

1 Kings 18:19 - Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundr... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 18:19 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 18:19

Matthew 15:14 - Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Click to read the verse Matthew 15:14 Click to read the verse Matthew 15:14

2 Timothy 2:12-13 - if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 2:12-13 Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 2:12-13

Matthew 10:33 - But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Click to read the verse Matthew 10:33 Click to read the verse Matthew 10:33

Revelation 3:8 - I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that... Click to read the verse Revelation 3:8 Click to read the verse Revelation 3:8

Micah 3:5 - This is what the Lord says: “As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, ... Click to read the verse Micah 3:5 Click to read the verse Micah 3:5

Micah 2:11 - If a liar and deceiver comes and says, ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’ he wo... Click to read the verse Micah 2:11 Click to read the verse Micah 2:11

Job 31:28 - then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. Click to read the verse Job 31:28 Click to read the verse Job 31:28

Galatians 4:17 - Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you fr... Click to read the verse Galatians 4:17 Click to read the verse Galatians 4:17

Matthew 13:25 - But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. Click to read the verse Matthew 13:25 Click to read the verse Matthew 13:25

1 Kings 22:25 - Micaiah replied, “You will find out on the day you go to hide in an inner room.” Click to read the verse 1 Kings 22:25 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 22:25

2 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own... Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 4:3 Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 4:3

Jeremiah 14:13-15 - But I said, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, the prophets keep telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 14:13-15 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 14:13-15

Jude 1:18 - They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly d... Click to read the verse Jude 1:18 Click to read the verse Jude 1:18

Jeremiah 6:14 - They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 6:14 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 6:14

Psalms 88:11 - Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? Click to read the verse Psalms 88:11 Click to read the verse Psalms 88:11

Hosea 9:8 - The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim, yet snares await him on all his p... Click to read the verse Hosea 9:8 Click to read the verse Hosea 9:8

2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 - Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs ... Click to read the verse 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 Click to read the verse 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12

Revelation 2:13 - I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not r... Click to read the verse Revelation 2:13 Click to read the verse Revelation 2:13

1 John 2:26 - I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. Click to read the verse 1 John 2:26 Click to read the verse 1 John 2:26

Revelation 2:9 - I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say ... Click to read the verse Revelation 2:9 Click to read the verse Revelation 2:9

Jeremiah 23:25-32 - “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I h... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 23:25-32 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 23:25-32

Jeremiah 29:31-32 - “Send this message to all the exiles: ‘This is what the Lord says about Shemaiah the Nehelamite... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:31-32 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:31-32

Ecclesiastes 1:9 - What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under ... Click to read the verse Ecclesiastes 1:9 Click to read the verse Ecclesiastes 1:9

Jeremiah 27:14-15 - Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say to you, ‘You will not serve the king of Baby... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 27:14-15 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 27:14-15

Jeremiah 14:13 - But I said, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, the prophets keep telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 14:13 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 14:13

Jeremiah 37:19 - Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, ‘The king of Babylon will not attack you or this... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 37:19 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 37:19

Lamentations 2:14 - The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off... Click to read the verse Lamentations 2:14 Click to read the verse Lamentations 2:14

Jeremiah 29:31 - “Send this message to all the exiles: ‘This is what the Lord says about Shemaiah the Nehelamite... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:31 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:31

Jeremiah 29:8-9 - Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and divi... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:8-9 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 29:8-9

1 John 2:18-19 - Warning Against Antichrists Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that th... Click to read the verse 1 John 2:18-19 Click to read the verse 1 John 2:18-19

Jeremiah 23:16-17 - This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 23:16-17 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 23:16-17

John 10:1 - The Shepherd and His Flock “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by t... Click to read the verse John 10:1 Click to read the verse John 10:1

Acts 3:13-14 - The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. Y... Click to read the verse Acts 3:13-14 Click to read the verse Acts 3:13-14

Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends ... Click to read the verse Colossians 2:8 Click to read the verse Colossians 2:8

Luke 12:9 - But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. Click to read the verse Luke 12:9 Click to read the verse Luke 12:9

Matthew 24:5 - For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. Click to read the verse Matthew 24:5 Click to read the verse Matthew 24:5

1 Corinthians 7:23 - You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 7:23 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 7:23

2 Timothy 3:1-9 - Godlessness in the Last Days But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Ezekiel 13:3-18 - This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit a... Click to read the verse Ezekiel 13:3-18 Click to read the verse Ezekiel 13:3-18

Nehemiah 6:12-14 - I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and ... Click to read the verse Nehemiah 6:12-14 Click to read the verse Nehemiah 6:12-14

1 Kings 18:19-22 - Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundr... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 18:19-22 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 18:19-22

Acts 20:28-30 - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. B... Click to read the verse Acts 20:28-30 Click to read the verse Acts 20:28-30