Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Peter 2:1-9

"But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of. And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not. For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] lawless deeds): the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;" — 2 Peter 2:1-9 (ASV)

Although the way of error is a hurtful way, many are always ready to walk in it. Let us take care that we give no opportunity to the enemy to blaspheme the holy name by which we are called, or to speak evil of the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. These seducers used feigned words; they deceived the hearts of their followers.

Such people are condemned already, and the wrath of God abides on them. God's usual method of proceeding is shown by examples. Angels were cast down from all their glory and dignity for their disobedience. If creatures sin, even in heaven, they must suffer in hell. Sin is the work of darkness, and darkness is the wages of sin.

See how God dealt with the ancient world. Neither the number of offenders nor their social standing procures favor. If the sin is universal, the punishment will likewise extend to all. If people abound in sin in a fruitful soil, God can at once turn a fruitful land into barrenness, and a well-watered country into ashes. No plans or politics can prevent judgments from a sinful people.

He who keeps fire and water from harming His people (Isaiah 43:2) can make either destroy His enemies; they are never safe. When God sends destruction on the ungodly, He commands deliverance for the righteous. In bad company, we will inevitably acquire either guilt or grief. Let the sins of others be troubles to us.

Yet it is possible for the children of the Lord, living among the most profane, to retain their integrity. This is because there is more power in the grace of Christ and His dwelling in them than in the temptations of Satan or the example of the wicked, with all their terrors or allurements.

In our intentions and inclinations to commit sin, we encounter strange hindrances, if we pay attention to them. When we intend mischief, God sends many obstacles to hinder us, as if to say, "Take heed what you do."

His wisdom and power will surely effect the purposes of His love and the commitments of His truth, while wicked men often escape suffering here because they are reserved for the Day of Judgment, to be punished with the devil and his angels.