Bible Strands
2 Peter 2:2
Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter writes to his readers about the imminent emergence of false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies. He addresses a church community facing internal doctrinal corruption and moral compromise.
The words — ἐξακολουθήσουσιν (exakolouthēsousin) means “will follow after,” and ἀσελγείαις (aselgeiais) translates as “sensuality” or “depravity.” These terms describe the widespread adoption of the teachers’ licentious conduct.
The thread — The defaming of divine truth through human action aligns with Romans 2:24, where God’s name is blasphemed among Gentiles because of others. The broader pattern of false prophets and teachers causing deception and ruin also appears in Jude 1:10 and Matthew 24:24.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to identify and reject the conduct of false teachers to avoid complicity in dishonoring truth. It demands active discernment rather than passive acceptance of popular but corrupt teachings.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Cross-references
- Romans 2:24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
- Jude 1:10 These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.
- Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
- 2 Peter 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.
- Matthew 24:10 At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,
- Acts 16:17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”
- Acts 24:14 I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,
- Titus 2:8 and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
- 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
- Jude 1:15 to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.”