II Peter 2:4-10

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Previously, Peter had stated that false teachers were in the midst of the community. In 2 Peter 2:4-10, Peter recited times in the past when judgment fell upon those who opposed truth and righteousness.

Example number one - the angels who rebelled.

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

We know of humanity's fall from Genesis. However, there is also the fall of the angels which is much less described. Peter stated this theological reality here without any elaboration assuming the understanding of the reader.

What are the indications we have from the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures of the fall of the angels?

Revelation 12 painted a picture of a cosmic battle that has taken place and continues to take place. Most vividly, "Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him."

Less clear is whether Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-19 described the fall of Satan due to pride. The primary meaning of the passages would be applied to the king of Babylon and the king of Tyre respectively. However, some interpreters have also assigned a second meaning to these passages as describing the fall of Satan and would link these passages with Luke 10:18. For a discussion of this idea see this article.

In any case, God judged the angels that rebelled.

Example number two - the world in Noah's day

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

Go here to read the beginning of the famous Noah and the Flood story.

Example number three - the wickedness of the people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

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

To see the beginning of this story, go here.

and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)

The judgment of God is described here along with the rescue of Lot and the cautionary tale of what happened to Lot's wife.

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. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.

Yet, amidst the judgment, God found a way to rescue the faithful. Peter wanted to assure the community from the history of God's dealings with humanity two truths: (1) judgment will strike down those false teachers who run contrary to what God wants and (2) God will rescue them.

Lord, give us discernment. We don't have perfect clarity on these matters. However, when we see something contrary to your truth and your ways, help us not to be fooled. Give us boldness and graciousness to stand against it wisely, to gently correct when it is a misunderstanding and to vigorously resist when it is clear those in error seek to misled. Lord, have mercy! Amen.