The Old Testament prophets and later the apostles were given the responsibility to teach God’s people about the seriousness of those who would introduce heresies into the covenant community. Peter dedicates a large portion of his letter warning the church that, just like false prophets in Judah, false teachers have arisen within the church (2:1-3). He has announced the current and final judgment of the false teachers (2:3-9). Beginning in the second half of verse ten Peter describes these men in greater detail. In the first half of verse 10 Peter reveals what is at the heart of these false teachers. They are driven by “the lust of defiling passion” and they “despise authority” (vs. 10a). He then calls them “bold and willful” (vs. 10b). There is nothing timid about these men as they seek to lead the church into their own degrading sins.

“This is precisely why such a large part of the Bible is devoted to exposing the subtleties of false prophets and teachers – their power lies in their appeal. So, a vital element in Christian maturity is the ability to see beyond outward appearances and recognize the difference between what is true and what is false” (Mark Johnson, p. 43). Though Peter’s criticism of the false teachers is harsh, he is not being gratuitous or angrily self-indulgent. Rather, the apostle is demonstrating proper indignation over those who lead God’s people astray. Like Balam of old, these men seek to satisfy their greed by peddling falsehoods.

Throughout her history the church has been burdened by those who seek to harm her. As the great hymn acknowledges, the world watches the church with “scornful wonder,” as they observe that she is “by heresies distressed.” But we do not despair for we also sing with full biblical warrant:

The Church shall never perish!

Her dear Lord, to defend,

To guide, sustain, and cherish,

Is with her to the end.

Though there be those that hate her

And false sons in her pale,

Against both foe and traitor

She ever shall prevail.