But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. Peter transitions from true prophecy (1:19-21) to false prophecy, establishing historical pattern: "there were false prophets also among the people" (egenonto de kai pseudoprophētai en tō laō) among Israel, so "there shall be false teachers among you" (hos kai en hymin esontai pseudodidaskaloi, ὡς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν ἔσονται ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι) in the church.
These infiltrators "privily shall bring in" (pareisaxousin, παρεισάξουσιν, "secretly introduce") "damnable heresies" (haireseis apōleias, αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας, literally "destructive sects" or "factions"). Hairesis (αἵρεσις) denotes divisive teaching creating factions, ultimately leading to apōleia (ἀπώλεια)—destruction or perdition. The core heresy: "denying the Lord that bought them" (ton agorasanta autous despotēn arnoumenoi). "Bought" (agorasanta, ἀγοράσαντα) uses commercial redemption language, indicating Christ's purchase through His blood (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; Rev 5:9).
This raises the difficult question: Did Christ genuinely purchase these false teachers? Reformed theology typically understands this as
external covenant relationship without genuine regeneration
hypothetical redemption—Christ's work was sufficient for all but applied only to the elect, or
profession without possession—they claimed redemption but were never truly saved.
The warning: they "bring upon themselves swift destruction" (epagontes heautois tachinēn apōleian), indicating certain judgment despite temporary success.
Historical Context
Israel's history was plagued by false prophets who claimed divine authority while leading people into idolatry, immorality, and false security (Jer 23:9-40; Ezek 13; 22:23-29). Jesus warned of false prophets in sheep's clothing (Matt 7:15-20; 24:11, 24). Paul predicted grievous wolves entering the flock (Acts 20:29-30) and warned of deceitful workers transforming themselves as apostles of Christ (2 Cor 11:13-15).
The specific false teachers Peter addresses likely promoted antinomianism (freedom from moral law), denied Christ's return (3:3-4), and lived sensually (2:10-14, 18-19). Some scholars connect them to early Gnosticism, which devalued material existence and ethics while claiming secret knowledge. Others see similarities to Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6, 15) or teachers combining Christian profession with pagan practices. Whatever their specific identity, Peter's description applies to all who corrupt Christian teaching while claiming Christian authority.
Questions for Reflection
What false teachings currently threaten the church, and how do they subtly deny Christ's lordship?
How can churches balance welcoming seekers with maintaining doctrinal boundaries against false teaching?
What practices cultivate discernment to recognize false teaching before it causes damage?
Analysis & Commentary
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. Peter transitions from true prophecy (1:19-21) to false prophecy, establishing historical pattern: "there were false prophets also among the people" (egenonto de kai pseudoprophētai en tō laō) among Israel, so "there shall be false teachers among you" (hos kai en hymin esontai pseudodidaskaloi, ὡς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν ἔσονται ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι) in the church.
These infiltrators "privily shall bring in" (pareisaxousin, παρεισάξουσιν, "secretly introduce") "damnable heresies" (haireseis apōleias, αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας, literally "destructive sects" or "factions"). Hairesis (αἵρεσις) denotes divisive teaching creating factions, ultimately leading to apōleia (ἀπώλεια)—destruction or perdition. The core heresy: "denying the Lord that bought them" (ton agorasanta autous despotēn arnoumenoi). "Bought" (agorasanta, ἀγοράσαντα) uses commercial redemption language, indicating Christ's purchase through His blood (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; Rev 5:9).
This raises the difficult question: Did Christ genuinely purchase these false teachers? Reformed theology typically understands this as
The warning: they "bring upon themselves swift destruction" (epagontes heautois tachinēn apōleian), indicating certain judgment despite temporary success.