2 Peter 2:20-22 1 minutes to read

2 Peter 2:20-22

20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

To properly interpret these verses we must remember the context of Peter’s instructions. He began with a warning about how false teachers will come into the fold to attack the true teachings of God’s Word. He explained what they will say and how to identify them. In these verses he highlights the devastating effects of false teachers and their teaching on the people who are engaging with them.

Peter is explaining that those newer people, who are checking out the teachings of Christianity and immature in their knowledge of God’s Word, will be prey who can be confused and led back into their former way of living. These are people who haven’t fully committed themselves to following Christ. It would be inconsistent with the whole of scripture to interpret these people as believers.

Peter says it would have better for these people to have never known about the gospel than to turn away from it and return to their former lives. The reason for this is that it confuses these people because it gives them a false impression and wrong perspective on who Christ is and what Christianity truly teaches about new life in Christ.

Peter is really encouraging those who are already in the faith to protect those who are exploring the faith from false teachers who will corrupt the truth and confuse potential new followers. In essence, the mature need to look after the immature by protecting the truth found in God’s word.

Reflection

Where are you on the maturity spectrum? If you are in exploration mode of Christianity, what practical input does this passage suggest for you? If you are mature in your faith, what responsibility do you have toward those looking into the faith and the Word of God?

Prayer

May I develop a greater commitment to protecting those who are still considering the faith and your Word.

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