• II Peter 1:16-18 – Peter was an eye witness of Jesus. These aren’t just fables. See Matthew 17:1-5.
  • II Peter 1:19-21 – The words of the prophets give us even more surety of these events. Verses 20-21 are often misused, but this passage is simply saying that prophecy comes from God. It is not invented by man.
  • II Peter 2:1 – It’s possible to be wrong on a point of doctrine, but that’s not necessarily the same as being a false teacher. If you are knowingly teaching error, that is a character flaw and that makes you a false teacher. See I Corinthians 15:15; I John 4:1-3.
  • II Peter 2:4-6 – Peter uses three illustrations of God’s judgment. Note that context must indicate what kind of messenger is under consideration.
    • Uses of the word translated “angels”:
      • Matthew 1:24 – celestial angel
      • Matthew 25:41 – the devil’s angels
      • II Corinthians 12:7 – angels of Satan
      • Luke 7:24, 27 – messengers of John the Baptist
      • Luke 9:52 – Jesus’ messengers
      • James 2:25 – the two spies