II Peter 2:21
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It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
the way of righteousness--"the way of truth" (Pe2 2:2). Christian doctrine, and "the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour." turn--back again; so the Greek. from the holy commandment--the Gospel which enjoins holiness; in opposition to their corruption. "Holy," not that it makes holy, but because it ought to be kept inviolate [TITTMANN]. delivered--once for all; admitting no turning back.
Open source ↗The apostle, having in the foregoing chapter exhorted them to proceed and advance in the Christian race, now comes to remove, as much as in him lay, what he could not but apprehend would hinder their complying with his exhortation. He therefore gives them fair warning of false teachers, by whom they might be in danger of being seduced. To prevent this, I. He describes these seducers as impious in themselves, and very pernicious to others (Pe2 2:1-3). II. He assures them of the punishment that shall be inflicted on them (Pe2 2:3-6). III. He tells us how contrary the method is which God takes with those who fear him (Pe2 2:7-9). IV. He fills up the rest of the chapter with a further description of those seducers of whom he would have them beware.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.
Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”
For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”
For John came to you in a righteous way and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.