What does 2 Peter 2:20 mean?

Explanation

2 Peter 2:20 speaks about the grave situation of individuals who, having once turned away from worldly corruptions by understanding and accepting what Jesus Christ has done for them, are later drawn back into those very corruptions.

The verse suggests that for these individuals, their post-relapse state is worse than before they had initially converted.

This implies a deeper entanglement in sin and a more severe moral and spiritual degradation, considering the greater knowledge and responsibility they carried after having known Christ.

It highlights the dangers of knowledge without perseverance in faith and the seriousness of falling away after having experienced the truth of the gospel.

Historical Context

The Second Epistle of Peter is traditionally understood to have been written by the Apostle Peter, although some scholars debate the authorship.

The exact date of writing is also uncertain but is argued to have been penned in the later part of the first century AD.

This was a time when the early Christian Church was facing internal challenges, including the rise of false teachings and heresies. 2 Peter is heavily focused on warning against false teachers and the importance of staying true to the authentic teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

The "pollutions of the world" referred to may be practices from pagan religions or immoral behaviors prevalent in Greco-Roman society.

Theological Insights

This verse stirs theological debates over issues such as the perseverance of the saints, apostasy, and conditional security. In Calvanistic theology, it might be argued that those who fall away were never truly saved to begin with.

In contrast, Arminian theology might use this verse to assert that salvation can be forfeited through willful return to sin.

Regardless of the theological interpretation, the verse underscores the gravity of apostasy and the expectation in the Christian life for continual growth away from sin and towards holiness.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse may encourage believers to remain vigilant in their faith and to persevere in the struggle against sin and worldly influences.

It may also serve as a caution against complacency, reminding individuals of the dangers of returning to old patterns of behavior after having experienced the transformative power of the gospel.

Additionally, it can motivate communities of faith to support one another in spiritual growth and to provide accountability.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 6:4-6: "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance..."
• Luke 11:24-26: "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out..."
• Matthew 12:45: "...Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first..."

Language Study

In the Greek text, "escaped" comes from the word "apopheugó," which means to flee away, indicating a deliberate distancing from the "miasmós" or pollutions/defilements of the world.

"Knowledge" translates from "epignósis," implying a full and accurate knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, not merely an acquaintance.

The phrase "again entangled therein, and overcome" suggests a return to a previous captive state, where "overcome" is from the Greek "hettaomai," signifying being defeated or made worse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions, this theme of falling away and relapse into former ways is not unique.

It finds parallels in various cultures where moral and spiritual lapses carried significant consequences.

For instance, in certain strands of Hinduism, the law of karma implies that actions in one's life will directly influence the future state.

In this verse, the Biblical perspective is clear about the moral and spiritual regression being a significant concern, as is the case in many ancient religions that focus on moral responsibility.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse deals with moral and ethical matters that are generally outside the realm of empirical science, modern psychology does speak to the concepts of habit formation, addiction, and relapse.

Studies on behavior modification show that individuals falling back into old habits after a period of abstinence often experience a more intense form of the habit or addiction, which may have parallels to the spiritual concept discussed in this verse of the "latter end" being worse than the beginning.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that it is better not to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn from it.

The true knowledge of Christ gets rooted in the heart and has a sanctifying effect, but if it does not take root, it may increase condemnation.

• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary emphasizes that the knowledge referred to is not just a general or imperfect knowledge but a clear understanding.

It assumes that some knowledge may take place without true conversion.

• The Pulpit Commentary discusses this verse in light of the divine gift of free will and the human responsibility that accompanies it, highlighting that the state of final apostasy is worse than that of mere ignorance.