2 Peter 2:5: If He Did Not Spare The Ancient World, But Preserved Noah, A Herald Of Righteousness, With Seven Others, When He Brought A Flood Upon The World Of The Ungodly

2 Peter 2:5

[5] If he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; (ESV)

Peter continues in speaking to the fact that judgment is coming for those who have boldly and brazenly distorted the words of Scripture and taught things that ought not to be taught. These false teachers are twisting God's words to manipulate others in support of their own greed and sensuality. The Apostle Peter wanted people to know that God was not unaware, nor was he unwilling to bring judgment.

In the previous verse he used the illustration of God's judgment reserved for angels who rebelled against him in heaven. Here, in verse 5, he mentions the fact that God brought a flood to destroy all of mankind, with the exception of 8 people on the ark. An argument could be made that a few of the eight people on the ark were lucky to be there. Their actions after the flood were quite suspect.

Even in the example of God's judgment on the whole world we find that he was very patient. Noah faithfully preached the Word of God to those who daily mocked him. For many years Noah built the ark. During all of that time people were called upon to repent. They chose to continue in their rebellion and sin. God's judgment was not immediate, but it was complete.

It is significant to realize that not only are the false teachers going to be the recipients of God's judgment, but also those who follow their wicked teaching. God does not excuse people for being deceived, and only punish the perpetrators of false teaching. God brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly. This would have included false leaders and false followers.

God's judgment is coming. Yet, he is patient. He is not willing that any should perish. Pray for those whom you know are teaching falsehood. Pray also for those who are being deceived by it. May God grant people repentance and faith.