2 Peter 2

      12-16. But these, as natural brute beasts. As if utterly irrational. The brute beasts were destined to the slaughter for man's uses. So these men blindly rush to destruction. Speak evil of the things that they understand not. How often the scoffer fulfills this description! 13. Shall receive the reward of unrighteousness. Their destruction is the legitimate reward of their own wrong doing. Count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Literally "in the day." I believe that the idea is that, like dumb brutes forgetful of coming destruction, they take pleasure in carousal for a day, regardless of the morrow. Spots and blemishes. Marring the brightness and beauty of the church. Revelling in their love feasts (Revision). Converting even these into scenes of revel. 14. Having eyes full of adultery. Looking around with a lustful appetite. 15. Having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Bosor. See Numbers, chapter 31 . Balaam sold himself out to an evil cause for the sake of gain. 16. But was rebuked. By the voice that was put into the mouth of the brute he rode.

      17-19. These are springs without water. They promise much but disappoint. Mists driven by a storm. The thought is the same. These mists promise rain, but it fails to descend. For whom. For these apostates the "blackness of darkness is reserved." 18. For. This shows how they promise great things and disappoint. They offer great swelling words, and entice those who are about to be delivered from error. 19. Promising liberty. Liberty from all restraint, complete freedom to serve their own wills, such liberty as those who rail against God's law are wont to offer. Servants of corruption. Those who offer liberty are themselves slaves, serving their own passions and lusts. He who is swayed by appetite or habit cannot be free.

      20-22. For if, after they have escaped the pollution of the world. If one who has been converted is enticed back again into his sins, his state is worse than before. That this is possible is taught in many places. 21. For it had been better, etc. To other sins there is then added the sin of rejecting the way of righteousness after an experimental knowledge of it. 22. For it is happened. Their relapse is described in the proverbs. See Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 26:11 . Such a repulsive course can be compared only with the most disgusting habits of unclean animals.