AMY TURNER

In 2 Peter 2:1, we read a warning that false teachers will come among believers. They will secretly spread teachings that destroy faith, and some will even deny the Lord who is described as having “bought them.” At first glance, this may sound as if Christ purchased their salvation, but the meaning is different.

Peter uses the picture of a master who has purchased servants for his household. Once bought, those servants are expected to serve with loyalty and obedience. In the same way, false teachers claim to belong to Christ’s household. They speak as if they are his representatives, but their actions prove otherwise. They do not live in true service to him, and instead they spread lies and lead others away from the truth.

This is what makes them so harmful. The warning is clear: false teachers are dangerous because they appear to belong to Christ while denying him in practice.

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Titus 1:16