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Selected Verse: 2 Peter 2:21 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 2Pe 2:21 |
King James |
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
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. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
For it had been better for them ... - Compare the notes at Mat 26:24. It would have been better for them, for:
(1) then they would not have dishonored the cause of religion as they have now done;
(2) they would not have sunk so deep in profligacy as they now have; and,
(3) they would not have incurred so aggravated a condemnation in the world of woe. If people are resolved on being wicked, they had better never pretend to be good. If they are to be cast off at last, it had better not be as apostates from the cause of virtue and religion. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| The commandment - The whole law of God, once not only delivered to their ears, but written in their hearts. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
For it had been better for them not to have known - For the reasons assigned above; because they have sinned against more mercy, are capable of more sin, and are liable to greater punishment.
The holy commandment - The whole religion of Christ is contained in this one commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself." He who obeys this great commandment, and this by the grace of Christ is possible to every man, is saved from sinning either against his God or against his neighbor. Nothing less than this does the religion of Christ require. |
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.