Daily Devotions
2 Peter
"Wells without water"
Text: 2 Peter 2:17
EXPOSING FALSE TEACHERS
Peter was deeply concerned about the infiltration of false teachers into the community of the Church. He had to battle these false teachers in every way possible and with much vigour.
“These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest,
for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”
2 Peter 2:17
1. “These are wells without water”
a) Wells were the main source of water supply in many communities.
b) Wells were used by all:
i) Shepherds looking after their flocks.
ii) Housewives needing water for the household.
iii) Travellers who stop to refill their water supply.
c) Wells were well-constructed:
i) To protect the water supply.
ii) They were a welcome sight to all.
d) Wells without water:
i) They are a real disappointment.
ii) They may appear to give hope but that would be dashed after checking.
2. “Clouds carried by a tempest”
a) These are storm clouds. Storms are dreaded by sailors.
b) The word used suggest that these clouds were more like fogs.
i) Fogs obscure vision.
ii) They can be deadly to those who need to see clearly.
iii) Fogs would be dreaded by those who are in the shipping line.
Sailing in those days would be affected if there is a fog.
c) The word “carried”:
i) These clouds were driven powerfully.
ii) Such clouds can descend suddenly and fiercely creating a sudden storm.
3. “For whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever”
a) “Blackness of darkness”
i) Both words mean “darkness”.
ii) Thus, it was well-translated as “blackness of darkness”.
(Literally, “darkness of darkness”)
b) Their fate
i) They have been “reserved” (kept) for judgment.
ii) And their state of darkness would last forever!