Forsaken the Right Way 2 Peter 2:15

For several verses in chapter two of Second Peter, we have learned of Peter's description of false prophets that would be among the church. In chapter two and verse fifteen Peter uses Balaam from the Old Testament as an illustration for their ways. We read:

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

The verse begins, “Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray,” Peter begins this verse by saying these false teachers have “forsaken” or departed from and left the “right way” which means the “straight forward, level, upright, true and sincere” path. He says they are “gone astray” which is the Greek word “planao” and it means “to cause to stray, to lead astray, or lead aside from the right way”. It also infers someone who is “lead away from the truth, lead into error or deceived.” If there was any question about the way Peter feels about these false prophets he should have removed all doubt with these words.

The verse continues, “following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor,” As he continues his discourse and description of the false teachers, Peter adds the “way of Balaam the son of Bosor” as an example. In the Old Testament book of “Numbers” in chapter twenty-two through twenty-four we may read the story of Balaam. Balaam was a prophet of God who was attempted to be hired by Balak the ruler of Moab to bring a curse upon Israel who were a threat to his country. After some resistance to go, even to the extent of a donkey talking to Balaam, Balaam went to say whatever God put within his mouth and rather than bring a curse, Balaam spoke a blessing over Israel.

Finally the verse reads, “who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” As a further portrayal of the false prophets, Peter tells of Balaam's downfall. He “love the wages of unrighteousness” which was the pay for “a deed violating law and justice or an act of unrighteousness”. In other words, Balaam followed the money, and the pay for doing things that were unrighteousness was more attractive to him than following after God. The false teachers that were going to be among the church were of this ilk as well, and Peter meant to make the church well aware of their unrighteous ways.

So many people have been led astray by false teachers who “loved the wages of unrighteousness” more than the things of God. These “prophets” have lived lavishly upon the offerings within the churches, and when we might think they should be satisfied, they ask for more. As we consider Peter's words, perhaps it would be good for us to read the story of Balaam and be reminded of his great error. God forbid that our Heavenly Father should have to use a donkey or some other beast to speak to us before we would follow after His ways in contrast to the natural ways of these false teachers.

Next time Peter will tell of the donkey speaking to Balaam, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

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