2 Peter 2:13

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

2 Peter 2:13 (KJV)

Context

Second Peter is a letter traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter, though many contemporary scholars regard its authorship as uncertain. In this chapter the author warns Christians about false teachers and their destructive teachings. The immediate context contrasts these false teachers with the righteous, who will be delivered from judgment.

Meaning

The phrase “reward of unrighteousness” indicates that the false teachers will receive a recompense from God that matches their unrighteous behavior. Their actions will not go unpunished; God will hold them accountable. The certainty of divine retribution is a key theme: God will render to each according to his deeds (Romans 2:6).

Those who “count it pleasure to riot in the day time” openly indulge in sinful pleasures without shame, even in daylight. They engage in unrestrained and immoral acts, disregarding God’s commandments and living according to their own desires. This behavior reflects their lack of self-control and their disregard for the moral standards set by God.

Peter describes the false teachers as “spots” and “blemishes.” This vivid imagery signifies that their sinful conduct and deceptive teachings stain and corrupt the purity of the Christian community, bringing spiritual defilement and harm to the body of believers. They “sport themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you,” showing that they deceive themselves while participating in the fellowship meals of the church. Their delight in their own deceivings leads others away from the truth of God’s Word.

Biblical connections

The contrast between the temporary pleasures of sin and the eternal reward of righteousness is central. The wicked earn “deceitful wages” (Proverbs 11:18), but the righteous have a sure reward. Those who love pleasure more than God will face poverty of soul (Proverbs 21:17).

Application

This passage serves as a warning to believers to be cautious of false teachers who masquerade as followers of Christ but lead others astray through ungodly conduct and deception. It reminds us that God will ultimately judge such individuals, and that their actions will have consequences.

As believers, we are called to discernment and to test the teachings we encounter against the truth of Scripture. By being rooted in the Word and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can recognize and avoid the influence of false teachers, thereby preserving the purity and integrity of our faith. The verse also warns against self-deception: those who think they are secure in their sin are actually storing up wrath for themselves. The church must be discerning, recognizing that such individuals can be present even in its fellowship, and must not be led astray by their behavior.