2 Peter 2:13 – They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter continues his strong warning about false teachers and corrupt leaders who live in rebellion against God. He says clearly that these people will be paid back—meaning they will face consequences and judgment for the harm they have caused.
Peter describes how these people live without shame. Most sinful, reckless behavior is done in secret, but these people carouse in broad daylight—they openly live in sin and selfish pleasure, without concern for what is right or how it affects others.
He also calls them blots and blemishes—ugly marks within the community of believers. Instead of being examples of holiness and love, they spoil the beauty of God’s people. Worse, they revel—they delight and take pride—in their sinful behavior, even while sharing in fellowship meals and pretending to be part of the community.
Peter’s words here are a serious warning that these people are not harmless. Their lives bring damage, both to themselves and to others.
Historical Context
In Peter’s time, early Christian churches would gather regularly to eat meals together, often called love feasts or fellowship meals. These gatherings were supposed to be times of encouragement, sharing, and remembering Jesus.
But some false teachers and ungodly people were using these gatherings to indulge themselves and influence others toward sin. Instead of honoring God and building up the church, they were living for pleasure and dragging others down with them.
Peter’s readers needed to understand how serious and dangerous this behavior was.
Theological Implications
This verse shows us that sin always brings consequences. People who harm others and live for selfish pleasure will face God’s judgment. It also reminds us that sin is not just about private choices—it spreads, it hurts others, and it damages the witness of God’s people.
It teaches that being part of a Christian community is not enough; what matters is how a person lives and what they truly believe.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses strong and clear imagery here:
- “Paid back with harm” – emphasizes that God’s justice is real and personal.
- “Carouse in broad daylight” – shows shameless, open sin.
- “Blots and blemishes” – uses visual language to describe how these people spoil the beauty and holiness of the church.
- “Feast with you” – highlights their hypocrisy; they act like they belong while living in rebellion.
Peter’s words are direct and blunt because he wants to shake his readers awake to the danger.
Cross-References
- Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
- Jude 1:12 – “These people are blemishes at your love feasts.”
- Romans 2:5-6 – God will repay each person according to what they have done.
- 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 – Paul rebukes believers who misuse fellowship meals for selfish indulgence.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s believer, this verse is a reminder to be watchful—not everyone who gathers with God’s people is living for God. Some may live for selfish pleasure while pretending to belong.
It also warns Christians not to be drawn in by a culture that celebrates sin without shame. Peter’s words call believers to live differently—to live holy, self-controlled, and sincere lives.
Finally, this verse shows that God sees what others may overlook. He will deal justly with those who harm others and mock His grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This warning is a sign of God’s love. He cares enough to tell His people the truth—that sin harms others and leads to judgment. God will not allow false teachers and sinful behavior to go unchecked forever.
His love is seen in the fact that He wants His people to be holy, pure, and safe from the influence of those who would lead them astray.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus called out hypocrites and false teachers often in His ministry (Matthew 23:27-28). He warned about people who look good on the outside but are full of sin inside.
Jesus also showed that real belonging to God’s family is seen in how a person lives and loves others (John 13:34-35).
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers freedom from the selfish, destructive living Peter describes. He calls His people to live in love, holiness, and truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why does Peter use such strong words to describe these false teachers?
- What does it mean to “carouse in broad daylight,” and how do we see this kind of behavior today?
- How can you guard yourself against people who pretend to belong to God’s people but live in sin?
- Why is it important to take God’s warnings about sin and judgment seriously?
- How does Jesus’ life and teaching show a better way to live?