2 Peter 2:6 – If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter points to another powerful event from the Old Testament to show how serious God is about sin and judgment. He reminds his readers of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah—two cities known for their extreme wickedness. God didn’t just allow their evil to continue; He condemned them and wiped them out by fire.
Peter says this was done as an example to show what will happen to the ungodly. This wasn’t just about two ancient cities—it was a picture, a warning, of what happens when people reject God and live without regard for His ways.
The message is clear: God’s judgment is real, and history proves it. But there’s also a message of mercy because, as we’ll see, God also saved righteous people from that judgment.
Historical Context
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 18-19. These cities were filled with violence, injustice, sexual sin, and a total rejection of God’s ways. God sent angels to warn Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and to rescue him before the destruction came.
The early Christians Peter was writing to would have known this story well. Peter uses it here to make it clear that God will not ignore wickedness forever. Just like He dealt with Sodom and Gomorrah, He will deal with false teachers and those who lead others into sin.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that God is holy and just. He does not turn a blind eye to evil. He does not let sin continue without consequences. When people persist in rebellion, judgment eventually comes.
But this is not just a warning about the past—it’s a picture of the future. Peter says that what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah is a pattern of what will happen to the ungodly. God’s judgment is not random; it is righteous and sure.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses clear, striking language. The phrase “burning them to ashes” is vivid and final. It shows complete and total destruction. The word “example” is key—it tells us that this isn’t just a history lesson but a warning sign.
Peter’s sentence structure follows a pattern from the previous verses: “If God did this in the past… then He will do it again.” He’s stacking up proof after proof to show how seriously God deals with sin.
Cross-References
- Genesis 19:24-25 – God rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah.
- Deuteronomy 29:23 – Sodom and Gomorrah become a symbol of ruin.
- Luke 17:28-30 – Jesus compares the days of Lot to the days before His return.
- Jude 1:7 – Sodom and Gomorrah serve as an example of punishment by eternal fire.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a clear wake-up call. It reminds us that how we live matters. God’s patience is real, but it is not endless. There will be a day when the ungodly face judgment.
It also shows that God’s past actions are a guidepost for the future. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is not just a Bible tale—it’s a warning to every generation not to turn away from God.
For the believer, it’s also a call to live faithfully and warn others, just as Lot and Abraham did.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Some might struggle to see love in this verse, but it’s there. Love does not ignore evil. God’s love is not soft on sin because sin destroys people. By making an example of Sodom and Gomorrah, God was shouting to the world: This is what happens when people reject Me and live for themselves. Don’t go this way.
His love is also seen in how He warned Lot and provided a way of escape. God’s love always comes with a call to turn back to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Himself mentioned Sodom and Gomorrah more than once. In Luke 17:28-30, He compared the sinful days of Lot to how people will be living when He returns—careless, distracted, and ignoring God’s warnings.
But Jesus didn’t just speak of judgment—He came to rescue people from it. Just as God rescued Lot, Jesus came to save anyone who would turn to Him. John 3:16-17 reminds us that God’s goal is not destruction but salvation.
The judgment that fell on Sodom points forward to the judgment Jesus bore on the cross for those who believe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Peter uses the story of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of judgment?
- What can we learn today from the sins and downfall of those cities?
- How does understanding God’s judgment help you appreciate His mercy?
- In what ways is the world today like the days of Sodom and Gomorrah?
- How does the rescue of Lot point to the saving work of Jesus?