2 Peter 2:7 – and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter continues his chain of examples showing how God judges the wicked but also saves the faithful. He now focuses on Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who lived in the city of Sodom before it was destroyed.
Peter calls Lot a righteous man because Lot believed in God and tried to live according to what was right, even though he was surrounded by people who lived wicked, lawless lives. Peter says Lot was distressed by what he saw—the evil, immoral behavior of the people around him bothered him deeply.
The point here is simple but powerful: God didn’t forget Lot. Even though he lived in a sinful city, God saw Lot’s heart and rescued him before judgment came. Peter is showing that God knows how to protect His people, even when they are surrounded by evil.
Historical Context
This story comes from Genesis 19. Lot had chosen to live in Sodom, but over time, the city became filled with violence, corruption, and sexual sin. Lot witnessed all of this, and it grieved him.
When God sent angels to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, they warned Lot to leave. Lot hesitated, but because God was merciful, the angels grabbed his hand and led him and his family out of the city before the destruction began.
Peter’s readers would have known this story well. It showed them that while God’s judgment is real, so is His power to rescue.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that righteous people can live in a sinful world and feel the weight of it. Lot wasn’t perfect, but he trusted God and was troubled by the evil around him.
It also teaches that God sees His people. Even when surrounded by wickedness, God knows who belongs to Him and will rescue them.
This verse is part of Peter’s bigger message that God is both Judge and Savior.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses strong emotional language here. He describes Lot as distressed—meaning troubled, worn down, deeply bothered—by the sinfulness of the people around him. This shows that Lot’s righteousness wasn’t just about behavior; it affected how he felt and responded to evil.
This verse is also part of a larger sentence that started in verse 4 and runs all the way to verse 9. Peter is building a careful argument, stacking up examples to make his point clear.
Cross-References
- Genesis 19:1-29 – The full story of Lot’s rescue from Sodom.
- Psalm 34:17 – The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.
- Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
- Luke 17:28-30 – Jesus compares the days of Lot to the coming judgment.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that it’s possible to live in a world filled with sin without becoming part of it. Like Lot, believers today may feel distressed by what they see happening around them—violence, immorality, dishonesty, injustice.
This verse encourages believers to keep living rightly, even when surrounded by people who do not. And it gives hope: God sees His people and knows how to rescue them.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is clear in this verse because He does not abandon those who belong to Him. Even though judgment was coming to Sodom, God sent messengers to warn and rescue Lot.
This shows us that God’s love is personal. He is not only concerned with judging the wicked; He is deeply concerned with saving the righteous. He sees the suffering and struggle of His people and acts to deliver them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Lot’s rescue is a small picture of what Jesus came to do for all who believe. Just as Lot was pulled out of Sodom before judgment fell, Jesus came to rescue us from the judgment we deserve.
Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 10:28 says Jesus gives eternal life and no one can snatch His people out of His hand.
Lot’s story is a foreshadowing of the much greater rescue Jesus accomplished at the cross.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt distressed or troubled by the sin you see in the world around you? How do you respond to it?
- What does Lot’s rescue teach you about God’s ability to protect His people?
- How can you live righteously in a world that often celebrates sin?
- Why is it important to remember that God’s judgment and His mercy go hand in hand?
- How does Lot’s story help you appreciate the salvation offered through Jesus?