It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness…
Summary: The way of righteousness is in knowing Jesus as Savior. Knowing about Jesus is not the same thing as knowing and following Jesus.
The “way of righteousness” that Peter refers to is the path that leads to heaven. There are other ways and other paths, but there is only one way to be with God eternally. Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14: 6)
There is a story in the Book of Acts about a woman who could predict the future. She was what we might call a ‘spiritualist’ today. When she happens across Paul and Silas, the spirit within her recognized God’s Spirit in the two men and cried out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” (Acts 16: 17)
Jesus used the same phrase as Peter when he explained why John the Baptist had been sent by God. Jesus says, “For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness… “ (Matthew 21:32) He then goes on to explain how we follow this path when he says, “…repent and believe him [Jesus].” (Same verse.)
Who could know Jesus and then turn back to embrace the world? Why would anybody do such a thing?
These are difficult questions. They seem to fly in the face of our Lord’s ability to save those who turn to him. The reality is that just because we turn to Jesus does not mean we give up our right to turn away again. Jesus does not force anyone to be redeemed against their will. The requirement for salvation is that we choose Jesus and turn our back to sin. There is no option for those who want Jesus and want sin, too.
Peter has been telling us about false teachers. The people he describes have come to know about Jesus but apparently do not know Jesus as Savior. It is like the guy who does the warm-up act for a major talent. The people in the audience are there to see the main show. The warm-up act is just something to fill time while the late-comers come in. The false teacher is a warm-up act who looks out at the crowds and basks in the glow of the fan’s adoration, oblivious to the fact that it is not for him.
Judas, the disciple who turned on Jesus, thought he was important. He was one of the twelve disciples and knew Jesus personally. He had been given authority over demons (Luke 9:1) and had allowed Jesus to wash his feet (John 13: 1-30). He knew Jesus attracted attention and he knew how to cash in on Jesus’ fame. Somehow, he missed knowing Jesus as his savior.
Did Judas know the way of righteousness? He heard and saw the same things that the other disciples did. He lived with our savior for the three years of his ministry on earth. He knew, and at the same time, he did not know. What I hear from Peter is that it would have been better if he had not known the little that he did know, and that makes sense. If Judas had not known Jesus, he would never have been in a position to betray him. I think the same holds true for everyone who betrays Jesus.
Application: Acknowledge Jesus as Savior and King, repent and believe.
Food for Thought: How do you describe the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus personally?
Paul said it well in Philippians 3: 7 – 11. It is more about wanting Him than what He provides. Salvation comes with Him, but do you want salvation only, or do you want Jesus? Do you want Heaven, or do you want Jesus? Heaven is as much about a Person as a place. Do you want the place but not the Person? If so, there is a problem.
Excellent reference, Rich!
Thank you!
(Link added for convenience)
11-28-2021, 2 Peter 2:21a, How do you describe the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus personally?
Knowing about Jesus could apply to people who claim to be a Christian because their parents were, or because they’re American. However, this is just a label and means nothing. Their knowing about Jesus is to have information about him, head knowledge. Some may even go to church and do what they consider to be religious things. Jesus talked about some who “never knew” him but claimed they did.
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules”
Matthew 7:21-23, 15: 8-9, John 1:11-13
Those who meet Jesus may have a shallow Bible knowledge but their encounter has great impact. On the cross, Jesus hung between two thieves. One rejected Him while the other chose to believe He was who He proclaimed to be, and was saved. For those who recognize Him and remain on earth, this can be the beginning of a deep, intimate relationship as we choose to learn more about Jesus and live our lives surrendering our revealed sins as convicted by the Holy Spirit, making room for Jesus to grow in our hearts and grow in power as He makes Himself known to those around us.
Luke 23:39-43, John 17:3, I Corinthians 2:10-14, Hebrews 4:15-16
Ron,
I love the example of the “two thieves.” They illustrate well the choice between heaven and hell, faith and fury. It is also encouraging to be reminded of how our Lord works in our hearts to remake us in His image.
👍🏻