2 Peter 2:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Some explained this as follows: they will be destroyed in their own corruption, like irrational animals born naturally, that is, in no way differing from beasts born only for destruction. "Like irrational animals led by nature" means living by sense alone, and not by intellect or rational life. Therefore they are easily caught for a corrupt way of life. They are led and dragged along by anger and lust. They blaspheme what they do not know, that is, with their characteristic ignorance. Therefore they will be destroyed in the corruption they deserve, receiving the recompense for the lawlessness which they voluntarily prepared for themselves.

They are like irrational animals, that is, they live only at the command of sense and not of reason. They do not live a rational life, and therefore are very prone to corruption, that is, they are drawn by corrupt life. Through ignorance they remain under the power of anger and desire, or, without knowing it, they blaspheme God.

In the second chapter of his Second Epistle, the Apostle Peter rebukes false teachers who introduce destructive heresies or divisions (v. 1). They bring reproach upon the way of truth, that is, upon the Gospel teaching.

They have known the way of righteousness and the holy commandment (v. 21). They have known our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (v. 20). Yet, like irrational animals, they are led by nature (v. 12). They promise freedom while being slaves of corruption (v. 19).

In what does their false teaching consist? Among other things, in this: “They despise authorities, are bold and self-willed, and are not afraid to speak evil of dignities” (v. 10).

Is there not here a clear depiction of contemporary Tolstoyans, who deny lawful authorities? Is it not they who teach a return to the way of life of irrational animals, which know neither property, nor society, nor state?

“Like irrational animals,” and so forth. The evil angels know God’s wrath and fear it. The false teachers are lower and worse than they are.

They stand on the level of animals, which have no concept of the higher world. They are led by nature alone. In them there is no soul, much less spirit. They are led not by reason, but only by natural impulses and urges.

They are born, or the purpose of their existence is, for men to catch and destroy them for their own needs.

“Speaking evil of what they do not understand”: this seems to refer especially to what is beyond their comprehension concerning the glorious ones, or higher authorities (v. 10).

Presenting the particular features of heretics, the Apostle shows how their inward sinfulness is expressed outwardly. It appears in their physical nature, which draws them toward sin, in their irrationality, in their lustful looks, and in the corruption of a heart that constantly seeks fleeting pleasures and every kind of seizure. According to the multitude of their sins, so will be their lot, toward which they are drawn by their sinful nature. Divine condemnation has long weighed upon that nature.