"While Feasting . . .With You"

Although these corrupt men "consider luxurious living in the daytime a pleasure"  and  "are spots and blemishes,"  they are also devious.  They act "quietly," using "counterfeit words," as Peter noted earlier. (2 Peter 2:1, 3, 13)  Thus they may not overtly challenge the elders' attempts to uphold God's moral standards or openly pursue their own sexual gratification. Rather, Peter says that they indulge  "with unrestrained delight in their deceptive teachings while feasting together with you."  And Jude writes:  "These are the rocks hidden below water in your love feasts."  (Jude 12) Yes, just as jagged rocks beneath water may rip the bottom out of a boat, teachers were corrupting  unwary ones for whom they hypocritically feigned love during "love feasts."

These "love feasts" apparently were social occasions when first-century Christians got together to enjoy food and  association.  Jehovah's Witnesses today also sometimes get together socially, perhaps at wedding receptions, on picnics, or for an evening of association.  How could corrupt individuals use such events to seduce victims? Peter writes: "They have eyes full of adultery . . ., and they entice unsteady souls."  They focus their "heart trained in covetousness"  on the spiritually unsteady ones who have failed to make the truth fully their own.  So be forewarned by what happened in Peter's day, and be on guard!  Resist any impure advances, and do not be fooled by the charm or the physical attractiveness of someone making immoral advances! 

Next time: "The Path of Balaam"

The Watchtower, 1997