What is the context?
Peter now develops the description of the false teachers. They indulge corrupt desires, despise authority and speak arrogantly about what they do not understand. Their presumption is contrasted with the restraint of angels who are greater in power.
The picture of irrational animals exposes lives driven by appetite rather than understanding. They openly pursue pleasure while sharing the community’s meals. Lust and practiced greed make other people targets. The word behind entice pictures luring with bait.
Balaam supplies the example of seeking wrongful gain. Numbers 22 describes Balak offering him honor and reward to curse Israel, and God confronting him through the donkey and the angel of the Lord. Peter uses that rebuke to expose the madness of letting gain rule one’s response to God.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The identity of the glorious beings in verse 10 receives different readings. Calvin and Wesley understand the insults as directed toward people in authority. The USCCB’s study note considers angelic beings more likely, especially alongside Jude 8–10. These readings share the warning against arrogant contempt, while differing over its immediate objects.
Calvin and Wesley both connect Balaam with the desire for wrongful gain and understand the teachers’ conduct as leading toward judgment. Peter connects their teaching with greed, seduction and disregard for God.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
In Revelation 2:12–17, Jesus also uses Balaam’s example in warning a church. He identifies the counsel that led Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality and calls His people to repent. The earlier story remains a warning within Christ’s care for His churches.
Titus 2:11–14 states the larger purpose: Christ gave Himself to redeem people from lawlessness and make them His own, eager for good work. Peter’s warning protects that calling against teaching that uses people to feed a leader’s desires.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.