| Geneva Study Bible Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. People's New Testament 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred. Their speculation is stated. They preached, as some do in our own times, that the resurrection is past already. That the resurrection which Christ teaches is only a moral resurrection, a resurrection of the soul to a better life. This error was taught also in Corinth, 1Co 15:12, and found some currency in the second century. Wesley's Notes 2:18 Saying the resurrection is already past - Perhaps asserting that it is only the spiritual passing from death unto life. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 18. erred-Greek, "missed the aim" (see 1Ti 6:21). is past already-has already taken place. The beginnings of the subsequent Gnostic heresy already existed. They "wrested" (2Pe 3:16) Paul's own words (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:6; Col 2:12) "to their own destruction," as though the resurrection was merely the spiritual raising of souls from the death of sin. Compare 1Co 15:12, where he shows all our hopes of future glory rest on the literal reality of the resurrection. To believe it past (as the Seleucians or Hermians did, according to Augustine [Epistles, 119.55, To Januarius, 4]), is to deny it in its true sense. overthrow-trying to subvert "the foundation" on which alone faith can rest secure (2Ti 2:19; compare Tit 1:11). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 2:14-21 Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use. | 
