The passage declares that these angels are "reserved unto judgment." Their judgment will take place in the future. (See, 2 Peter 2:4; Rev. 12:7-10.)
That said, 2 Peter 2:4 should not be taken literally. Tartarus is the
mythological underworld of the ancient Greeks, where the Titans were sent for punishment. It is not a real place.
Scripture is clear that when Satan was ejected from heaven, he took a third of the angels with him. (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:3-4; Revelation 12:9)
That said, 2 Peter 2:4 should not be taken literally. Tartarus is the
Scripture is clear that when Satan was ejected from heaven, he took a third of the angels with him. (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:3-4; Revelation 12:9)
These fallen angels, often called demons, are active agents in a spiritual war between the forces of good and evil, just as Satan is. (Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:15; Luke 4:35; John 8:49; Matthew 12:43; Luke 8:30; Acts 16:16; Luke 7:21; Matthew 10:1; Revelation 16:14)
It makes no sense that some of the fallen angels should be locked in an abyss awaiting judgment, while others are free to roam about tempting us, sometimes even possessing people.
It makes no sense that some of the fallen angels should be locked in an abyss awaiting judgment, while others are free to roam about tempting us, sometimes even possessing people.
--Hence, it would appear that 2 Peter 2:4, and also Jude 6, are telling us with figurative language that Satan and his angels had their time of probation in heaven, before being cast out.
Now their eternal destiny is fixed, locked in, as it were, awaiting only the execution of judgment (Mat. 25:41).
--So while they are not physically jailed in a dungeon or abyss, spiritually they are."
F.D. Nichol
