Lexical Summary exakoloutheó: To follow closely, to follow after, to imitate Original Word: ἐξακολουθέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance follow. From ek and akoloutheo; to follow out, i.e. (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to -- follow. see GREEK ek see GREEK akoloutheo HELPS Word-studies 1811 eksakolouthéō (from 1537 /ek, "wholly out from," intensifying 190 /akolouthéō, "follow") – properly, completely follow (literally, "wholly out from"), i.e. closely imitating (emulating) someone as a model or leader. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and akoloutheó Definition to follow (out, up), i.e. to imitate NASB Translation follow (2), followed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1811: ἐξακολουθέωἐξακολουθέω, ἐξακολούθω: future ἐξακολουθήσω; 1 aorist participle ἐξακολουθησας; to follow out or up, tread in one's steps; a. τῇ ὁδῷ τίνος, metaphorically, to imitate one's way of acting: 2 Peter 2:15, cf. Isaiah 56:11. b. to follow one's authority: μύθοις, 2 Peter 1:16; Josephus, Antiquities prooem. 4 (ἀρχηγοῖς, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 14, 1 [ET]; δυσί βασιλεῦσι, Test xii. Patr., p. 643 (test. Zeb. § 9)). c. to comply with, yield to: ἀσελγείαις (Rec. ἀπωλείαις), 2 Peter 2:2, (πνεύμασι πλάνης, Test xii. Patr., p. 665 (test. Napht. § 3; τοῖς πονηροῖς διαβουλίοις, xii. Patr., p. 628 test. Isa. § 6); cf. also Amos 2:4; Job 31:9; Sir. 5:2). Among secular authors, Polybius, Plutarch, occasionally use the word; (add Dionysius Halicarnassus, de comp. verb. § 24, p. 188, 7; Epictetus diss. 1, 22, 16). Greek 1811 (ἐξακολουθέω) depicts an intentional, sustained following. The term carries the sense of tracing a path laid down by another—either faithfully embracing truth or, in the negative usage that dominates its New Testament appearances, doggedly adhering to error. It combines the ideas of outward imitation and inward alignment, stressing continued commitment rather than a momentary choice. Occurrences in 2 Peter 2 Peter alone contains all three inspired uses: Across these references, the word consistently emphasizes a deliberate, ongoing choice of allegiance—either to truth or to error. Theological Implications 1. Authority of Apostolic Witness: The first occurrence underscores that the gospel rests on historical revelation, not on myths. To “follow” truth is to submit to the eyewitness testimony of those Christ commissioned (Acts 1:8; John 15:27). Historical Context Second-century church fathers testify that pseudo-Christian groups exploited the name of Jesus while denying His lordship. Peter’s letter, likely penned in the mid-60s A.D., pre-emptively exposes such movements. His vocabulary mirrors contemporary philosophical schools where “following” a teacher denoted full-life discipleship. By appropriating this term, Peter frames the church’s struggle as one of discipleship—whether to Christ or to counterfeit guides. Relationship to Other Biblical Themes • Discipleship: Jesus called individuals to “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19). ἐξακολουθέω places that invitation in stark relief; there is no neutral ground. Warnings Against False Teachers Peter’s linkage of ἐξακολουθέω with moral corruption indicates that detection of error is not merely doctrinal but ethical. Greed, sensuality, and rebellion against authority accompany doctrinal deviation (2 Peter 2:10, 18–19). Ministries must therefore evaluate both message and lifestyle before granting a platform (1 Timothy 5:22; Titus 1:10–11). Call to Authentic Apostolic Witness Because the apostles did not “follow cleverly devised myths,” modern proclaimers are summoned to: 1. Anchor preaching in the historic life, death, resurrection, and promised return of Jesus Christ. Application for Ministry • Catechesis: Systematically teach believers how the storyline of Scripture exposes and refutes the myths of each generation. Summary Greek 1811 warns that everyone is a follower; the only question is whose footsteps we trace. Peter deploys the term to set before the church the stark alternatives of truth versus deception, holiness versus corruption, life versus judgment. Faithful ministry must therefore continually call people to “follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (Revelation 14:4), rejecting every counterfeit way. Englishman's Concordance 2 Peter 1:16 V-APA-NMPGRK: σεσοφισμένοις μύθοις ἐξακολουθήσαντες ἐγνωρίσαμεν ὑμῖν NAS: For we did not follow cleverly devised KJV: not followed cunningly devised INT: cleverly-imagined fables having followed out we made known to you 2 Peter 2:2 V-FIA-3P 2 Peter 2:15 V-APA-NMP Strong's Greek 1811 |