2 Peter 2:10

King James Version (KJV)

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

But chiefly them that walk - That is, God will in the most signal manner punish them that walk after the flesh - addict themselves to sodomitical practices, and the lust of pollution; probably alluding to those most abominable practices where men abuse themselves and abuse one another.

Despise government - They brave the power and authority of the civil magistrate, practising their abominations so as to keep out of the reach of the letter of the law; and they speak evil of dignities - they blaspheme civil government, they abhor the restraints laid upon men by the laws, and would wish all governments destroyed that they might live as they list.

Presumptuous are they - Τολμηται· They are bold and daring, headstrong, regardless of fear.

Self-willed - Αυθαδεις· Self-sufficient; presuming on themselves; following their own opinions, which no authority can induce them to relinquish.

Are not afraid to speak evil of dignities - They are lawless and disobedient, spurn all human authority, and speak contemptuously of all legal and civil jurisdiction. Those in general despise governments, and speak evil of dignities, who wish to be under no control, that they may act as freebooters in the community.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

But chiefly - That is, it may be presumed that the principles just laid down would be applicable in an eminent degree to such persons as he proceeds to designate.

That walk after the flesh - That live for the indulgence of their carnal appetites. Notes, Romans 8:1.

In the lust of uncleanness - In polluted pleasures. Compare the notes at 2 Peter 2:2.

And despise government - Margin: “dominion.” That is, they regard all government in the state, the church, and the family, as an evil. Advocates for unbridled freedom of all sorts; declaimers on liberty and on the evils of oppression; defenders of what they regard as the rights of injured man, and yet secretly themselves lusting for the exercise of the very power which they would deny to others - they make no just distinctions about what constitutes true freedom, and in their zeal array themselves against government in all forms. No topic of declamation would be more popular than this, and from none would they hope to secure more followers; for if they could succeed in removing all respect for the just restraints of law, the way would be open for the accomplishment of their own purposes, in setting up a dominion ever the minds of others. It is a common result of such views, that men of this description become impatient of the government of God himself, and seek to throw off all authority, and to live in the unrestrained indulgence of their vicious propensities.

Presumptuous are they - Τολμηταὶ Tolmētai- daring, bold, audacious, presumptuous men.

Self-willed - αὐθάδεις authadeisSee the notes at Titus 1:7.

They are not afraid to speak evil of dignities - The word rendered “dignities” here, ( δόξας doxasmeans properly honor, glory, splendor; then that which is fitted to inspire respect; that which is dignified or exalted. It is applied here to men of exalted rank; and the meaning is, that they did not regard rank, or station, or office - thus violating the plainest rules of propriety and of religion. See the notes at Acts 23:4-5. Jude, between whose language and that of Peter in this chapter there is a remarkable resemblance, has expressed this more fully. He says, 2 Peter 2:8, “These filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” It is one of the effects of religion to produce respect for superiors; but when men are self-willed, and when they purpose to give indulgence to corrupt propensities, it is natural for them to dislike all government. Accordingly, it is by no means an unfrequent effect of certain forms of error to lead men to speak disrespectfully of those in authority, and to attempt to throw off all the restraints of law. It is a very certain indication that men hold wrong opinions when they show disrespect to those in authority, and despise the restraints of law.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Impure seducers and their abandoned followers, give themselves up to their own fleshly minds. Refusing to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ, they act against God's righteous precepts. They walk after the flesh, they go on in sinful courses, and increase to greater degrees of impurity and wickedness. They also despise those whom God has set in authority over them, and requires them to honour. Outward temporal good things are the wages sinners expect and promise themselves. And none have more cause to tremble, than those who are bold to gratify their sinful lusts, by presuming on the Divine grace and mercy. Many such there have been, and are, who speak lightly of the restraints of God's law, and deem themselves freed from obligations to obey it. Let Christians stand at a distance from such.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

10. But chiefly. Peter now returns to the contemporary scene and again deals with the false teachers and their corrupting ways.

Them that walk. This phrase describes a specific class of those who are being punished (v. 9).

After the flesh. Compare the parallel passage in Jude 7. In the lives of the false teachers flesh was the dominant factor and they followed its leadership (cf. on Rom. 8:4, 5).

Lust. Gr. epithumia (see on Rom. 7:7).

Uncleanness. Gr. miasmos, “pollution,” “corruption.” From miasmos is derived our English word “miasma.” The word occurs only here in the NT and refers to the act of defiling or pollution (cf. on v. 20). From these words, and vs. 2, 12-22, it is clear that those who troubled the church spread not only false doctrines but also gross immorality. It is a fact that throughout the history of the Christian church weak doctrines have often been accompanied by weak morals. Those who depart from God’s standard of truth find it easy to abandon His standard of personal conduct also.

Despise government. Or, “despise lordship.” The word for “lordship” (kuriotÄ“s) is translated “dominion,” and is applied to angels in Eph. 1:21 and Col. 1:16, and possibly in Jude 8. However, most commentators agree that here it refers to the lordship of Christ. In v. 1 the apostle foretells that the heretical teachers will deny “the Lord that bought them,” and in v. 11 he implies that they pay scant respect to the Lord, so they may be truly said to despise the lordship of Jesus Christ. One way of testing the validity of new teaching is to analyze its approach to the Deity—is it truly reverent, or does it treat the Godhead disrespectfully?

Presumptuous. Or, “daring men,” that is, recklessly adventurous persons, especially in their opposition to authority.

Selfwilled. Literally, “self-pleasing,” implying arrogance. The deceivers were determined to have their own way, even in defiance of authority.

Not afraid. The clause reads literally, “they do not tremble [when] blaspheming glories.” Opinion is divided as to whom the “dignities,” or “glories” (doxai), refer. Some see a reference to evil angels, but it is difficult to understand how these can be blasphemed. Others, with some reason, apply the words to good angels, suggesting that the false teachers spoke in a derogatory way about them. Yet others find a reference to the whole heavenly family, including God, Christ, and the angels. Still others prefer to see a reference to local earthly authorities against whom the heretics recklessly speak evil. Final choice between the possible applications depends on the interpretation given to v. 11 (see comment there).

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Ellen G. White
Conflict and Courage, 108.1

These men are arrogant and presumptuous—they think nothing of scoffing at the glories of the unseen world. 2 Peter 2:10, Phillips. CC 108.1

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Ellen G. White
Patriarchs and Prophets, 386

The Bible specially teaches us to beware of lightly bringing accusation against those whom God has called to act as His ambassadors. The apostle Peter, describing a class who are abandoned sinners, says, “Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” 2 Peter 2:10, 11. And Paul, in his instruction for those who are placed over the church, says, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” 1 Timothy 5:19. He who has placed upon men the heavy responsibility of leaders and teachers of His people will hold the people accountable for the manner in which they treat His servants. We are to honor those whom God has honored. The judgment visited upon Miriam should be a rebuke to all who yield to jealousy, and murmur against those upon whom God lays the burden of His work. PP 386.1

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Ellen G. White
Reflecting Christ, 321.4

All the men of that generation were not in the fullest sense of the term heathen idolaters. Many had a knowledge of God and His law; but they not only rejected the message of the faithful preacher of righteousness themselves, but used all their influence to prevent others from being obedient to God. To everyone comes a day of trial and trust. That generation had their day of opportunity and privilege while Noah was sounding the note of warning of the coming destruction; but they yielded their minds to the control of Satan rather than of God, and he deceived them, as he did our first parents. He set before them darkness and falsehood in the place of light and truth; and they accepted his sophistry and lies, because they were acceptable to them, and in harmony with their corrupt lives, while truth that would have saved them was rejected as a delusion. Numbers were not on the side of right.—The Signs of the Times, April 1, 1886. RC 321.4

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Ellen G. White
Confrontation, 89.4

“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.” 2 Peter 2:10-14. Con 89.4

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2 Peter 2:10