2 Peter 2:10

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” (kuriotes) 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 tally 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).