Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Peter 2:11

"whereas angels, though greater in might and power, bring not a railing judgment against them before the Lord." — 2 Peter 2:11 (ASV)

Whereas angels. The purpose of referring to angels here is to show that they, even when manifesting the greatest zeal in a righteous cause and even when opposing others, did not use reproachful terms or harsh and violent language. It is not known precisely to what Peter alludes here, nor on what this statement is based. There can be little doubt, however, as Benson has remarked, that from the strong resemblance between what Peter says and what Jude says (Jude 1:9–10), there is an allusion to the same thing, and probably both referred to some common tradition among the Jews concerning the contention of the archangel Michael with the devil about the body of Moses. See the notes on Jude 1:9.

Since the statement in Jude is the most complete, it is proper to explain the passage before us by referring to it; and we may suppose that, although Peter uses the plural term and speaks of angels, he really had the case of Michael in mind and meant to refer to it as an example of what angels do. Whatever may have been the origin of this tradition, no one can doubt that what is said here about the angels aligns with probability, and no one can prove that it is not true.

Which are greater in power and might. And who, therefore, if it were ever proper, might speak freely of things of an exalted rank and dignity. It would be more fitting for them than for humans. On this difficult passage, see the notes on Jude 1:9.

Bring not railing accusation. They simply say, The Lord rebuke thee (Jude 1:9). Compare Zechariah 3:2. The Greek here is, “bring not blasphemous or reproachful judgment, or condemnation”—blasfhmon krisin. They abhor all abusive language and violence of speech; they simply state matters as they are. No one can doubt that this aligns with what we should expect from angels, and that if they had occasion to speak of those who were opponents, they would do so in a calm and serious manner, not seeking to overwhelm them with reproaches.

Against them. Margin, against themselves. So the Vulgate. The more correct reading is against them; that is, against those who might be regarded as their adversaries (Jude 1:9), or those of their own rank who had done wrong—the fallen angels.

Before the Lord. When standing before the Lord, or when represented as reporting the conduct of evil spirits. Compare Zechariah 3:1-2. This phrase, however, is missing in many manuscripts. See Wetstein.