Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Peter 2:10

"but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:" — 2 Peter 2:10 (ASV)

(10a) God’s wrath is especially certain to fall on the false teachers of Peter’s day. He characterizes them as “those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature”—a reference to sexual profligacy. They also “despise authority.” “Authority” (GK 3262) may refer to the rejection of angelic powers (cf. Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16), but more likely it refers to their rejection of the rule of the Lord (GK 3261) Jesus Christ over them.

(10b) The false teachers are “bold and arrogant”—i.e., presumptuous and selfwilled. They respect no one, and nothing restrains them. “They are not afraid to slander celestial beings”—probably referring to fallen angels. As to when they slandered or what kind of slander was involved, one can only surmise. Perhaps the false teachers were accused of being in league with Satan, and their reply was to disparage and mock him (cf.Jude 8–9).