John Calvin 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. He therefore shows their rash arrogance, because they dared to take more liberty than even angels. But it seems strange that he says angels do not bring a railing accusation against magistrates. For why should they be opposed to that sacred order, whose author they know is God? Why should they oppose rulers whom they know are carrying out the same ministry as themselves? This reasoning has led some to think that devils are meant; but in this way they by no means escape the difficulty. For how could Satan be so moderate as to spare men, since he is the author of every blasphemy against God? And furthermore, their opinion is refuted by what Jude says (Jude 1:9).

But when we consider the circumstances of the time, what is said applies very suitably to holy angels. For all the magistrates were then ungodly and bloody enemies of the gospel. They must, therefore, have been hateful to angels, the guardians of the Church. He, however, says that men deserving hatred and execration were not condemned by them so that they might show respect to a power divinely appointed. While such moderation is shown by angels, he says, these men fearlessly give vent to impious and unbridled blasphemies.