2:10 {5} 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 {k} dignities.
(5) He goes to another type of corrupt men, who nonetheless are within the bosom of the Church, who are wickedly given, and do seditiously speak evil of the authority of magistrates
(which the angels themselves that minister before God, do not discredit.) A true and accurate description of the Romish clergy (as they call it.)
(k) Princes and great men, be they ever so high in authority.
2:10 Chiefly them. Those next named will receive the greater punishment.
That walk after the flesh. Follow its dictates and live impure lives.
And despise government. Refuse to submit to authority.
Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. A characteristic of this class is their presumption and a want of reverence for what is high and holy. See Jude 1:8.
2:10 Chiefly them that walk after the flesh - Corrupt nature; particularly in the lust of uncleanness. And despise government - The authority of their governors. Dignities - Persons in authority.
2:10-16 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.
