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2 Peter 2:10b–11
“Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord.”
Peter has been describing the false teachers in increasingly sharp terms, and now he turns to what may be their most alarming characteristic: spiritual arrogance. Humility is one of the surest marks of genuine faith, for the person who has truly encountered the holiness of God and the depth of his own sin cannot help but be humble. He knows what he deserves, and he marvels at the grace that has rescued him.
The false teachers displayed the opposite disposition. They were “bold and willful” (2 Peter 2:10b), driven by their own appetites and opinions rather than by the fear of God. Most strikingly, they did not “tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones.” The identity of the “glorious ones” is debated, but the most likely reading is that it refers to angelic beings, specifically evil angels. The statement in verse 11 that good angels “do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them” confirms that fallen spiritual beings are in view. The false teachers apparently mocked the reality and power of the devil and his demons, and when warned of the danger of falling under demonic influence, they scoffed. In their arrogance, they denied the work of the spiritual forces of evil, thereby opening themselves up to further deception from the father of lies, for a person who does not take Satan’s power seriously cannot discern his influence or guard against his schemes.
Peter contrasts their recklessness with the sobriety of the holy angels, who are vastly greater in might and power than any human being yet do not presume to hurl blasphemous accusations against spiritual beings before the Lord (v. 11). Even in their strength, the good angels exercise restraint and deference, understanding that the spiritual realm is governed by God’s authority alone.
The contrast is damning. Humans, who possess far less power and far less understanding than the angels, have the audacity to speak dismissively about realities that even angels approach with caution. This is the spiritual recklessness that characterizes false teachers in every age; they dismiss dangers that they cannot perceive and parade their supposed spiritual insight while demonstrating profound spiritual blindness. For the church, Peter’s description serves as a warning against arrogance. Christian conviction is not the same as Christian presumption, and we must hold firmly to the truth with the humility of those who know that they see through a glass darkly and who tremble before the majesty of God.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Arrogant speech that arises from a prideful heart is a mark of folly and ungodliness. Let us hold firmly to the truth, but with the sobriety of those who know how much remains beyond our understanding. Humble reverence before the unseen realities of the spiritual world is not weakness but wisdom.
For further study
- Zechariah 3:1–2
- 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
- 1 Peter 5:5–7
- Jude 8–10
The bible in a year
- Psalms 62–64
- Romans 3