2 Peter 2:10-11

¹⁰ and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,

¹¹ whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.

the lust of uncleanness (v.10) = lit. “those who go after flesh with a desire for pollution.” Jude 1:7 makes it clear what particular lust Peter refers to.

presumptuous (v.10) = bold, with no concern for other’s, or even their own danger

self-willed (v.10) = self-pleasing, so obsessed with their own desires that they refuse to consider anything else

dignitaries (v.10) = the majesty and glory of angels (Jude 1:8). Sadler (below) has a different view of the dignitaries.

Peter warned his readers how false teachers walk after the lust of the flesh, and “despise government.” In other words, they hate all forms of authority. These unscrupulous leaders are self-willed and refuse to be accountable for their actions. …

One of the trademarks of a false teacher is that he desires absolute power. He will rarely submit himself to the authority of others, such as a board of elders, or if he does, he will make sure those around him can be easily manipulated.

So flagrant are these workers of iniquity, Peter says that “they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.” The word “dignities” here denotes magnificence, excellence, glory, praise, honor, good report, etc. These false teachers speak evil of that which is good and holy. They recklessly take the Lord’s name in vain and openly slander the true servants of the Lord. — Sadler, pages 206-207

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angels (v.11) — Angels, by contrast, have the right to complain to God of the behavior of these arrogant mortals, but refuse to do so: this may be a reference to the kind of incident recorded in Jude 1:9. — Guthrie, page 1255.

reviling (v.11) = lit. slanderous, evil-speaking

The angels that report the irreverent behavior of these false teachers perform their duty with reverence before the throne of heaven. These angels, who are far superior, decline to bring railing accusations against them, unlike the workers of iniquity who arrogantly flaunt their authority. The angels submit themselves to the authority of God, who will judge all things in due time. — Sadler, pages 207-208.

Peter was writing to Jews in the first century and in the future Tribulation. But it’s easy to see these sorts of false teachers today when you drive past churches that boldly proclaim their celebration of sin on banners and signs.