What does 2 Peter 2:10 mean?

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 dignities. 2 Peter 2:10

Explanation

2 Peter 2:10 focuses on a group of individuals criticized for their rebellious behavior against established authorities and their indulgence in sinful desires. The verse particularly condemns those who follow their carnal instincts (“walk after the flesh”) in pursuing impurity (“in the lust of uncleanness”) and showcase disdain for leadership or governance (“despise government”). The people referred to are described as arrogant (“presumptuous”) and stubborn (“selfwilled”), unafraid to malign those in positions of honor (“speak evil of dignities”).

The verse reflects a moral teaching against indulgence in base desires and a rebellious attitude toward authority. “Dignities” is often interpreted as those who hold respectable positions, possibly in the church or in civil offices, whose authority is ordained by God. The rebuke is against individuals who, in their pursuit of personal freedom and pleasure, reject any form of control or accountability.

Historical Context

2 Peter is a general epistle traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter and is addressed to a broad Christian audience. Written during a time when false teachers and heretics were threatening the early Christian faith, this epistle aims to counteract these influences and encourage believers to remain steadfast.

During the first century, the Roman Empire had a highly structured society with a clear hierarchy. Rebellion against the authority, especially within the context of the Roman government or within the family and social units, was not taken lightly. The false teachers Peter spoke of not only promoted heretical teachings but also often led lives of immorality and rejected any form of authority, be it secular or ecclesiastical.

Theological Insights

From a theological point of view, this verse reflects the early Christian struggle against gnosticism and antinomianism—the belief that under faith, one is free from moral law. The early church leaders stressed that salvation through Christ did not abolish moral imperatives but rather called for a holy life.

There are two prevalent insights:

• Traditional theology holds that God establishes authorities, and rebellion against them is seen as rebellion against God’s ordination.
• Another insight is the emphasis on the danger of false teachings in the church, where these leaders’ irresponsible freedom leads others astray.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse calls for respect for authority and cautions against wanton behavior. It challenges individuals to examine their attitudes toward those in leadership and their own moral choices. It can be applied in everyday situations where there is a temptation to derogate authority or to follow desires that lead to moral compromise. The teaching calls for self-control and a recognition of social structures designed for the common good.

Cross-References

• Jude 1:8: “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.”
• Romans 13:1-2: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers… Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God.”
• 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text and their meanings include:

• “Walk” (πορεύωνται) can mean to conduct oneself or to live in a certain way.
• “Flesh” (σαρκί) often refers to the sinful nature or desires of humans as opposed to spiritual virtues.
• “Lust” (ἐπιθυμία) refers to strong desires or cravings, especially for what is forbidden.
• “Uncleanness” (μιασμοῦ) implies moral impurity or defilement.
• “Despise” (καταφρονέω) means to look down upon or to treat with contempt.
• “Government” (κυριότητος) may refer to dominion or authority, not exclusively secular power.
• “Presumptuous” (τολμηταί) indicates daring or boldness in a negative sense, implying audacity or arrogance.
• “Selfwilled” (αὐθάδεις) denotes someone who is self-pleasing or stubborn.
• “Dignities” (δόξας) suggests glorious or honorable beings, which could reference church leaders or angelic beings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural context of the Greco-Roman world, several mystery religions and philosophical systems, like Stoicism and Epicureanism, had different perspectives on authority and pleasure. For instance, Epicureans sought pleasure as the highest good but within the bounds of moderation unlike the individuals criticized in 2 Peter.

Religiously, the Jewish tradition placed significant emphasis on respecting authority, as seen in the Torah obeying leaders and parents is a recurrent theme. This contrasts with the ideology of the groups criticized by Peter, who advocated for a dismissal of tradition and authority.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, understanding human behavior towards authority and compliance could reflect on the psychological and sociological reasons people may reject or accept leadership. Modern psychology would look at the concepts of rebellion and submission to authority in terms of family dynamics, societal structures, and even neurological influences.

Today’s emphasis on individual freedom and autonomy can, at times, appear to mirror the nonconformity mentioned in the passage but within a context that values consent and personal choice rather than moral laxity.

Commentaries

According to the Expositor’s Bible Commentary, this verse is seen as a warning against the dangers posed by false teachers who propagated error both in doctrine and in moral conduct. Matthew Henry’s Commentary also elaborates on the proud and unholy behavior of these individuals and the judgment that awaits them.

John Calvin, in his commentaries, focuses on the arrogance and insubordination of these false teachers towards God-ordained powers and sees their behavior as a reflection of a deeper spiritual rebellion.

Contemporary biblical scholars tend to view these verses as a part of the Petrine call for holiness, addressing specific historical circumstances where church order and moral purity were under threat.