Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
Though far greater in power and might, angels bring no insulting charge against fallen authorities even before the Lord. By contrast the verse exposes arrogant, self-willed people who indulge impure desires and boldly insult authorities and things they do not understand. That corrupt spirit marks deceivers to appear just before the Lord's coming, and also professed believers who teach the law while living in adultery, deception, and greed. Therefore its followers are to refuse self-exaltation and abusive speech, learning meekness and lowliness from Jesus and from Michael, leaving condemnation to God even when opposing wrong. This requires honoring those God calls to lead His people instead of murmuring against them, and meeting temptation as Christ did by answering with Scripture rather than insult.
Meaning and Context
Whereas angels are greater in power and might, they bring no railing accusation against dignities and authorities before the Lord. Their restraint before God stands in contrast to those who do accuse, for angels stronger than wicked men still do not revile them before Him.
By contrast, presumptuous and self-willed sinners are not afraid to speak evil of dignities and of government and of what they do not understand. They are abandoned sinners who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, live in fleshly lust and uncleanness, despise government and despise authority, and revile dignities.
Peter thus identifies a corrupt class to be manifested in the last days, including spiritualists and other deceivers. That description belongs to the picture of the state of things just prior to the coming of the Lord and stands as a sign of the soon coming of Jesus Christ.
That portrait exposes men and women claiming to believe the truth and to teach the law of God while breaking that law. They are low and vile in thought and common in talk and deportment, committing adultery, sporting with their deceivings, having eyes full of adultery that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls, with hearts exercised with covetous practices, and forsaking the right way for the way of Balaam. Their condition comes from holding truth apart from life and not practicing it, having Christian profession without living principle controlling conduct and character.
The same kind of men caused much trouble in the early church and appear now. They hold their own opinions as never to be given up, think their judgment infallible, and bring confusing, pleasing sophistries that injure the work, so all must be on guard to meet similar conditions today.
Instruction and Application
The verse lays down a practical rule to be carried out in life: not to exalt self and not to bring railing accusation, but to be meek and lowly in heart after the pattern of Jesus. He did not exalt Himself but came to earth meek and lowly in heart, traveling on foot from place to place, yet He was the greatest Teacher ever on earth. Those who follow Him are to learn from Him and be just what He wants them to be, carrying on God's work sensibly with men and women connected in the work, each carrying their part in a way that glorifies God.
Even though greater in power and might, angels bring no railing accusation before the Lord, and God's servants must do the same by withholding severe accusations and leaving condemning and judging to God. Even when opposing evil they are to act with wisdom, meekness and restraint rather than retaliate or use words that heaven would not speak. The example of Michael the Archangel shows that truth's sanctifying power appears when people learn Christ's meekness and lowliness instead of speaking accusations.
That restraint contrasts with presumptuous, self-willed people who speak evil of dignities, and warns against such evil-speaking. Caution is to be exercised against lightly bringing accusation against those God has called as His ambassadors, for leaders and teachers of His people whom God has honored must be honored. God will hold the people accountable for how they treat His servants, and the judgment visited upon Miriam stands as a rebuke to jealousy and murmuring against those on whom God lays the burden of His work. Christ followed this same example when tempted, for He did not rail against the tempter but answered each temptation with God's Word, so His followers are to meet the enemy's attacks with Scripture rather than deceptive arguments.
Though far greater in power and might, angels bring no insulting charge against fallen authorities even before the Lord. By contrast the verse exposes arrogant, self-willed people who indulge impure desires and boldly insult authorities and things they do not understand. That corrupt spirit marks deceivers to appear just before the Lord's coming, and also professed believers who teach the law while living in adultery, deception, and greed. Therefore its followers are to refuse self-exaltation and abusive speech, learning meekness and lowliness from Jesus and from Michael, leaving condemnation to God even when opposing wrong. This requires honoring those God calls to lead His people instead of murmuring against them, and meeting temptation as Christ did by answering with Scripture rather than insult.
Meaning and Context
Whereas angels are greater in power and might, they bring no railing accusation against dignities and authorities before the Lord. Their restraint before God stands in contrast to those who do accuse, for angels stronger than wicked men still do not revile them before Him.
By contrast, presumptuous and self-willed sinners are not afraid to speak evil of dignities and of government and of what they do not understand. They are abandoned sinners who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, live in fleshly lust and uncleanness, despise government and despise authority, and revile dignities.
Peter thus identifies a corrupt class to be manifested in the last days, including spiritualists and other deceivers. That description belongs to the picture of the state of things just prior to the coming of the Lord and stands as a sign of the soon coming of Jesus Christ.
That portrait exposes men and women claiming to believe the truth and to teach the law of God while breaking that law. They are low and vile in thought and common in talk and deportment, committing adultery, sporting with their deceivings, having eyes full of adultery that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls, with hearts exercised with covetous practices, and forsaking the right way for the way of Balaam. Their condition comes from holding truth apart from life and not practicing it, having Christian profession without living principle controlling conduct and character.
The same kind of men caused much trouble in the early church and appear now. They hold their own opinions as never to be given up, think their judgment infallible, and bring confusing, pleasing sophistries that injure the work, so all must be on guard to meet similar conditions today.
Instruction and Application
The verse lays down a practical rule to be carried out in life: not to exalt self and not to bring railing accusation, but to be meek and lowly in heart after the pattern of Jesus. He did not exalt Himself but came to earth meek and lowly in heart, traveling on foot from place to place, yet He was the greatest Teacher ever on earth. Those who follow Him are to learn from Him and be just what He wants them to be, carrying on God's work sensibly with men and women connected in the work, each carrying their part in a way that glorifies God.
Even though greater in power and might, angels bring no railing accusation before the Lord, and God's servants must do the same by withholding severe accusations and leaving condemning and judging to God. Even when opposing evil they are to act with wisdom, meekness and restraint rather than retaliate or use words that heaven would not speak. The example of Michael the Archangel shows that truth's sanctifying power appears when people learn Christ's meekness and lowliness instead of speaking accusations.
That restraint contrasts with presumptuous, self-willed people who speak evil of dignities, and warns against such evil-speaking. Caution is to be exercised against lightly bringing accusation against those God has called as His ambassadors, for leaders and teachers of His people whom God has honored must be honored. God will hold the people accountable for how they treat His servants, and the judgment visited upon Miriam stands as a rebuke to jealousy and murmuring against those on whom God lays the burden of His work. Christ followed this same example when tempted, for He did not rail against the tempter but answered each temptation with God's Word, so His followers are to meet the enemy's attacks with Scripture rather than deceptive arguments.