2 Peter 2:11
We should not despise or speak evil of those in authority over us, as angels do not rail against civil magistrates.
John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:11, emphasizing the superiority of good angels over earthly authorities and their restraint in not bringing accusations against them, despite their higher power and might. He contrasts this behavior with that of false teachers and men who often slander and disrespect those in positions of authority. Gill highlights that angels, who serve as guardians and protectors, do not rail against even the flawed magistrates, thus illustrating the importance of respecting authority. This serves as a reminder for believers to honor and uphold the dignity of those in power, reflecting the humility and respect shown by the angels.
Text
Ver. 11. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might,....
Which is not to be understood of evil angels, or devils; for, besides that they are greatly weakened and impaired by their fall, they are the accusers of men, and railers and slanderers of the best and greatest of men, and the origin of all the blasphemies that are vented against God or men; but of good angels, who excel in strength, who are not only guardians to particular men, and encamp about the saints, but preside over provinces and kingdoms, for which their power and might do abundantly qualify them; and in which they are greater, that is, not than the devils, or than the false teachers, though both are true, but than dominions and dignities, than kings, princes, and civil magistrates: and yet these
bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord; either "against themselves", as the Arabic version and one of Beza's copies read; against one another, against those of their own species, that are in a higher or lower class or office than themselves; and therefore men ought not to despise magistracy, or the higher powers that are over them: or else against the fallen angels, the devils, as should seem from Jude 1:9, or rather against civil magistrates, kings, and princes of this world, who, though so much below them, they vouchsafe to take under their care, and protect them, even Heathen princes, Da 10:20; and though there may be oftentimes many things unbecoming in them, yet they do not accuse them, or rail against them before the Lord; and even when, by his orders, they inflict punishment on their persons, as on Sennacherib, and Herod, and others, yet they do not speak evil of their office; and therefore, since angels, who are so much above men, even above the most dignified among them, behave in this manner, it must be an aggravation of the sin of these persons, who are so much below them, to speak evil of them.
Sermon Outline
- Angels Greater in Power and Might
- Angels' Behavior Towards Civil Magistrates
- Implications for Men
- Understanding the Context
- Angels' Role and Responsibilities
- No Railing Accusation
- Protecting and Caring for Magistrates
- Not Despising Magistracy
- Aggravation of Sin
Key Quotes
“and therefore men ought not to despise magistracy, or the higher powers that are over them” — John Gill
“they do not speak evil of their office” — John Gill
“it must be an aggravation of the sin of these persons, who are so much below them, to speak evil of them” — John Gill
Application Points
- We should respect and obey those in authority over us, even if they are flawed or imperfect.
- Speaking evil of those in authority is a sin and an aggravation of our own sinfulness.
- We can learn from angels' behavior towards magistrates and strive to emulate their respect and obedience.