But chiefly them: the apostle here applies the general doctrine delivered to false teachers, whose character he gives in several particulars; the sense is, that God reserves all wicked men to the day of judgment, but those especially that second their corrupt doctrine with a wicked conversation. The verb
reserve is to be repeated from the former verse.
That walk after the flesh; to walk after the flesh is either:
1. To follow the conduct of the sensual appetite, like brute beasts, which are led by sense, not by reason or judgment: or:
2. More especially it implies their giving up themselves to filthy lusts, probably unnatural ones, Jud_1:7, going after strange flesh.
In the lust of; i.e. through, or out of, implying the cause or spring from whence their actual uncleanness came, viz. their own lust.
Uncleanness; or, pollution; q.d. In the lust whereby they are polluted, or in their impure lusts.
And despise government; i.e. governors, or magistrates; as brotherhood for brethren, 1Pe_2:17.
Presumptuous; Greek, bold, or daring, viz. because
they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Self-willed; stubborn, refractory, addicted to their own ways, and therfore will not be ruled by others.
Dignities; or, glories, viz. rulers and magistrates, whom God hath made glorious, or on whom he hath put the honour of being above others, and made them his own lieutenants and vicegerents upon earth.