Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 1. What we are to understand by "dominion." The word in the original is the same with that in 2 Peter 2:10, translated "government," and means the civil magistrate. 2. What is meant by "despising dominion." These seducers did not cast off governing so as to make it cease; that was not in their power; but in their judgment, desires, insinuations, they laboured to make it accounted void. 3. Upon what ground the apostle condemns them for despising dominions. (1) This was a sin against an ordinance of God (Proverbs 8:15; Romans 13:1). (2) It was a sin against the welfare and happiness of the public. (3) By this despising of government they were in an especial manner their own enemies, and sinned against their own happiness (Proverbs 24:22; Ecclesiastes 10:8).Lessons: 1. How provident is God for man's peace and welfare. 2. God is highly provoked by sin, when He suffers magistrates to be burdensome to a people, and dominion to be abused; when their deliverers and saviours become their destroyers (Proverbs 28:2). 3. God is much seen in causing men's subjection to magistrates. 4. The power given by God to magistrates should be improved for the Giver. 5. The enemies of godliness soon become opposers of civil dominion. They who fear not God, will not be afraid to "speak evil of dignities." 6. Christianity does not destroy but strengthen magistracy. 7. Lust opposes restraint, is an enemy to dominion, loves not to be bridled. (W. Jenkyn, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. |
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