Alternatively translated as slander (see NIV), to blaspheme is to make false and harmful statements about another person. Such statements can be made about God (see Exodus 20:7), other persons (1 Peter 4:4; Romans 3:8; 1 Corinthians 10:30; Titus 3:2), or angelic beings.1
Exactly how the heretics slandered angels is unclear. Some commentators2,3 suggests that the heretics were dismissive of demonic powers. Thus when they are rebuked for their immoral behaviour and warned of the danger of falling into the power of the devil and sharing his condemnation, instead of repenting, they laughed at the idea. They did not think that the devil could have any power over them and thus they spoke of him in sceptical and mocking terms.4 Alternatively, slander could be connected to a rejection of authority and divine order. Where the Bible presents the angels as being involved in the final judgment (Matthew 13:39, Matthew 13:41, Matthew 13:49; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:31; Matthew 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 7:2; Revelation 8:2, Revelation 8:6, Revelation 8:13; Revelation 9:15), the heretics reject this idea.5 In rejecting the authority of angels, they also rejected the authority of God.6
10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,