22 “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
We have, in verses 22 and 23, three tactics in dealing with error:
1. Show mercy to the wavering heretic.
2. Use boldness with the confirmed heretic.
3. Use caution in showing mercy to heretics.
1:22
And on some have compassion,
The object of compassion here is on apostates. These are people who waver in their doubts about the Word of God. If apostates show positive volition toward the Word of God, the believer should respond positively to them.
making a distinction;
The purpose of rebuke is correction and restoration, not condemnation. Our approach to apostates must have the “distinction” or discernment of having “compassion” on them.
1:23
but others save with fear,
Jude recommends two separate courses of action in dealing with apostates. (1) For some, we show “compassion,” and (2) others, we attempt to save by resolute warning.
The “others” here are non-Christian false teachers. Christians are to approach false teachers “with fear” (caution) for their souls.
pulling them out of the fire,
Apostates stand on the brink of eternal damnation–hellfire.
hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
The “flesh” here refers to the total man, psychological man, and the sin capacity.
“Hate” is a legitimate exercise when it comes to apostasy.
The “garment” is proverbial, referring to avoiding even the most remote aspect of apostasy. It is important in dealing with apostates because of the possibility of contamination with their false beliefs.
PRINCIPLE:
Spiritual discernment is necessary for dealing with the victims of doubt.
APPLICATION:
There is a sense of judgment necessary in dealing with people who fall into or are falling into apostasy. It is possible to drive people into apostasy by our attitude.
There is a difference between doubt and disbelief. Those in the category of doubt need to be treated with distinction.
Doctrinal defilement spreads quickly, so it is important to “hate” theological error.
Passion flows out of compassion. The Greek word for “compassion” occurs 31 times in the New Testament but is only translated as “compassion” three times. It is translated as “pity” or “mercy.” We need a capacity for mercy. Mercy is not natural to us. We are cruel and live according to the law of the jungle. We do not want to be bothered with false teaching. Our attitude is, “let them go to hell.” We are the best Christians some people know, but they will never hear it from us because we have no compassion.
Hi Dr. Richison,
We are sitting here in our Jude bible study, and we have a question regarding verse 23 “but with others, save with fear” for their souls. Whose souls (the apostate’s or the Christian’s)? Thanks
Meghan
Meghan,
Good to hear from you. It has been a couple years (I guess).
This passage refers to apostates in both cases. There are some apostates that we approach with “mercy” because there is some openness on their part and others approach with warning because they are shut down regarding truth. The issue in verses 22 and 23 is evangelistic approach–one class of apostates we approach with mercy and the other class with warning.
Are you practicing medicine or have you learned how to do it? 🙂
Blessings,
Grant
Thank you for posting such a commentary on Jude. I read this passage for years and never properly understood it in the light of its proper context. I believe we need to have discernment in dealing with the deceived and the deceivers, because I realized that some people love doctrinal error. Our only hope in such cases is that God grant them repentance as He sees fit.
Jude 22 and 23 are the very important verses in these end times and require deeper illustration and exposition; but however, you are on the track with the Word of God…!!
Are you available for questions regarding some areas in the bible which have confused my friend and therefore led him into doubt and darkness? It’s regarding a part in Isaiah. Please email me and let me know if you are willing to converse with me about it. May you be abundantly blessed. Thank you for your website 🙂
Amy, I would be glad to answer questions.
Thank you Dr. Grant. It would be a little long, do you have an email address I could write to?
I teach the word and its great to know in the body they are always those who are more seasoned and I have people to teach me thank you and may the grace of our Lord be upon you and your household forevermore. God Bless You Brother.
Hi can Jude 1:22 ever be used for a challenge to send missionarys out or winning the lost for Christ.
I want to know more. I believe that if I think I know what is the right way is, Jude is telling me to be patient and understanding to others who might not know
. Maybe my way is not right or perfectly His way. I know its not. Compassion and mercy is what He has for me so I should have the same. To an extent though right?????
No I should not have it to an extent because my Father does not have it to an extent towards me. Amen. Thank you Jesus. Perseverance with gentleness and mercy. Unconditional grace and mercy. I love you Lord. Thanks brother Grant.
Today I saw the Bible Project in “Jude” . I have always been blessed in reading Jude but I’ve been troubled by how to confront those that are “Doubting” . It is is a fearful thing to fall n2 the hands of the living God. Please pray that I be obedient in following Jesus here.