Jude 1:23
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And others save with fear - "Some of them snatch from the fire: but when they repent, have mercy upon them in fear." - Syriac. "And some of them rebuke for their sins; and on others have mercy when they are convicted; and others save from the fire and deliver them." - Erpen's Arabic. Mr. Wesley's note has probably hit the sense. "Meantime watch over others as well as yourselves; and give them such help as their various needs require. For instance, 1. Some that are wavering in judgment, staggered by others' or by their own evil reasoning, endeavor more deeply to convince of the truth as it is in Jesus. 2. Some snatch with a swift and strong hand out of the fire of sin and temptation. 3. On others show compassion, in a milder and gentler way; though still with a jealous fear, lest you yourselves be infected with the disease you endeavor to cure. See therefore that, while ye love the sinners, ye retain the utmost abhorrence of their sins, and of any, the least degree of or approach to them." Having even the garment spotted by the flesh - Fleeing from all appearance of evil. Dictum sumptum, ut apparet, a mulieribus sanguine menstruo pollutis, quarum vestes etiam pollutae censebantur: or there may be an allusion to a case of leprosy, for that infected the garments of the afflicted person, and these garments were capable of conveying the contagion to others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
save with fear--The oldest manuscripts do not read "with fear" in this position: but after "snatching them out of the fire" (with which, compare Amo 4:11; Co1 3:15; Zac 3:2, said of a most narrow escape), they add the following words, forming a THIRD class, "and others compassionate with (IN) fear." Three kinds of patients require three kinds of medical treatment. Ministers and Christians are said to "save" those whom they are made the instruments of saving; the Greek for "save" is present, therefore meaning "try to save." Jude already (Jde 1:9) had reference to the same passage (Zac 3:1-3). The three classes are: (1) those who contend with you (accusative case in oldest manuscripts), whom you should convict; (2) those who are as brands already in the fire, of which hell-fire is the consummation: these you should try to save by snatching them out; (3) those who are objects of compassion, whom accordingly you should compassionate (and help if occasion should offer), but at the same time not let pity degenerate into connivance at their error. Your compassion is to be accompanied "with fear" of being at all defiled by them. hating--Even hatred has its legitimate field of exercise. Sin is the only thing which God hates: so ought we. even the garment--a proverbial phrase: avoiding the most remote contact with sin, and hating that which borders on it. As garments of the apostles wrought miracles of good in healing, so the very garment of sinners metaphorically, that is, anything brought into contact with their pollution, is to be avoided. Compare as to lepers and other persons defiled, Lev 13:52-57; Lev 15:4-17 : the garments were held polluted; and anyone touching them was excluded, until purified, from religious and civil communion with the sanctified people of Israel. Christians who received at baptism the white garment in token of purity, are not to defile it by any approach to what is defiled.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And others save with fear,.... Meaning false teachers, who lead others into errors, and such as give themselves over unto sin, whether teachers or hearers, and who are obstinate and irreclaimable; even such as these, means should be used to save, if possible, by sharp admonitions and severe language; by denouncing the awful judgments of God, which threaten them; by inflicting on them church censures in a terrible manner; by declaring the terrors of the Lord, and of hell, and of everlasting damnation: pulling them out of the fire; of their soul destroying doctrines, and of their filthy and unnatural lusts, and as it were out of the fire of hell, of which they are in great danger: hating even the garment spotted, by the flesh; by which may be meant the conversation of those men, even their filthy conversation, which is to be hated, though their persons are not; but all ways and means should be used to save them; and this is one way, by showing a dislike unto, and a resentment at their wicked way of living, excluding them from church communion for it, and shunning all conversation with them. The allusion is not to garments defiled by profluvious persons, or menstruous women, as some think, but to garments spotted with nocturnal pollutions, or through unnatural lusts, which these persons were addicted to (l). It was reckoned very dishonourable for religious persons, in the time of divine service, or on a sabbath day, to have on a garment spotted with any thing; if a priest's garments were spotted, and he performed service in them, that service was not right (m); and if a disciple of a wise man had any grease on his garments (on a sabbath day), he was guilty of death (n), (l) Vid. Sueton. in Vita Neronis, c. 28. (m) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 65. 2. & Zebachim, fol. 18. 2. & Piske Tosephot in Yoma, art. 9. & Maimon. Cele Hamikdash, c. 8. sect. 4. (n) T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 114. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:23 Rescue others: Some believers were so open to the false teachers that they were in imminent danger of condemnation. • Show mercy to still others: The third group probably consists of the false teachers themselves or those who had subscribed to the false teachers’ program. Showing mercy might have meant praying for them (cp. Matt 5:44). • Believers need to exercise great caution when showing mercy to false teachers and those who have fallen into their sinful ways, because their sins can be enticing. Cp. Zech 3:1-4; Rev 3:4.
Jude 1:23
A Call to Persevere
22And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt;23save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Peril of the Successful Church
By Carter Conlon1.6K35:57RepentanceMAT 6:33JUD 1:23REV 3:1The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of awe and reverence in the presence of God. It urges individuals not to become casual or familiar with God, but to approach Him with humility and reverence. The speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the worship of the Traw people in Burundi, who despite their extreme poverty, displayed a profound and pure worship of God. The sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a similar level of awe and reverence in their own lives, recognizing that every opportunity to glorify God should be cherished.
Lessons From James 1
By Edwin H. Waldvogel96047:26LessonsMAT 6:33HEB 2:1JAS 1:2JAS 1:27JUD 1:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our limitations and relying on God's strength rather than thinking we can handle everything on our own. He shares statistics about high school girls who thought they could handle certain situations but ended up getting into trouble. The speaker encourages listeners to flee from temptation and run to Jesus for victory. He also highlights the need to pay close attention to the teachings of God and not drift away from them. The sermon concludes with a reminder to trust in God's faithfulness and not try to take matters into our own hands.
Revival Stories: Jonathan Edwards
By E.A. Johnston92318:44BiographyDEU 32:35PSA 9:17MAT 25:41ROM 3:23HEB 9:27JUD 1:23REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to study the lives of great men of God who have brought revival in their time. He encourages the audience to learn from their experiences and understand how God moved among his people during those times. The preacher also highlights the urgency of seeking God's face and praying for revival in the present day. He references a sermon by Mr. Edwards of Northampton, who preached a powerful message on the wrath of God and the need for salvation. The sermon had a profound impact on the listeners, leading to cries for salvation and a deep awareness of the impending judgment of hell. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to reach out to sinners and share the message of Christ's sacrifice, while also praying for revival in America.
Does Prayer Really Matter
By George Verwer73453:25PrayerMAT 6:33ACT 12:12ACT 13:3JAS 5:19JUD 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the neglect of prayer in the Christian movement. He acknowledges the many distractions and activities that can easily take precedence over prayer. He criticizes the trend of reducing prayer time and prioritizing Bible study, highlighting the importance of both prayer and the word of God. The preacher encourages believers to saturate all their activities with prayer and emphasizes the need for a dedicated time of intercession.
The Impotency of the Human Will
By A.W. Pink0JHN 10:28ACT 8:392CO 12:21TH 4:17JUD 1:23REV 12:5The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Harpazo,' which signifies a sudden and forceful snatching away, often with violence and speed, as seen in various biblical instances. This term is commonly associated with the 'rapture,' describing the event where believers will be caught up to be with the Lord, emphasizing the certainty and security of this future event for the true church. The concept of 'Harpazo' conveys the idea of being forcibly seized or taken away, highlighting the believer's ultimate security in Christ, as no one can snatch them out of His hand.
The Spirit of Fire
By Samuel Chadwick0LEV 9:24NUM 3:4MAT 3:11LUK 12:49ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ROM 12:111CO 3:13HEB 12:29JUD 1:23Samuel Chadwick preaches about the significance of fire as a symbol of God's presence and approval, emphasizing the importance of true worship and devotion. He warns against offering 'strange fire' in place of God's fire, which leads to spiritual death and the secularization of the sanctuary. Chadwick highlights the necessity of the Holy Ghost fire in the Church, describing it as the ultimate gift of God that brings moral and spiritual passion, transforming believers into burning and shining lights for Christ. He stresses that true religion is characterized by fervent devotion, righteousness, and a consuming desire to save the lost, and that the Church's power lies in being clothed with the zeal of the Holy Ghost.
Flee From the Wrath to Come
By Don Currin0JOB 36:13LUK 3:7EPH 5:62TI 4:2JUD 1:23Don Currin echoes the urgent message of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones to preach God's judgment on humanity and the world, emphasizing the need to escape from the impending wrath. Despite the reluctance of some church growth strategists to address the topic of judgment, Currin emphasizes the importance of warning about eternal consequences and the fear of God to bring people to salvation. Drawing from biblical references, he highlights the necessity for ministers to proclaim the whole counsel of God, including the reality of judgment and damnation for those who reject Christ.
Life's Magnificent Obsession
By C. William Fisher0PRO 11:30PRO 24:11MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 9:221TH 2:8JAS 5:20JUD 1:23C. William Fisher preaches about the urgent and inescapable preoccupation with the supreme idea of soul winning, emphasizing that it is life's supreme endeavor enabling participation in God's redemptive purpose. He highlights the total response required, the divine assistance needed, and the command from Christ to go and make disciples. Fisher stresses the importance of being magnificently obsessed with winning souls to Christ, as it is the most urgent and inescapable endeavor of the Christian life.
Worse Than Sodom?
By Anton Bosch0GEN 19:242CH 7:14ISA 58:1MAT 5:13LUK 17:26EPH 5:31TH 5:17JAS 5:161PE 1:16JUD 1:23Anton Bosch addresses the alarming trend of churches using worldly tactics like sex-themed promotions to attract people, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of compromising the Gospel for numbers, money, and power. He highlights the urgent need for the true church to wake up, cleanse their hearts, families, and churches, and be the holy, set-apart people God has called them to be. Bosch urges believers to fervently pray for God's will to be done, for the salvation of souls, and to intercede for those caught up in false teachings. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel, teaching the Bible, and upholding Godly standards of holiness in a world where the lines between right and wrong have been blurred.
Walking With Jesus
By Norman Grubb0GAL 2:20HEB 1:9JAS 1:151JN 1:7JUD 1:23Norman P. Grubb, in his sermon, emphasizes the importance of a daily walk with Jesus, focusing on the need for believers to handle temptations and sins on the spot, step by step, rather than relying on a long-term experience for victory. He distinguishes between Satan's condemnation, which is general, and God's conviction, which is specific and immediate. Grubb highlights the significance of walking in God's light, acknowledging sin, and receiving cleansing through the blood of Christ, leading to a life of continuous victory and holiness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And others save with fear - "Some of them snatch from the fire: but when they repent, have mercy upon them in fear." - Syriac. "And some of them rebuke for their sins; and on others have mercy when they are convicted; and others save from the fire and deliver them." - Erpen's Arabic. Mr. Wesley's note has probably hit the sense. "Meantime watch over others as well as yourselves; and give them such help as their various needs require. For instance, 1. Some that are wavering in judgment, staggered by others' or by their own evil reasoning, endeavor more deeply to convince of the truth as it is in Jesus. 2. Some snatch with a swift and strong hand out of the fire of sin and temptation. 3. On others show compassion, in a milder and gentler way; though still with a jealous fear, lest you yourselves be infected with the disease you endeavor to cure. See therefore that, while ye love the sinners, ye retain the utmost abhorrence of their sins, and of any, the least degree of or approach to them." Having even the garment spotted by the flesh - Fleeing from all appearance of evil. Dictum sumptum, ut apparet, a mulieribus sanguine menstruo pollutis, quarum vestes etiam pollutae censebantur: or there may be an allusion to a case of leprosy, for that infected the garments of the afflicted person, and these garments were capable of conveying the contagion to others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
save with fear--The oldest manuscripts do not read "with fear" in this position: but after "snatching them out of the fire" (with which, compare Amo 4:11; Co1 3:15; Zac 3:2, said of a most narrow escape), they add the following words, forming a THIRD class, "and others compassionate with (IN) fear." Three kinds of patients require three kinds of medical treatment. Ministers and Christians are said to "save" those whom they are made the instruments of saving; the Greek for "save" is present, therefore meaning "try to save." Jude already (Jde 1:9) had reference to the same passage (Zac 3:1-3). The three classes are: (1) those who contend with you (accusative case in oldest manuscripts), whom you should convict; (2) those who are as brands already in the fire, of which hell-fire is the consummation: these you should try to save by snatching them out; (3) those who are objects of compassion, whom accordingly you should compassionate (and help if occasion should offer), but at the same time not let pity degenerate into connivance at their error. Your compassion is to be accompanied "with fear" of being at all defiled by them. hating--Even hatred has its legitimate field of exercise. Sin is the only thing which God hates: so ought we. even the garment--a proverbial phrase: avoiding the most remote contact with sin, and hating that which borders on it. As garments of the apostles wrought miracles of good in healing, so the very garment of sinners metaphorically, that is, anything brought into contact with their pollution, is to be avoided. Compare as to lepers and other persons defiled, Lev 13:52-57; Lev 15:4-17 : the garments were held polluted; and anyone touching them was excluded, until purified, from religious and civil communion with the sanctified people of Israel. Christians who received at baptism the white garment in token of purity, are not to defile it by any approach to what is defiled.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And others save with fear,.... Meaning false teachers, who lead others into errors, and such as give themselves over unto sin, whether teachers or hearers, and who are obstinate and irreclaimable; even such as these, means should be used to save, if possible, by sharp admonitions and severe language; by denouncing the awful judgments of God, which threaten them; by inflicting on them church censures in a terrible manner; by declaring the terrors of the Lord, and of hell, and of everlasting damnation: pulling them out of the fire; of their soul destroying doctrines, and of their filthy and unnatural lusts, and as it were out of the fire of hell, of which they are in great danger: hating even the garment spotted, by the flesh; by which may be meant the conversation of those men, even their filthy conversation, which is to be hated, though their persons are not; but all ways and means should be used to save them; and this is one way, by showing a dislike unto, and a resentment at their wicked way of living, excluding them from church communion for it, and shunning all conversation with them. The allusion is not to garments defiled by profluvious persons, or menstruous women, as some think, but to garments spotted with nocturnal pollutions, or through unnatural lusts, which these persons were addicted to (l). It was reckoned very dishonourable for religious persons, in the time of divine service, or on a sabbath day, to have on a garment spotted with any thing; if a priest's garments were spotted, and he performed service in them, that service was not right (m); and if a disciple of a wise man had any grease on his garments (on a sabbath day), he was guilty of death (n), (l) Vid. Sueton. in Vita Neronis, c. 28. (m) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 65. 2. & Zebachim, fol. 18. 2. & Piske Tosephot in Yoma, art. 9. & Maimon. Cele Hamikdash, c. 8. sect. 4. (n) T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 114. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:23 Rescue others: Some believers were so open to the false teachers that they were in imminent danger of condemnation. • Show mercy to still others: The third group probably consists of the false teachers themselves or those who had subscribed to the false teachers’ program. Showing mercy might have meant praying for them (cp. Matt 5:44). • Believers need to exercise great caution when showing mercy to false teachers and those who have fallen into their sinful ways, because their sins can be enticing. Cp. Zech 3:1-4; Rev 3:4.