1:22-23 How are we to understand what Jude says here?
1:22-23 How are we to understand what Jude says here?
Opinions vary among bible scholars as to the exact meaning of what Jude says here. Some claim he is referring to two classes of people ("on some have compassion ... and others save with fear"(KJV)).
Others claim he is referring to three classes of people (those who doubt, others who are saved from the fire; and a third group who receive pity (NIV, RSV)).
Suffice it to say, regardless of how many classes of people Jude is referring to, they all need to be saved. Christians must have compassion on them all, and pity for their unsaved condition. Christians must use their best endeavours to get as many saved as possible ... save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
To save with fear is admonishing Christians to exercise care when dealing with defiled people lest they fall into the same temptation and become defiled themselves (cp Ro 11:20-21; 1 Cor 10:12; Ga 6:1; 2 Ti 2:24-26).
Pulling them out of the fire means saving them from the judgment of hell's fire to which they would be liable if not saved (cp Amos 4:11; Rev 20:11-15).
The garment spotted by the flesh illustrates the sinner's debauched life (cp Zech 3:1-4).
These Studies by Br Val Boyle may be downloaded and freely distributed but not sold for profit.