Jude 1:23

Verse 23. And others by fear.

The Syriac for the foregoing verses 22 and 23 reads as follows: "Verse 22. And some of them snatch ye from the fire. Verse 23. And when they repent, have compassion on them, with fear, hating even the tunic that is defiled by the flesh."

Macknight has the following translation: "Verse 22. And making a difference, have compassion indeed on some. Verse 23. But others save by fear, snatching them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

Rotherham reads thus: "Verse 22. And some, indeed, be convicting, such as dispute. Verse 23. But others, be saving out of fire, snatching [them], and on others have mercy in fear, hating even the garment spotted from the flesh."

The Latin Vulgate reads thus: "Verse 22. And some, indeed, reprove being judged. Verse 23. But others save, pulling them out of the fire. And on others have mercy in fear, hating also the spotted garment, which is carnal."

Tischendorf reads thus: "Verses 22-23. And of some, who waver, have compassion, and others save, pulling them out of the fire, and of others have compassion with fear."

Now, the similarity of all these versions is apparent. The word "difference" in the common version, in the days of King James, may have conveyed a different thought to that which it does at the present day. It is certain, I think, that the apostle simply presents a method of approach in attempting the conversion of sinners. He has in his mind different characters, all of which can not be successfully approached in the same way. These different classes may be arranged thus:

1. Some that waver, that are in doubt.

2. Some that are willfully corrupt.

3. Some that are ignorant and controlled by others.

The first class are entitled to compassion, and are to be treated gently. Instruction proper to an honest doubter, or one willing to know the truth, is the method of approach the apostle suggests in this case.

The second class are like the false teachers; to save such, if possible, is a 'Christian duty, and yet how to do so may be hard to determine. Stern rebuke and God's threatenings to the ungodly might possibly reach such, and if thereby they are saved, it would be snatching from the fire.

The third class are to be approached in the fear of God, with all mercy for their frailty, exhibiting the light of the gospel to dispel the gloom, so that the only pathway to happiness and to God may appear to their benighted vision. Tenderness for the one class, vigor for the second, and mercy for the third, mercifully showing them their danger.

This, I think, conveys the idea intended to be inculcated in these verses, and whether there be yet an idea that we have not discovered, so much as we now see is of great importance to the believer, exhibiting the duty we are under to our fellowmen in their downward course to ruin.