Jude 1:19 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

These false brethren make divisions among you, but do you build up yourselves by means of your most holy faith. As regards them, show mercy towards those who are in doubt; save others, snatching them from the fire which is consuming them; show mercy to others, yet fear lest you be contaminated by them.

Jude 1:19. separations: cf. the warning against those who cause divisions in Romans 16:17; the divisions were probably social (cf. Jude 1:16, respect of persons), such as are referred to in 1 Corinthians 11 and James 2:1.

Jude 1:22 f. on some have mercy who are in doubt: or possibly, some confute when they dispute. The text of both verses is most uncertain. Possibly the original text only contained two clauses and the text adopted in RV may be conflate; some save, plucking them from the fire; some, who dispute, pity in fear (so Bigg); see WH, vol. ii. p. 106 ff. The two verses may be compared with Didaché, ii. 7. It is conceivable that parts of the Didaché are ultimately the work of the author of this epistle (Chase).

Jude 1:24 f. The epistle concludes with a doxology, which both in form and language should be compared with the doxology in Romans 16:25-27. Note the advanced Christology Glory to God through Jesus Christ from all eternity to all eternity. Amen.

Jude 1:19-23

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.