22 “And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 22–23 (ESV)
As we near the conclusion this study of Jude’s epistle, there remain several fundamental questions. First, how are believers in Christ to treat apostates? Do we reject them and cast them aside socially, relationally, and spiritually? If so, what about the questions of evangelism and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20)? This is especially significant if the apostate(s) we have in mind are members of our own family. If we’re not to totally reject them, then how are we to treat and minister to those who have departed from the biblical faith they said they once embraced? Do we treat every apostate the same way?
Today’s text provides us some guidance. However, we must not forget other passages of Scripture regarding church discipline (Matt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 5:1-13; Gal. 6:1-2), and the purity of the church (I Tim. 18-20; 2 Tim.2:14-26). We must always remember a key principle of sound biblical interpretation; Scripture interprets Scripture.
Are there apostates in your life? These are individuals who once made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but have departed from the faith they once possessed. They live a secular life, with little to know recognition of anything biblical or sacred. The Lord is absent from their conversations, thoughts and decisions. They may say they are now atheists. They may even be openly hostile to any biblical behavior within their immediate or extended family. Family gatherings become tension filled encounters with relationships strained to be breaking point.
What does today’s text from Jude say? To begin with, he instructed the church to “have mercy on those who doubt.” To have mercy (ἐλεᾶτε; eleate) means to show kindness and concern for those who are in serious need. This is a present, active command applied to all believers.
This command is for the benefit of those who doubt (διακρινομένους; diakrinomenous). To doubt means to waver and to be uncertain. Within the context, these individuals are those who have presently and personally wavered and are uncertain of biblical truth. They may resemble chaff, which the wind drives away (Psalm 1:4).
“The New English Bible has a lucid and striking translation: “There are some doubting souls who need your pity.” Jude is alerting the readers to the danger some weak Christians face when they are confronted by the apostates (compare 2 Peter 2:18). Whenever these people begin to doubt Christian teachings, reassure them by giving them help and understanding. Avoid any form of criticism, but show mercy and love to those who waver,” explains commentator Dr. Simon J. Kistemaker.
These individuals could be true believers in Christ. However, it is wise to never assume such individuals are truly converted. Better to ere on the side of caution and consider them unconverted, rather than presume they are justified, redeemed and reconciled to God the Father.
Second, Jude wrote, “save others by snatching them out of the fire;” To save (σῴζετε; sozete) is a present active plural imperative verb. It is an active command the church is to consistently obey. To save means to deliver from danger and to help someone who is in peril, injury or suffering. The danger Jude has in mind, which is the greatest danger a sinner faces, is from the wrath of almighty God.
The phrase snatching them out of the fire (ἁρπάζοντες πυρὸς; harpazontes pryos) is a metaphor. Within the context, it refers to the fire of the Lord’s divine wrath (Rom. 1:18-21).
Third, “to others show mercy with fear.” To show mercy is the same as to have mercy. In this case, it is to do so with fear (φόβῳ; phobo) is a divine caution when dealing with humans. The Apostle Peter expressed a similar sentiment.
“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,” (1 Peter 1:17 (ESV)
The phrase “hating even the garment stained by the flesh,” refers to sin’s contamination. The true believer wants to remain separate from any influence of the apostate’s sinfulness; even as the believer seeks to minister to them
“{The imagery recalls the high priest Joshua, who “was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Take off his filthy clothes’ ” (Zech. 3:3–4). As Joshua’s garments symbolized sin, so clothing that is “stained by corrupted flesh” represents iniquity. In brief, Jude resorts to the use of a metaphor. Jesus also uses this imagery when he addresses the church in Sardis: “Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes” (Rev. 3:4),” states Dr. Kistemaker.
“There are several textual variants here that could result in either two or three groups being indicated. They are: 1) sincere doubters who deserve compassion (v. 22); 2) those who are deeper in unbelief and urgently need to be pulled from the fire (v. 23); and 3) those declared disciples of apostasy who still deserve mercy, but are to be handled with much fear (v. 23), lest the would-be rescuer also be spiritually sullied. Given the manuscripts evidence and Jude’s pattern of writing in triads, three groups are the more likely scenario,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Believers in Christ are to show mercy to the wavering heretic, use boldness with the confirmed heretic and use caution in showing mercy to heretics. Discernment as to what perspective to have with each distinct group is wisdom.
“These victims of the apostate teachers need mercy and patience because they have not yet reached a firm conclusion about Christ and eternal life, and so remain doubters who could possibly be swayed to the truth. Others, who are committed to the errors taught by the apostates, need immediate and forthright attention before they are further entrenched on the road to the fire of hell (cf. v. 7) as a result of embracing deceptive lies. with fear. This third group also needs mercy, even though they are thoroughly polluted by apostate teaching. These people are to be given the true gospel, but with great fear, lest the deliverer be contaminated also. The defiled garment pictures the apostate’s debauched life, which can spread its contagion to the well-meaning evangelist,” concludes Dr. MacArthur.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 