Verse 23
23. Others A second class.
Save The Greek present signifies the effort to save, but does not, as the aorist would, imply a sure saving result, or the absolute power to accomplish a success.
Pulling them out of the fire As if they were in terrible danger of being scorched and burnt by the errorists, yet could, perhaps, be rescued with a desperate pull.
With fear Belongs to third class. Read: Others still, compassionate with fear… hating, etc. This third class we can only pity, with a mingled feeling of fear and abhorrence of their shame-bespotted characters.
The sin and danger of the three classes increase in climax. First, there is the set in the Church inclined to be schismatic, who must be rebuked and brought to order. Second, the class tending towards the vice of the sensualists, who are to be rescued with an energetic pull from their fatal course. Third, the nearly hopeless apostate, whom we can little else than pity, and from whose contaminated natures we are obliged to shrink.
Garment spotted by the flesh A fearful emblem of depravity. Their tunic or under-garment is foul with the spots of their debauchery. Revelation 3:4.
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