And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jude 1:4-13 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ…
Ezekiel 34:17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.
Galatians 4:20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
have mercy
The call to "have mercy" reflects a central theme in Christian teaching, echoing Jesus' own emphasis on mercy in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy"). Mercy is a fundamental aspect of God's character, as seen throughout the Old and New Testaments. This instruction aligns with the broader biblical narrative that encourages believers to emulate God's compassion and forgiveness.
on those who doubt;
This phrase addresses a specific group within the community—those who are struggling with doubt. Doubt can arise from various sources, including persecution, false teachings, or personal struggles. The early church faced numerous challenges, including heretical teachings that could lead to confusion and uncertainty. Jude's instruction to show mercy to doubters underscores the importance of patience and understanding within the community. It reflects the pastoral concern for nurturing faith and supporting those who are wavering, similar to Paul's encouragement in Galatians 6:1 to restore those caught in transgression with a spirit of gentleness.
- Jude ties this counsel to the flow of thought that began in verse 20: “But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith…” The connective “and indeed” lets us know he is still speaking to faithful believers, giving further instruction.
- It signals that showing mercy is not an optional add-on; it is an essential piece of contending for the faith (v. 3).
- Scripture often uses similar connectors to press home practical action after doctrinal reminders (see Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you…”; 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action”).
- By linking mercy to the prior verses, Jude shows that a healthy, Spirit-built faith naturally expresses itself in compassion toward the wavering (compare Galatians 6:1 and 1 John 3:18).
- Mercy is active compassion rooted in God’s own heart (Luke 6:36). We mirror the Father’s character when we extend it.
- The command is present imperative—continuous: keep on showing mercy. This is a lifestyle, not a one-time event (cf. Colossians 3:12).
- Practical expressions may include
• gentle conversation that listens before correcting (James 1:19)
• patient teaching that refutes error without harshness (2 Timothy 2:24-25)
• tangible help that removes stumbling blocks (1 John 3:17).
- Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). That does not cancel discernment (v. 23 warns about rescuing others cautiously), but it frames the tone: compassion first, confrontation second.
- Jude is pinpointing believers who are wavering—troubled by false teaching or personal trials, unsure what to believe or how to live (compare James 1:6; Romans 14:1).
- Doubt here is not hard-hearted unbelief but hesitation and uncertainty. The doubter stands on a spiritual ledge; mercy extends a steady hand.
- Examples in Scripture:
• Thomas questioned the resurrection until graciously invited to touch the wounds (John 20:27-29).
• The distraught father cried, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” and Jesus responded with healing power (Mark 9:24-27).
- Our response is not to shame but to walk alongside, supplying truth, encouragement, prayer, and a living example (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Jude 1:22 calls believers to a continual, compassionate ministry toward brothers and sisters wrestling with doubts. Anchored in the sure foundation of the faith (vv. 20-21), we imitate our merciful God by stepping toward the wavering, offering patient care, scriptural clarity, and tangible help. Such mercy protects the doubter, strengthens the church, and adorns the gospel with Christlike love.
(22, 23) Exhortation to treat these libertines with discrimination, making three classes.(22) And of some have compassion, making a difference.--The evidence is very strong in favour of a widely different reading: And some indeed convict (Jude 1:15) when they are in doubt (Matthew 21:21; Acts 10:20; Acts 11:12; Romans 4:20; Romans 14:23; James 1:6); or, when they contend with you (Jude 1:9; Acts 11:2); or, when they separate from you. The first seems best, though the second also makes excellent sense, and has Jude 1:9 in its favour. This, then, is the first and least hopeless class--those who are still in doubt, though inclined the wrong way. They may still be remonstrated with, convicted of error, and reclaimed (Matthew 18:15; Titus 1:13; James 5:20). Some would make this first class the worst and most hopeless--those who are to be argued down in disputation, but without much chance of success. Such interpreters make the third class the best: those who can probably be saved by gentle means. The Greek here is so ambiguous that we cannot be certain of the meaning. But the addition of "in fear" and "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" to the directions respecting the third class, seems to indicate that that class is the worst. . . .
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