Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 1. Separation or dividing ourselves from the fellowship of God's Church is sinful, or a work of the flesh. The apostle describeth carnal persons, and of them he saith, "They separate themselves," and accordingly the apostle reckoneth "seditions, heresies," or sect-makings in the Church, among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). Cain was the first separatist we read of. "He went out from the presence of the Lord" (Genesis 4:19). God is everywhere: how from His presence? The meaning is, from the Church, where is the presence of His grace. 2. It is little for the honour of Christ that His body is crumbled into small bits and portions. A draft of wine is-best preserved in the hogshead, and Christians in their societies; coals lying together keep in the heat; apostasy began in forsaking the assemblies (Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 John 2:19). Partly as to our outward peace and welfare: separation sets others against us, and us against them. Religion, being the highest bond, when it is once violated, the breach is the more irreconcilable. (T. Manton.) Parallel Verses KJV: These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.WEB: These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit. |
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