Matthew Poole and continuators on Jude 1:23

23 And others save with fear , pulling them out of the fire , having even the garment spotted by the flesh .

Those that are further gone, not so easily reducible, and in greater danger.

i. e. Labour to save them, as instruments under God,

By more severe courses, sharper reprehensions, setting before them God's Judgments against obstinate Sinners, 1 Cor. 5.5.

It is a Proverbial Speech, Zech. 3.2. the sence is, that as they that are in the Fire, and like to be destroyed by it, must not be gently exhorted to come out of it of themselves, but speedily and forcibly pull'd out in consideration of their eminent danger; so they that are more stubborn Sinners, being in apparent danger of being destroyed by the Fire of their Lusts, and being, as it were in the mouth of Hell, must be more harshly and severely dealt with, by setting the Lord's Terrors before them (2 Cor. 5.11.) and inflicting Church-Censures on them.

It is an allusion to that Ceremonial Law, Levit. 15.4, 17. where he that touched a defiled Garment, was himself defiled. The sence is, either, 1. That where there is danger of infection from Hereticks, and obstinate Sinners, all converse with them, and any thing whereby the Contagion of their Doctrine or Manners may reach us, is to be avoided: Or, 2. That when we reprehend others, we should do it with sutable affections, and though we would save themselves, we should have their Vices, and any thing that promotes them, or savours of them.

Marginal references: Rev. 3.4.