And of some have compassion
That is, of such who have gone astray, being drawn aside; who are
simple and ignorant, and out of the way; who sin through
infirmity, and the force of temptation; and who are tractable and
open to conviction, and whose mistakes are in lesser matters of
religion; as also such who are convicted and wounded in their
consciences for their sins and mistakes: and to these compassion
is to be shown, by praying with them, and for them, with ardency
and affection; instructing them in meekness; giving friendly and
brotherly reproofs to them; expressing on all occasions a tender
concern for their good; doing them all the good that can be done,
both for their souls and bodies: and good reason there is why
compassion should be shown them, because God is a God of
compassion; Christ is a merciful high priest; a contrary spirit
is grieving to the Holy Ghost; saints should consider what they
themselves were, and what they now are, and that compassion has
been shown to them, and they may want it again. The Alexandrian
copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic
versions, read, "reprove".
Making a difference;
between one and another; using some more tenderly, others more
severely, as the nature and circumstances of their case appear to
be. The Syriac version renders the whole, "when they repent, have
compassion on them".