Jude

Jude

Read This Chapter

Introduction and Greeting:
The letter commences with Jude identifying himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James." He addresses his recipients as those "who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ," extending to them wishes of mercy, peace, and love.

The Urgent Appeal:
Shifting from his initial intention to write about their shared salvation, Jude feels a pressing need to urge them to "contend earnestly for the faith." This faith, once delivered to the saints, is now at risk due to certain individuals who have covertly crept into the community. These men, predestined for this condemnation, turn God's grace into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.


Historical Warnings:
Jude underscores the dangers of apostasy by alluding to biblical events. He references the Israelites, whom God saved from Egypt but later destroyed due to their unbelief. He mentions the angels who didn't keep their positions but abandoned their proper dwelling, leading to their eternal chains in darkness. The infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, with their sexual immorality and strange flesh, serve as examples of those suffering eternal fire.

The False Teachers Described:
Using vivid imagery, Jude compares these impostors to hidden reefs, shepherds who feed only themselves, waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wild waves, and wandering stars. They follow the paths of Cain, plunge into Balaam's error for profit, and perish in Korah's rebellion. Enoch's prophecy from the seventh generation after Adam is cited, forecasting the Lord's coming with thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment on the ungodly for their wicked deeds and harsh words.

Exhortations to the Faithful:
Jude, turning his attention to his readers, reminds them that the apostles had anticipated the arrival of mockers in the end times who would follow ungodly desires. He encourages believers to build themselves up in their holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. They are to keep themselves in God's love while awaiting Christ's mercy that leads to eternal life. They are also guided on how to approach those who doubt and those ensnared by falsehood, distinguishing between showing mercy and saving with fear.

Doxology:
The epistle concludes on a triumphant note, glorifying God who can keep His people from falling and present them faultless. This majestic praise extols God as the only wise Savior, deserving of glory, majesty, power, and authority before all ages, now, and forever.