The Epistle of Jude

The Epistle of Jude is the 65th book of the Bible. It was written by Jude the brother of both Jesus Christ and James. The letter is traditionally dated to around AD 65–80. It was written to warn Christians about false teachers who were leading believers astray with immoral behavior and incorrect doctrine. Jude urges the faithful to fight for the faith and to remain faithful to the teachings they had already received. The book is named after its author, Jude, who is generally understood to be the brother of James the Just, who was a prominent leader of the early Christian church in Jerusalem.

Notable individuals mentioned in Jude include Michael the Archangel and Enoch

Background of Jude

The Book of Jude was written in a time when the early Christian church was facing significant challenges, both from external persecution and internal division. The letter is an impassioned plea for the believers to maintain the integrity of their faith and to reject any teachings or behaviors that contradicted the message of the apostles. The book also emphasizes God’s judgment upon those who reject Him, drawing examples from the Old Testament.

Jude has a significant connection to 2 Peter, especially chapter 2 of Peter’s second epistle. Scholars have noted that the content and themes of Jude and 2 Peter overlap considerably, suggesting that either one was influenced by the other, or they were both drawing on common teachings or sources. Both letters deal with the issue of false teachers, apostasy, and coming judgment, using vivid examples to underscore their warnings. However, Jude’s letter tends to be more concise and direct compared to the larger exposition found in 2 Peter.

Jude also makes numerous allusions to the Old Testament, often referencing well-known stories to support his points. He draws upon examples of God’s judgment from the Torah, drawing from both the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rebellion of Korah to remind the readers of the consequences of unbelief and disobedience (Jude 1:5–7). The epistle also refers to judgment of specific figures, specifically, Cain and Balaam adding weight to the argument that false teachers and ungodly individuals will face judgment.

Key Themes in Jude:

1. Contending for the Faith: Jude encourages believers to defend the Christian faith against false teachers (Jude 1:3).
2. Warning Against Apostasy: Jude warnings against those who have turned away from the truth (Jude 1:5–16).
3. God’s Judgment: Jude emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment for those who lead others astray and live ungodly lives (Jude 1:14–15).
4. Mercy and Compassion: Jude encourages believers to show mercy to those who doubt and to seek to save others from error (Jude 1:22–23).
5. Divine Protection: Despite the challenges, the letter closes with a benediction of praise for God’s power to protect the faithful from stumbling (Jude 1:24–25).

Outline of Jude

1. Introduction (Jude 1:1–2): Jude introduces himself as a servant of Jesus and addresses his readers.
2. Contending for the Faith (Jude 1:3–4): Jude urges the believers to defend the faith against false teachers.
3. Examples of Apostasy (Jude 1:5–7): Jude uses Old Testament examples of unbelief and judgment, such as the Israelites in the wilderness, the fallen angels, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
4. Denouncing the False Teachers (Jude 1:8–16): Jude provides a detailed denunciation of the false teachers, describing them as ungodly and corrupt.
5. Call to Persevere (Jude 1:17–23): Jude encourages the faithful to remember the apostles’ warnings, build themselves up in faith, pray in the Spirit, and show mercy to those led astray.
6. Doxology (Jude 1:24–25): The letter ends with a benediction, praising God for His ability to protect believers from falling away.

Biblical Timeline

• AD 65–80: Likely date of the writing of Jude, during a time of increased persecution and internal threats to the church.

Practical Lessons from Jude

1. Contend for the Faith (Jude 1:3): Believers must defend the gospel against false teachings.
2. Beware of False Teachers (Jude 1:4): Be vigilant about teachings that distort the truth.
3. Remember God’s Judgment (Jude 1:5–7): God’s past judgments serve as warnings to remain faithful.
4. The Importance of Humility (Jude 1:8-10): Even Michael the Archangel exhibited humility when disputing with Satan.
5. Godless Behavior Leads to Destruction (Jude 1:10–13): Immorality and pride lead to ruin.
6. Remember the Teachings of the Apostles (Jude 1:17): Stay grounded in the teachings passed down by the apostles to avoid being led astray.
7. Prayer in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20): Rely on spiritual strength to maintain your faith.
8. Show Mercy and Help Save Others (Jude 1:20-23): Approach those struggling with doubt with compassion.
9. God is Able to Keep You (Jude 1:24): Trust in God’s power to protect you from stumbling in your faith.