Jude

The book of Jude, written by Jude, a brother of Jesus and James, addressed believers facing the threat of false teachers. Jude likely wrote to an audience of Jewish Christians, referencing Israel’s history, angels, and other writings familiar to them. He warned against false teachers who rejected authority, polluted themselves, and operated by natural instincts rather than the Spirit. Jude urged believers to resist these individuals and reject their teachings; instead urged them to preserve the faith entrusted to them.

Chapter 1

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, addressed his letter to those called, loved by God, and kept for Jesus Christ. He wished them mercy, peace, and love in abundance.

The Sin And Doom of Ungodly People

Jude had originally intended to write about the believers' shared salvation, but he felt compelled to urge them to contend for the faith entrusted to God's people. He warned that ungodly individuals had secretly entered the church, perverting God's grace into a license for immorality and denying Jesus Christ. He reminded the believers of past judgments, including God’s destruction of those who did not believe after the Exodus, the rebellion of angels, and the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. Jude described the ungodly people who defied authority and slandered what they did not understand. They followed the paths of Cain, Balaam, and Korah. He compared them to selfish shepherds, clouds without rain, and fruitless trees. Their actions were shameful, and the prophecy of Enoch foretold their condemnation at the Lord’s return for their defiance.

A Call To Persevere

Jude reminded the believers of the apostles' warning about scoffers who would follow their ungodly desires in the last days. They would divide the church and, lacking the Holy Spirit, would follow their natural instincts. Jude encouraged his readers to build themselves up in faith, pray in the Spirit, and remain in God’s love as they awaited the mercy of Jesus Christ that would bring them eternal life. He urged them to be merciful to those who doubted, save others from the fire, and show mercy mixed with fear.

Doxology

Jude closed his letter with a doxology, praising God for His power to keep believers from stumbling and present them blameless before His glorious presence. He offered glory, majesty, power, and authority to God through Jesus Christ, both now and forevermore.