Jude

Chapter 1

Greeting from Jude to the Called

1 Jude [or, Judah], a servant of Jesus Christ [“Christ” means “Anointed One”], and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Ungodly Men

3 Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

4 For there are certain men who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into indecency, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Old and New Apostates

5 Now I desire to remind you, though you already know this, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who didn’t believe.

6 Angels who didn’t keep their first domain, but deserted their own dwelling place, he has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having in the same way as these given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are shown as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

8 Yet in the same way, these also in their dreaming defile the flesh, despise authority, and slander celestial beings.

9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!”

10 But these speak evil of whatever things they don’t know. They are destroyed in these things that they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason.

11 Woe to them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in Korah’s rebellion.

Works of Ungodliness

12 These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.

14 About these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold [“Behold”, from “ἰδοὺ”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at.], the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones,

15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

Remain Faithful

16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts—and their mouth speaks proud things—showing respect of persons to gain advantage.

17 But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.”

19 These are those who cause divisions and are sensual, not having the Spirit.

Maintain Your Life in the Love of God

20 But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.

21 Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

22 On some have compassion, making a distinction,

23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.

Present you Faultless

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,

25 to God our Saviour, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Jude Overview

The Book of Jude, also known as the Epistle of Jude, is a short yet powerful letter found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is attributed to Jude, who introduces himself as the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ. The author's intention in writing this letter is to address a specific situation that required urgent attention and to exhort believers to contend for the faith.

The book begins with a greeting and a reminder of God's mercy, peace, and love for His people. However, Jude quickly shifts his focus to a more urgent matter, expressing his original intent to write about the common salvation that believers share. Yet, he feels compelled to address a pressing concern regarding false teachers who have infiltrated the church.

Jude describes these false teachers as ungodly individuals who pervert the grace of God and deny the lordship of Jesus Christ. He provides examples from both the Old Testament and contemporary times to emphasize God's judgment on those who turn away from the truth. He warns the readers that these false teachers will face severe consequences for their rebellion and encourages believers to stand firm in their faith.

Throughout the letter, Jude uses vivid imagery and strong language to convey the seriousness of the situation. He compares the false teachers to rebellious angels, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Cain. By doing so, he emphasizes the destructive nature of their teachings and their deviation from God's truth. Jude also highlights their immoral behaviour and lack of spiritual understanding.

In the latter part of the book, Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God. He urges them to show mercy to those who doubt and to rescue others who have been led astray by false teachers. Jude emphasises the importance of discernment and remaining steadfast in the face of deception.

In conclusion, the Book of Jude serves as a call to action for believers to contend earnestly for the faith and to guard against false teachings. It reminds Christians of the certainty of God's judgment on those who distort the truth and encourages them to remain faithful, grounded in God's love and mercy. Though a short book, the message of Jude carries significant importance for believers throughout history, urging them to maintain doctrinal purity and defend the faith against deceptive influences.