JUDE

Jude, the brother of Jesus, wrote to a Jewish audience encouraging them to contend to the faith and live out their beliefs. Jude was not a follower of Jesus until after the resurrection. After seeing Jesus return to life, he became a believer and messenger of the gospel (Acts 1:4). Jude (also known as Judas) was Jesus’ brother and is mentioned in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3.

Throughout his letter, Jude references Jewish texts that are not included in the Bible, like the book of Enoch and Moses. These Jewish texts are called the Apocrypha and were culturally relevant to the Jewish people. Jude uses these important texts, along with Scripture, to convey the message that loving others and obeying God display genuine faith and heart change.

    • False teachings

    • God’s mercy

    • Praying in the Holy Spirit

    • Jude: Jesus’ brother who believed Jesus was the Messiah after His resurrection.

    • Author: Jude

    • Date: between 67 and 80 C.E.

    • Intended Audience: Jewish Christians, or a mix of Jewish and Gentile readers

JUDE 1

GUARD AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS AND SCOFFERS

Jude begins by identifying himself as Jesus’ servant instead of Jesus’ brother. By choosing this title, Jude both shows humility and allegiance to Jesus. Jude addresses believers and encourages them to be multiplied by mercy, peace, and love.

Jude warns believers that there are people among them who are perverting God’s grace and denying Jesus. In this short, urgent letter, Jude advocates for followers of Jesus to contend for the faith and remain steadfast.

Jude condemns the corrupt leaders who are teaching lies and exploiting grace as an excuse to sin. Instead of serving as righteous leaders, they are influencers for ungodliness. Jude gives examples of God’s response to corrupt authority throughout the Old Testament. In Exodus 14, God led the Israelites out of slavery, but drowned the oppressive Egyptians. When the fallen angels rebelled against God they were cast out of heaven. Jude mentions Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that were destroyed for their wickedness and sin.

Recalling more examples of disobedience, Jude references Cain (Genesis 4), Balaam (Numbers 22-24), and Korah (Numbers 16). These three men were known for murder, corruption, and rebellion.

Jude creatively names the false teachers of the day, calling them selfish, lazy shepherds, clouds that don’t produce rain, and fruitless trees. Their inconsistent teaching is like wild waves that throw people about, leaving them confused and disoriented. Instead of serving as guiding lights, they are like wandering stars who misdirect.

Jude references the book of Enoch, a text that was familiar to Jewish believers. From this book, Jude rebukes those who pursue their own sinful desires. Warning that many will scoff at Jesus, Jude instructs believers to cling to the truth. Because of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the more recent accounts of Jesus’ life, the believers can build themselves up in faith despite opposition.

Jude concludes by challenging the believers to have mercy on those who doubt and continually point them to the truth of Jesus. Jude praises God for his authority and perfection.

Jude 1:3 - Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.