JUDE BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS: JUDE CONTENDS FOR THE FAITH
Jude, the brother of Jesus, wrote to a Jewish audience and encouraged them to 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 was also mentioned in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3.
Throughout his letter, Jude referenced Jewish texts that are not included in the Bible (like the books of Enoch and Moses). These Jewish texts are part of a collection called the Apocrypha, which was culturally relevant to the Jewish people. Jude used these important texts, along with Scripture, to convey the message that loving others and obeying God display genuine faith and heart change.
MAIN IDEAS: PRESERVING THE TRUTH OF CHRIST
Jude warns believers against false teachers who pervert the truth of God. (Jude v.4)
Jude reminds believers of God’s consistent faithfulness to His people. (Jude v.5-7)
Jude gives examples of those who have abandoned God’s Word and perished. (Jude v.10-11)
Jude predicts that people will become worldly, cause division, and be devoid of the Spirit. (Jude v.19)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: WORTHY OF PRAISE
Jude introduced himself in his letter as “Jude, a servant of Jesus” (v.1). By choosing this title instead of describing himself as the brother of Jesus, Jude showed humility and allegiance to Jesus. Jude addressed believers and encouraged them to be characterized by mercy, peace, and love. With a great knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, Jude reflected on God’s past faithfulness and judgment. Jude remembered God’s goodness and wrath, viewing both as praiseworthy.
Jude contrasted the goodness of God with the corruption of humanity. Warning believers to avoid false teachers, Jude showed how imperfect people have distorted God’s perfect truth. Although deceitful and dishonest teachers will seek praise for their worldly wisdom. Jude taught believers to avoid those who reject authority and blaspheme God. Highlighting that only God is worthy of our praise, Jude urged believers to discern against “loud-mouthed boasters” and those who twist God’s Word for their personal advantage or agenda.
JESUS IN JUDE: PROTECTION FROM FALSE GOSPELS
In verse 4, Jude described Jesus as the “only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Imagine how convinced you’d have to be to describe your brother using these tems! When Jude saw the resurrected Jesus, he believed that Jesus was the Savior and was changed by this realization.
Jude was on a mission to protect the news of Jesus, which he believed wholeheartedly. Jude wanted to write to the believers about salvation but found it to be more urgent and necessary to advocate for the defense of the gospel based on what was happening within the church (v.3). Jude wanted Jesus’ followers to be so convinced of the truth that they were protected against false teachers. By knowing the truth of Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and meditating on God’s Word, believers are equipped to identify false teachers and those who disturb the truth.
