A Study of Jude

Similar to 2 Peter, Jude faces a church that is in grave danger. Advocating sexual liberty and freedom from traditional orthodoxy, false teachers are undermining the integrity of the Church through hedonism, tolerance, and cultural expediency. Thus, Jude pens this letter to address the importance of standing firm in the truth and to warn believers of the dangers of these false teachings.

Atypical of first-century letters, Jude omits the thanksgiving after the initial salutation and greeting and immediately moves to the reason for his writing. The purpose for his penning this letter was a call for Christians to maintain the truth of the faith in the midst of false teaching and the ungodliness plaguing the church. The urgency of this message is seen in the fact that Jude had initially planned on writing about their salvation, but he abandons this topic to address this new and serious threat to the readers. Gravely concerned, Jude charters this new course as he seeks to assist his readers as they persevere in their faith.

Jude spends the next twelve verses addressing the false teachers. Utilizing various Old Testament and inter-testamental Jewish writings, Jude compares these ungodly individuals to those who sinned in the past. In so doing, our author highlights several important principles. As aptly noted by one commentator, “God’s judgments in the past and the prophetic testimony all bear witness to the coming and the doom of the heretics who have invaded the church” (Green, Jude and 2 Peter, 61).

This study will observe verses 5-10. We will not only observe the vital truths Jude seeks to convey to his readers, we will also discuss the use of Jude’s non-canonical traditions in relationship to the rest of Scripture.

Jude spends the next twelve verses addressing the false teachers. Utilizing various Old Testament and inter-testamental Jewish writings, Jude compares these ungodly individuals to those who sinned in the past. In so doing, our author highlights several important principles. As aptly noted by one commentator, “God’s judgments in the past and the prophetic testimony all bear witness to the coming and the doom of the heretics who have invaded the church” (Green, Jude and 2 Peter, 61).

This study will observe verses 11-16. We will not only examine the vital truths Jude seeks to convey to his readers, we will also discuss the use of Jude’s non-canonical traditions in relationship to the rest of Scripture.

Shifting attention from the false teachers to his readers, Jude identifies three ways in which believers are to navigate the presence of false teachers in their midst. First, the brother of James calls for his readers to have an awareness of what the apostles stated concerning the end times (vv. 17-19). Such a reminder reiterates that their present situation comes as no surprise. Second, Jude notes the means of how to strengthen their faith in the midst of apostasy (vv. 20-21). And finally, after addressing the importance of sound teaching and the need to “work out” their salvation, Jude notes how they are to engage those individuals who have been contaminated by the false teachers (vv. 22-23).

The purpose of Jude’s letter is to encourage his readers to contend earnestly for their faith. This command becomes extremely urgent in light of individuals who have crept in the church and seek to undermine the authority of Scripture. The author pens these closing words in verses 24-25 to summarize this epistle and to provide one final word of encouragement. These final words remind the readers of God’s character, His promises to those who love Him, and His faithfulness for all eternity.