ASSURANCE FOR THE CHRISTIAN The author calls himself Jude, or Judas, which literally means "renowned." He also says he is the brother of James, who is thought to be the one so outstanding in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:13; Galatians 2:9). If so, he would also have been the brother of our Lord ... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BELIEVER AND THE FAITH Jude showed the feeling of warmth he had in connection with those to whom the epistle was addressed when he called them "beloved." Apparently, he had already been planning to write an epistle on the "common salvation," but turned to the more urgent problem, that is dealt... [ Continue Reading ]
APOSTATES DESCRIBED Jude explained that false teachers were the cause of his writing. Woods says the idea of "crept in unnoticed" is that of entering in by the side door, without revealing their motive of leading the saints astray. This description might be compared with Galatians 2:4; 2 Timothy 3:... [ Continue Reading ]
APOSTASY IN OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY In verse 5, Jude submitted his first bit of evidence to prove evildoers will be condemned. He said he wanted to remind them, though, as the American Standard Version has it, they knew all things "once for all." When Jude says they "knew this," it seems he was tellin... [ Continue Reading ]
THE APOSTATES IN JUDE'S DAY In verse 8, Jude showed the false teachers had committed sins similar to those committed by those in the Old Testament examples he had previously given. They had committed sins of the flesh that were of the lowest nature. They showed no respect for authority and it did no... [ Continue Reading ]
APOSTASY ILLUSTRATED FROM THE NATURAL REALM Like rocks hidden in the water, false teachers were unrecognized trouble ready to sink the unprepared Christian. They acted as if they were shepherds of the flock so they could feed themselves. In the dry climate of Palestine, their personalities were bes... [ Continue Reading ]
APOSTASY IN OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY Enoch was listed as one of the great men of faith (Hebrews 11:5). Genesis says "God took him" (Genesis 5:21-24). It would appear he was translated to heaven much like Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-12). Enoch did not have to experience death as other men do, but was taken up... [ Continue Reading ]
APOSTASY DESCRIBED Jude pleaded with the faithful Christians to remember the teachings of the apostles. Jesus had said those men would relate all of His teachings and commandments (verse 17; Matthew 28:18-20; John 16:12-15). The apostles had foretold the coming of men who would mock the truth. Jude... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BELIEVER AND THE FAITH In contrast to the ungodly, the faithful were to build upon their faith and pray in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18). The idea of building on the faith that already exists is used in other places and in other ways, such as Hebrews 6:1-20. Jude's d... [ Continue Reading ]
ASSURANCE FOR THE CHRISTIAN Jude closed his book with a prayer. It was directed to Jesus, our protector. He can keep one from stumbling, which will, in turn, keep him from falling. One who avoids falling would receive many blessings that would produce joy in his life. Jude called Jesus God, just as... [ Continue Reading ]