Jude 1:1-2

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 (Galatians 1:19). That would likewise make Jude Jesus' brother (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). Like his brothers, Jude did not believe Jesus was the Son of God during Christ's personal ministry on earth (John 7:1-9). However, Christ's resurrection seems to have convinced him since he is numbered as one of those in the upper room in Acts 1:12-14. It also appears Jude was married. His wife traveled with him on his journeys (1 Corinthians 9:5).

He calls himself "a servant of Jesus Christ." The word rendered "servant" literally means "slave," not as one forced to work, but one who willingly chooses to serve another. He is writing to the "called," which includes all the followers of Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15). The called are said to be "sanctified by God the Father." That is, Christians were set apart by the gift of God's own Son on the cross of Calvary (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:37-39). They are also said to be "preserved" in Jesus Christ (Judges 1:1). In order to be so preserved, Jude urged them to keep themselves in the love of God (verse 21). Jude's desire for them was that God's love would be multiplied to them along with His mercy and peace. Woods said that mercy, peace and love are the three blessings needed most by readers of Jude from his day to the present (Judges 1:2).