This is the final book of the Bible before we dive into the eschatological study of the book of Revelation. It is written by Jude, Jesus’ youngest half-brother. His writing closely resembles that of 2 Peter, and his writing style is like his brother, the apostle James, another of Jesus’ half-brothers.
It was written in 80 A.D. Jude sent his letter to Jewish converts to Christianity, living in Israel. His original intent was to encourage his readers regarding their salvation.
Up to now in our New Testament studies, Jesus warned of ‘false prophets’ that would come after He ascended to His Father (Mt. 7:15 – 20). Paul warned of the same in Colossians, Galatians, and 1 & 2 Timothy, as did Titus, and John in 1 John.
All of them warned of ‘false teachers’ that would come. However, Jude is warning his audience that the evil false teachers have now infiltrated the church in present time! This event superseded his original intent for writing his letter. Instead, Jude decided to sound the alarm:
…I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation that we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted to you once for all time to his holy people.
I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 1:3, 4. NLT
Jude wanted to make sure that none of the churches would fall prey to these false teachers by pointing out what awaited some of the similar disobedient reprobates from the past:
…the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe [who refused to trust and obey and relay on Him]. Jude 1:5 AMP
And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. [Could be referring to when angels cohabitated with human women (Gn. 6), and / or those who sided with Satan in his rebellion (Ezek. 28:11 – 19.)].
And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of eternal fire of God’s judgment. Jude 1:6, 7. NLT
…these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! Jude 1:10, 11. NLT
Next, Jude doubles down on the false infiltrators’ character:
When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who only care for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain…doomed forever to blackest darkness. Jude 1:12, 13. NLT
These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want. Jude 1:16 NLT
Not a group that you want to follow on your road to salvation, yes?
Jude reminds his audience that this has all been previously predicted:
…remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. Jude 1:17 – 19. NLT
Okay. We have a crystal-clear picture of the enemy. What is the battle plan to keep our churches focused on the God-path to eternity?
…build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 1:20, 21. NLT
And not only do we build each other up, but we must also radiate our love outwards to all people:
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:22, 23. NLT
Jude finishes his letter by exalting our God in His efforts to keep His children on His path, who, is indeed more than mighty enough to do so:
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.
Goodnight and God bless.