The Teachings of St. Jude

This Epistle, like the second of St. Peter, speaks of a class already existing, who had crept into the Church unawares, against whom he would warn the faithful. They were "ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ," "speaking evil of the things they knew not," "defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and speaking evil of dignities," '' clouds without water," "raging waves of the sea," " wandering stars." He calls to mind the words of the Apostles foretelling that there would be in the last time " mockers," " separatists," "sensual," "having not the Spirit." But he does not speak of one who should be the leader among them. The reference to the prophecy of Enoch (v. 14) shows that the separation of these from the faithful would not be till the Lord came. Till that day the disciples must build themselves up on their most holy faith, and keep themselves in the love of God.