Jude
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Jude
The author identified himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James." In presenting himself as a brother of the Lord's half-brother (Jas. 1:1), he modestly neglected to mention his own relationship to Jesus (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3). Some have identified Jude as "Judas son of James" (Luke 6:16), but the author did not claim apostleship. He was initially an unbeliever (John 7:3-5), but he here displayed a vigorous faith.
The frequent use of the book in the early church, especially references by Tertullian and Origen, made it less controversial than 2 Peter. Some found its reference to apocryphal books a cause for questioning its genuineness.
Date. Suggestions for dating this letter vary widely. Little evidence is available for making a conclusive decision.
Some claim that the reference to "the salvation we share" (v. 3) implied a time in which Christians had agreed upon a body of widely accepted doctrine. This would be later than the likely lifetime of Jude. The reference to this common faith need mean no more than the common beliefs held by all Christians.
Others have suggested that the wickedness of the false teachers described in verses 5-13 represented a Gnostic viewpoint that appeared only during the second century. Jude's description would fit any heresy in which immorality was prominent. It is possible to link Jude's references clearly with a specific sect.
Recipients. No address for the readers appears in Jude. The readers might have been Jews or Gentiles who lived anywhere. Jude had a concrete situation in mind, but it is impossible to locate it precisely. The statements of verses 17-18 have led some to suggest that the readers knew apostles within the region of Palestine. This is a possible but unproven hypothesis.
Theme. Jude began with the intention of discussing the theme of "salvation." Awareness of the infiltration of false teachers led Jude to emphasize two features. First, he warned against and condemned false teachers who were heavily influencing his area. Second, he urged his readers to greater firmness and commitment.
Literary Form. Despite the lack of a specific address, Jude's letter is directed to a specific situation. It is more impersonal than John's epistles. Jude was fond of mentioning items in triads (v. 2: "mercy, peace, and love"; v. 11: Cain, Balaam, and Korah). The majestic doxology provides a moving conclusion to Jude's words (vv. 24-25).
- Greetings (vv. 1-2)
- Occasion for Writing (vv. 3-4)
- Be Alert (vv. 5-16)
- Resist (vv. 17-23)
- Doxology (vv. 24-25)
Purpose and Theology. Jude intended to produce a message about the common salvation he shared with his readers (v. 3). His awareness of the appearance of heresy led him to change his emphasis to a denunciation of the heresy surrounding him. Jude gave direction for halting the advance of heresy among his readers in verses 17-23.
The epistle contains little theological content because the purpose was largely practical. One controversial feature of the book is the references to the apocryphal books of 1 Enoch (v. 14) and the Assumption of Moses (v. 9). Some have seen these references as a liability to accepting the authority of Jude, but Paul quoted a heathen poet in Acts 17:28. He also referred to a noncanonical writing in 2 Timothy 3:8. Jude appears to have viewed his references to the Apocrypha as authoritative, and he apparently accepted the historicity of the incident in the Assumption of Moses. He used his references more as an illustration to substantiate his points.
Greetings (vv. 1-2)
Jude identified himself as a follower of Jesus Christ and "a brother of James." Jude was listed among the brothers of Jesus (Mark 6:3). His brother James is the probable author of the epistle of James. Jude gave no geographical designation to his readers, but he presented them as those who were "called," "loved by God," and "kept by Jesus Christ." Jude wished his readers an experience of mercy that would allow them to know the benefits of peace and love.
Occasion for Writing (vv. 3-4)
Jude had prepared to write a letter on the theme of "salvation" when he learned of the entrance of false teachers. He urged his readers to contend for the faith by living godly, obedient lives. He described the false teachers as "godless men," who stood condemned before God because of their denial of Jesus' lordship.
Be Alert (vv. 5-16)
Jude pictured the heretics as deserving to receive God's judgments just as the unbelieving Jews, the sinning angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had merited judgment.
He showed that the false teachers were arrogantly defying God by their perverse moral behavior. They disdained angelic creatures whom they failed to understand. Jude commended the example of the angel Michael, who did not deal with the devil's protests on his own authority. Jude used this story from the apocryphal Assumption of Moses to demonstrate a proper attitude toward the supernatural.
In verses 10-13 he used historical examples from the Old Testament to characterize the false teachers as materialistic and immoral. They were as greedy as Balaam and as rebellious as Korah.
In verses 14-15 Jude cited a statement from 1 Enoch to prove the reality of divine judgment upon the ungodly. Jude was not necessarily viewing 1 Enoch as inspired, but he was referring to a book his readers would know and respect.
Resist (vv. 17-23)
Jude reminded his readers that the apostles had warned against the divisiveness and spiritual emptiness of the coming false teachers. The recipients were to build themselves up with prayer and obedience. They also were to offer help to wandering believers who need both an experience of divine mercy and the wisdom to avoid corruption.
Doxology (vv. 24-25)
Jude's mind focused on the power of almighty God who alone could provide the strength needed for full obedience. In verse 24 he praised God for His sustaining power toward believers. In verse 25 he ascribed "glory, majesty, power and authority" to God because of the work of Jesus Christ.
Theological Significance. Jude's warnings regarding false teachers need to be sounded again in today's churches. The people of God must contend for the faith that has been entrusted to them. Jude reminds us of the seriousness of the Christian faith and Christian teaching. False teachers who oppose the truth must be prepared to face the judgment of God. True believers must faithfully maintain the truth and keep themselves in the love of God. The exhortations to watch, pray, convince the doubters, and lead others into the way of salvation must be heard and obeyed.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the best way to "contend" for the Christian faith? See Jesus' words in John 13:34-35; 14:21.
- List some of the characteristics of the false teachers Jude mentioned in verses 5-16. How common are these traits today?
- List some of the truths about God Jude mentioned in verses 24-25.
Sources for Additional Study
See books listed for 2 Peter.