Jude wrote to motivate Christians everywhere to action. He wanted them to recognize the dangers of false teaching, to protect themselves and other believers, and to win back those who had already been deceived. Jude was writing against godless teachers who were saying that Christians could do as they pleased without fear of God’s punishment. While few teach this heresy openly in the church today, many in the church act as though this were true. This letter contains a warning against living a nominal Christian life.
This was Jude’s message to Christians everywhere. The opposition would come and godless teachers would arise, but Christians should “contend for the faith” by rejecting all falsehood and immorality, remembering God’s mighty acts of rescue and punishment, and the warnings of the apostles. His readers are to build up their own faith through prayer, keeping close to Christ, helping others, and hating sin. Jude then concludes with a glorious benediction of praise to God.
How much do you value God’s Word, the fellowship of the church, and obedience to Jesus Christ? There are many false teachers waiting to destroy your Christ-centered life, the credibility of God’s Word, and the unity of the body of Christ. Read Jude and determine to stand firm in your faith and defend God’s truth at all costs. Nothing is more valuable.
Writer of Jude
Written by Jude, “the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James” (Jude 1). This James was identified as “the Lord’s brother” (Galatians 1:19), and hence, so was Jude.
Date Written
Written during the Great Scattering described in Acts 8-12 (A. D. 40s).
To Whom Written
To the Jews scattered abroad from Jerusalem. Possibly written from Jerusalem.
Purpose of Jude
The purpose of this book is to give advice to the faithful brethren as to how to deal with the false teachers who had come in stealthily among them and how to help those who were being led astray.
Theological Contribution
Jude writes as a defender of the faith who is “contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (v. 3). The “ungodly” are not the heathen outside the church; they are the false teachers inside (v. 12). Their association with the faith, however, does not mean they live in the faith: the ungodly have not the Spirit (v. 19), whereas the faithful do (v. 20); the ungodly remain in eternal darkness, but the saints have eternal life.
Special Consideration of Jude
Jude’s last word on the problem of corruption in the church is preserved in a memorable benediction. Only God can keep us from error and bring us to Himself.
Click here to download or print the Bible outline “Jude – Keep Strong in the Faith“.
