A Greeting from Jude
Following the typical structure of the beginning of...
Following the typical structure of the beginning of a letter, Jude identifies himself, addresses his audience, and prays for them.
kept in Jesus Christ: This phrase emphasizes an important point (see also 1:21, 24). It gives believers confidence when they face people who teach wrong things about God.
Following the typical structure of the beginning of a letter, Jude identifies himself, addresses his audience, and prays for them.
kept in Jesus Christ: This phrase emphasizes an important point (see also 1:21, 24). It gives believers confidence when they face people who teach wrong things about God.
1Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ:
2Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
God’s Judgment on the Ungodly
Instead of the usual thanksgiving that usually occurs...
Instead of the usual thanksgiving that usually occurs at this point in New Testament letters, Jude explains his main purpose (see Romans 1:8–14; 1 Corinthians 1:4–9). False teaching was a serious threat to the faith of the people he was writing to (see Jude 1:22–23).
3Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints. 4For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
This section explains " designated long ago for...
This section explains "designated long ago for condemnation" in 1:4 by using Old Testament examples of God's judgment on false teachers.
5Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus† had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe. 6And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. 7In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire.
8Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings. 9But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”† 10These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively. 11Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.
12These men are hidden reefs† in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. 13They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
Enoch was an early descendant of Adam (see...
Enoch was an early descendant of Adam (see Genesis 5:18–24; 1 Chronicles 1:3). Genesis 5:24 suggests that Enoch did not die but was taken directly to heaven (compare 2 Kings 2:1–13; see Hebrews 11:5). This special recognition from God and the limited mention of him in Scripture make Enoch an interesting character. Jewish literature contains several legends about him, and at least two books of apocalyptic visions written between the Old and New Testaments are attributed to him (1–2 Enoch).
14Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them:
“Behold, the Lord is comingwith myriads of His holy ones15to execute judgment on everyone,and to convict all the ungodlyof every ungodly act of wickednessand every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.”†16These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
A Call to Persevere
(Hebrews 10:19–39; 2 Peter 3:1–7)
After condemning the false teachers, Jude again encourages...
After condemning the false teachers, Jude again encourages his readers directly (see 1:3–4). The apostles had warned them about false teachings (1:17–19). They should support each other in their faith (1:20–21). They should help those who might be misled by the false teachers (1:22–23).
17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”† 19These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
20But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.
The Berean Standard Bible follows a manuscript tradition...
The Berean Standard Bible follows a manuscript tradition with three commands for different groups:
those who doubt,
those needing rescue from judgment ("by snatching them from the fire"), and
those needing mercy.
Some manuscripts mention only two groups:
those with wavering faith who need rescue from judgment, and
those needing mercy.
The Berean Standard Bible uses the three-part pattern found in other parts of Jude (1:5–7, 11).
those who doubt,
those needing rescue from judgment ("by snatching them from the fire"), and
those needing mercy.
those with wavering faith who need rescue from judgment, and
those needing mercy.
22And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
Doxology
Jude ends his letter with a powerful praise...
Jude ends his letter with a powerful praise to God, often quoted during times of worship. His words are perfect for the people who received his letter. They needed a renewed understanding of God. The believers needed to remember that God was powerful enough to help them stay faithful to him. They also needed to trust that God could protect them from being convinced by false teachings. God has the glory, majesty, power, and authority to bring them safely into his glorious presence forever.
24Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.