Survey of Jude
Jude is especially important to the modern Christian as it pertains to the dangers that we face as the end times draw near. Jude expressed a severe opposition of the Roman Church’s idea of Docetism. Docetism is a heretical doctrine that denies the real humanity of Christ. Of importance is the urgency of Jude in proclaiming that the original doctrines of the Apostles are being perverted by false teachers that have already infiltrated the church. Jude further warns that the great apostasy prophesied, for a sign of the end of times, has already begun. Jude warns us that we must contend for our faith!
Key Verse
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3 (KJV)
Authorship
The letter itself designates the author as “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,” (v1). During the time of writing, the name Jude (Judas) was very popular. There is Judas Maccabaeus who was one of the heroes of postexilic Judaism; Judas the son of James (disciple); Judas Iscariot (disciple and traitor); Judas the Galilean (acts 5:37); Judas of Damascus (Acts 9:11); Judas called Barsabbas (Acts 15:22); and Jude the brother of James. In 230 AD Clement believed the author to be Jude, the brother of Jesus. Jerome in AD 392 also wrote that the author was indeed Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus in writings for the early Catholic Church. It is safe to assume that the author is the half-brother of Jesus and the brother of James mentioned in Matthew 13:55. (Acts 15)
Historical Settings
Jude is closely related to the book of 2 Peter, as allot of the contents are the same. It appears that either 2 Peter was used as a source for some of Jude or vice versa. The book of Jude is believed to have been written between 60 and 80 A.D.
Major Themes
Jude first exposes false teachers in the church v5-16, then denounces their spirituality and describes their character v8-16. The author also gives examples from Israel’s and mankind’s past on how the Lord deals with rebellion and immorality. The examples used show how a few false teachers and nay-sayers lead many into judgement from the Lord. (Gen 19:24; Duet 29:23-29) Jude then exhorts believers to living holy lives in true faith and prayer in the Holy Ghost. v17-23. In his benediction Jude reassures the believers that they are safe in their salvation through Jesus.
Doctrine
The main point of doctrine in Jude is that all revelation has been given, there is no other doctrine of salvation, other then what has already been delivered by the Apostles. They should guard their faith against anyone who tries to change what they already know to be true. Note every believer is equipped or mature enough in their faith to deal with false teachers. In order to protect the flock, false teachers should be guarded against, identified, and confronted. True believers are preserved, yet if we do not want to stumble then we need to firmly rely on Jesus and walk correctly not for salvation, but to avoid chastisement and to express our love and gratitude towards our savior.
Short Outline
I. Introduction (Jude1-4)
II. False Faith (Jude 5-9)
- Examples
- Israel (v5)
- Fallen Angels (v6)
3. Sodom and Gamorrah (v7)
4. Cain, Balaam, Korah (v11)
3. Character of False Teachers (v8-10)
4. Results of False Faith (v12,16,19)
III. True Faith (Jude 20-25)
- How to contend for the faith (v20,21)
- How to respond to false teachers and their followers (v22,23)
- Encouragement (v24,25)
References
King James Easy-reading Study Bible. Goodyear, AZ, 2002. Print.
Ryrie, Charles Caldwell. The Ryrie Study Bible: King James Version. Chicago: Moody, 2008. Print.
The Interpreter’s Bible. Vol. 12. New York: Abingdon, 1982. Print.
Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2008. Print. Ephesians-Revelations.
The Way of Christ Ministries 