Jude is a brief but forceful letter warning believers about false teachers who were secretly infiltrating the church. He urges Christians to contend for the faith, remember past judgments, and remain steadfast in God’s love. Jude uses vivid imagery and Old Testament examples to expose corruption and call believers to spiritual vigilance, mercy, and perseverance.
Background
Author: Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus
Audience: Believers threatened by false teachers
Date: AD 65–80
Location Written: Uncertain, possibly Palestine
Context: False teachers had slipped into the Christian community, distorting grace into license for immorality and denying Jesus Christ as Lord. Jude originally intended to write about salvation but was compelled instead to address this urgent danger. The letter combines strong warnings with encouragement, pointing believers back to God’s keeping power and urging them to build their faith while showing mercy to those led astray.
Characters
- Jude — author calling believers to contend for the faith
- False Teachers — corrupt influencers twisting grace and denying Christ
- Believers — recipients urged to remain in God’s love and stand firm
- Michael the Archangel — referenced as an example of proper reverence
- Cain, Balaam, and Korah — Old Testament figures used as warnings of rebellion
- Enoch — referenced as a prophetic voice against ungodliness
Major Events
- Jude’s call to contend earnestly for the faith (verses 1–4)
- Description of false teachers and their corrupt behavior (verses 5–16)
- Old Testament and historical examples of rebellion and judgment (verses 5–11)
- Exhortation to build up faith, pray in the Spirit, and remain in God’s love (verses 17–23)
- Doxology praising God’s power to keep believers from falling (verses 24–25)
Application & Life Lessons
- Spiritual deception often enters quietly and must be resisted
- God’s grace never excuses sinful living
- Past judgments remind believers of the seriousness of rebellion
- Christians must strengthen their faith through prayer and Scripture
- Mercy should be shown to those struggling or led astray
- God is able to keep believers from falling and present them blameless
- Contending for the faith requires courage, discernment, and love
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Jude
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of 2 & 3 John and Jude
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Books
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Disclosures & Notices
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