Jude Introduction

Starter Quote

ESV Expository Commentary

Hebrews–Revelation Overview

The book of Jude’s brevity, focus on false teaching, and strange references to non-biblical Jewish literature could lead modern readers to skim quickly past this book in search of more immediately applicable passages. But Jude’s call “to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1) in the face of false teaching is the task of the church in every generation.

Background Information

Author

Jude the half-brother of Jesus

Date

62-66 AD

James died in 62 AD

Certain Jews (Zealots) were encouraging other Jews to revolt against the government ultimately leading to war starting in 66 AD

Audience

Jews in the Diaspora (scattering of Jews throughout the world instead of being in their homeland)

Verses 8-16 - Jude writes about multiple people who are in the Old Testament/extra-biblical Jewish texts

Genre

Epistle

Satire

Outline of Book

Jude 1-4 - Greetings

Jude 5-7 - Past Rebellions

Jude 8-13 - Condemning the Rebels

Jude 14-19 - Enoch’s & the Apostles’ Prophetic Judgments

Jude 20-25 - Perseverance, Mercy, and Doxology

Purpose of Jude

Encourage the body to contend for the faith and to address ungodly people who were perverting the Gospel/doctrine

Extra-biblical Literature

1 Enoch

Testament of Moses

Theology

Defend the Messiahship of Jesus

Rebellion is not OKAY

Stand firm against ungodly people/false doctrine and encourage genuine believers who are wavering

Quotes on the book of Jude

Preaching the Word - David Helm

1 & 2 Peter and Jude—Sharing Christ’s Sufferings Chapter 30: Reading Jude

The theme of Jude’s letter comes out of verse 3, “contend for the faith.” But this contending for the faith is not put forward in a vacuum. Verse 4 supports the theme by contributing the occasion for the letter with the little word “for.” Thus, the call to contend is rooted in Jude’s conviction that the faith is being challenged by opponents he only will call “certain people” (vv. 4, 8, 10, 12, 16, 19).

New American Commentary - Thomas Schreiner

1, 2 Peter, Jude Introduction

D. J. Rowston begins an article on Jude with the sentence, “The most neglected book in the New Testament is probably the book of Jude.” His assessment probably is accurate, although 2 John and 3 John are close competitors. Jude is often overlooked because of its brevity, consisting of only twenty-five verses. The book is also neglected because of its strangeness, in that he quotes 1 Enoch and alludes to Assumption of Moses. Some may wonder how a canonical book can cite writings that have never been considered canonical. Furthermore, the message of Jude is alien to many in today’s world, for Jude emphasized that the Lord will certainly judge evil intruders who are attempting to corrupt the church. The message of judgment strikes many in our world as intolerant, unloving, and contrary to the message of love proclaimed elsewhere in the New Testament. Nevertheless, this short letter should not be ignored. Some of the most beautiful statements about God’s sustaining grace are found in Jude (vv. 1, 24–25), and they shine with a greater brilliance when contrasted with the false teachers who had departed from the Christian faith.