Jude: An Introduction, part 1 - The Twelve Questions

Jude – Introduction Part 1 – 12 Questions 1. Who wrote this book? Jude – Greek (Ἰούδας Ioudas) Greek transliteration of the Hebrew (‫ ְיהוָּדה‬yehûdhāh). In the Hebrew Scriptures, this is always translated as “Judah.” In the Greek New Testament, this name is mentioned 44 times. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. Judah, son of the patriarch Jacob Judah, a patriarch in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:30) Judas of Galilee, a revolutionary who was executed in Jewish history (Acts 5:37) Judas of Damascus, Paul’s host (Acts 9:11) Judas, Iscariot, we all know this one Judas, an apostle, son of James (Luke 6:12-16; John 14:22) Judas, Barsabbas, (Acts 15:22-35) Judas, a brother of Jesus, (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) The only reference to any of these being a brother of James is the brother of Jesus (8). All the forms of this name are the same. The translation differences seem to be an attempt to differentiate between persons. All names should be translated the same (Judah). So, the author of this book is Judah, the brother of James and Jesus. What do we know about the Judah? He initially rejected Jesus as Messiah (John 7:1-9; Mark 3:20-21, 31-35). He and his brothers were with the apostles in the upper room (Acts 1:12-15), and he became a leader in the early church (1 Corinthians 9:5). 2. To whom is the book addressed? We do not know specifically the audience as far as geographical location or names, but we do have their characteristics. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. 3. Beloved Believers (common salvation) They are to contend earnestly for the faith Mature believers (they know all things) Have experience with the apostles They have the Holy Spirit They have experience and knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures Jewish? Where was it written? Unknown, no indication or clues in the text. No external indication that I could find. 4. When was it written? Very difficult to date. Because of its similarity to 2 Peter 2, the date is normally understood as contemporary to 2 Peter (67-69 AD). But who wrote first cannot be determined. Because of verse 17, the information is from the apostles and indicates that Jude yielded to the apostles, and therefore, it is most probable that 2 Peter came first. Jude 01 Beth Haven Church 2022 WJB 1 Jude – Introduction Part 1 – 12 Questions 5. What was the occasion of the writing? Jude is concerned about those who are perverting the doctrines of Scripture. The problem is false teachers and is evidenced by their arrogance. 6. What was the purpose of the writing? Jude wants his readers to contend for the faith, to encourage the believers that those who oppose God and His truth are destined for destruction, and to remember that this world would be in opposition to them. He encourages them to work hard to participate with the gospel in order that others might be saved. 7. What were the circumstances of the author when he wrote? Unknown. There is no indication or evidence in the text. The assumption is that it is the same as the audience. If the date is late (67-69 AD), then we can assume that Jude is under persecution. 8. What were the circumstances of those to whom he wrote? The audience is under pressure from false teachers. 9. What glimpses does the book give into the life and character of the author? Jude was humble. He writes with authority but not of his own. The content does not say what he will do but what God has done and will do. Jude does not write as an apostle but writes deferring to the authority of the Apostles. 10. What are the leading ideas of the book? Believers need to defend the doctrines of the faith. False teachers are often identified by their character. God will judge false teachers. As God grants mercy to those who are called, they must show mercy to others. God grants everything we need to keep from stumbling. 11. What is the central truth of the book? Jude 1:3 – Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 12. What are the characteristics of the book? This is very blunt and straightforward. The content indicates that the believers contend for the faith. Jude 01 Beth Haven Church 2022 WJB 2