Jude

Jude

Historical Background

At the time that Jude was written, evil people has risen up in the church to attempt to instruct the church with unsound doctrine (4,18). The apostles were concerned about the fact that false teachings were beginning to arise and soon all of the eyewitnesses would be gone. They were continuing to send out letters stating the truth of what they had taught and warning the church about those who would come in with false teaching (17-19). 

Character and Nature of God

While Jude informs the believers that scoffers are going to arise to cause division, he also closes out the book by encouraging the believers by identifying God as the One who is able to keep them from falling (24). Despite the fact that the believers are being “attacked” by false teachers and doctrines, they can find rest in the fact that God is the One who ultimately keeps them from falling. He is the One who presents them without a single fault before the presence of His glory. He is the Only God and therefore the only one who is able to do that (25).

Reason Written

Jesus’ half brother Jude writes this book to remind the church of the teachings that the apostles had previously taught them (3,5,17). He writes to warn them about ungodly people who will come in among them. He describes to the believers what these people are like and how they can be identified (8-13,16). He writes to give them instructions on how to act in the midst of these challenges so that they will remain safe in the love of God (20,21).

Main Idea

The main idea from Jude is that the believers are to remember what the apostles have instructed them and live holy lives while continually watching out for people who will come in to bring divisions among them. He instructs the believers to build each other up in the faith, pray in the Spirit, and await God’s mercy. Jude says that doing these things will keep them safe even in the midst of facing dangerous people who are among them (17-23). At the close of his letter he gives practical instructions on how to minister to others (22,23). These are practical steps given by Jude to ensure that the believers will continue to follow what the apostles have instructed, even in the midst of encountering scoffers.