The Book of Jude is one of the shorter books in the New Testament, but it contains important teachings about false teachers, apostasy, and contending for the faith. Here are some common questions people have about Jude:
Who wrote the Book of Jude?
The author identifies himself as “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James” (Jude 1:1). This likely refers to Jude, one of the brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). Though not one of the Twelve Apostles, Jude was still an important leader in the early church.
When was the Book of Jude written?
The exact date is uncertain, but scholars believe Jude was written between A.D. 60-80. The theology and language of Jude reflect other New Testament writings of this time period. Jude also references apostasy taking place, indicating the early church was established but facing false teachers.
What is the purpose of the Book of Jude?
Jude warns against false teachers who were infiltrating the church. These false teachers were twisting God’s grace into a license for immorality (Jude 1:4). Jude calls believers to contend for the faith, remember the warnings of apostasy, and keep themselves in God’s love (Jude 1:3,17,21).
What are some key verses in Jude?
Here are some important verses from Jude:
- “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” (Jude 1:3)
- “For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 1:4)
- “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
How is the Book of Jude related to 2 Peter in the Bible?
There are many similarities between Jude and 2 Peter 2, leading most scholars to believe Jude borrowed from 2 Peter’s warnings against false teachers. The similarities include:
- Using the example of fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6)
- Citing the examples of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:6; Jude 1:7)
- Comparing false teachers to “unreasoning animals” (2 Peter 2:12; Jude 1:10)
- Criticizing false teachers for arrogance (2 Peter 2:10; Jude 1:16)
- Predicting the false teachers’ destruction (2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:4)
This overlap confirms the early church’s widespread concern over apostasy at that time.
What are some of the major themes in Jude?
Some key themes in Jude include:
- Apostasy – Warnings against false teachers and turning away from the faith.
- Contending for truth – Jude’s call to defend orthodox doctrine and not let heresy spread.
- God’s judgment – Jude reminds that ungodly people face condemnation for leading others astray.
- Keep yourself in God’s love – Believers should build themselves up, pray, and wait on Christ’s return.
How should Christians apply the Book of Jude today?
Here are some ways Jude can be applied today:
- Remain vigilant against false teaching infiltrating the church.
- Don’t compromise godly living or use grace as a license to sin.
- Contend for biblical truth even when it’s unpopular.
- Pray for protection from deception and apostasy.
- Build yourself up in your faith through studying Scripture and Christian fellowship.
- Show mercy to doubters but avoid enabling false teachers.
- Keep yourself in God’s love while awaiting Christ’s return.
How does Jude describe false teachers?
Jude uses very strong language when describing the false teachers, including:
- Ungodly people who pervert God’s grace into a license for immorality (Jude 1:4).
- Deceptive leaders following their own ungodly desires (Jude 1:8,16).
- Flatterers who exploit others for their own gain (Jude 1:16).
- Grumblers and faultfinders who follow their own evil desires (Jude 1:16).
- Arrogant boasters who show favoritism to gain advantage (Jude 1:16).
- Scoffers who divide the church and follow their natural instincts (Jude 1:18-19).
Jude wanted to convey the serious dangers these false teachers posed to the gospel and the church.
What Old Testament examples does Jude cite?
Jude draws on several Old Testament examples when warning about false teachers, including:
- Israel’s Unbelief – Jude 1:5 reminds how God destroyed those who did not believe after the Exodus.
- Fallen Angels – Jude 1:6 refers to angels who abandoned their proper domain and were condemned.
- Sodom and Gomorrah – Jude 1:7 mentions their sexual immorality and perversions.
- Archangel Michael and Satan – Michael did not pronounce judgment on Satan but said “The Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9).
- Cain – Jude 1:11 warns against following the way of Cain in rebelling against God.
- Balaam – Jude 1:11 references Balaam’s greed in prophesying for money.
- Korah – Jude 1:11 mentions how Korah rebelled against Moses’ leadership.
These examples reinforce Jude’s warnings against rebelling against God’s authority and embracing immorality.
What does Jude mean by “contend for the faith” in Jude 1:3?
“Contend for the faith” means to strive vigorously to defend and promote the essential Christian gospel against heresy and unbelief. Jude is encouraging believers to:
- Uphold sound doctrine and refute false teaching (Titus 1:9).
- Expose misleading philosophies that contradict Scripture (Colossians 2:8).
- Correct those teaching wrong doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).
- Guard pure biblical truth once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).
- Not allow apostasy and liberal theology to spread in the church.
- Be prepared to spiritually struggle for truth, even if it invites opposition.
God calls all Christians to contend earnestly for the faith until Christ returns.
What does it mean to “keep yourselves in God’s love” as Jude 1:21 says?
Jude encourages believers to keep themselves in God’s love by:
- Building yourself up in the faith – Through prayer, Bible study, community, and fellowship.
- Praying in the Spirit – Seeking God’s will and power to live righteously.
- Waiting for Christ’s mercy – Having patience and hope in Jesus’ return and eternity.
- Pursuing holiness – Repenting of sins that grieve the Spirit.
- Loving others – Actively showing God’s grace and care for others.
- Obeying God’s commands – Doing His will demonstrates our love for Him.
Abiding in God’s love requires actively pursuing spiritual maturity while awaiting eternal life.
What do the closing verses of Jude mean for the church today?
In Jude 1:22-25, Jude gives a final charge to the church that contains important principles for Christians today:
- Show mercy to doubters – gently help restore those struggling with faith.
- Save others by snatching them from the fire – rescue the perishing from destructive lies.
- Show mercy mixed with fear – evangelize with compassion and urgency.
- Hate polluted garments – detest spiritual contamination from the world.
- Build yourself up in faith and hope – keep maturing spiritually.
- Trust fully in God’s ability to keep you from stumbling.
- Rejoice in the salvation only God can provide.
- Proclaim God’s greatness, glory, power, and authority.
Jude calls every believer to personally guard the faith while sharing Christ’s mercy with the lost.