The Book of Jude

Jude Outline

Chapters & Genres

The book of Jude is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, consisting of only one chapter with 25 verses. However, despite its brevity, it is a powerful and important letter that serves as a warning to Christians about false teachers and the dangers of apostasy.

The author of Jude identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, both of whom were likely half-brothers of Jesus (Jude 1:1). It is believed that Jude wrote this letter sometime in the mid to late first century, possibly around A.D. 65-80, although the exact date is uncertain.

The primary purpose of Jude's letter is to warn believers about false teachers who had infiltrated the church and were leading people astray. Jude describes these false teachers as ungodly people who pervert the grace of God and deny Jesus Christ as Lord (Jude 1:4). They were likely promoting a form of antinomianism, which is the belief that Christians are free from the moral law and can live however they please.

Jude compares these false teachers to various examples from the Old Testament, such as the angels who rebelled against God, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Cain who killed his brother Abel (Jude 1:6-11). He also quotes from the apocryphal book of Enoch, which was not considered canonical by the Jewish or Christian churches, but was highly regarded in some Jewish circles during the first century.

Jude explains that these false teachers are sensual, not having the Spirit, and that they are causing divisions in the church (Jude 1:19-20). He urges believers to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3) and to build themselves up in their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). He also encourages them to show mercy to those who doubt and to save others by snatching them from the fire (Jude 1:22-23).

One of the most interesting aspects of Jude's letter is his use of Old Testament examples to illustrate his points. He uses these examples to show that God judges sin and that false teachers will ultimately face judgment. He also uses them to encourage believers to persevere in their faith and to trust in God's sovereignty.

For example, Jude mentions the Israelites who were delivered from Egypt but later rebelled against God and were destroyed in the wilderness (Jude 1:5). He uses this example to warn believers that even though they have been saved by grace, they must still persevere in their faith and not turn away from God.

Jude also mentions the angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven (Jude 1:6). He uses this example to show that even beings who were created higher than humans can fall into sin and be judged by God.

Another example that Jude uses is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 1:7). He uses this example to warn believers that God will judge those who engage in sexual immorality and perversion.

Jude's use of Old Testament examples is important because it shows that the teachings of the New Testament are rooted in the Old Testament and that the God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament. It also shows that God's character and judgment are consistent throughout both testaments.

In addition to warning believers about false teachers, Jude also encourages them to grow in their faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit. This is an important reminder that the Christian life is not just about avoiding sin and false teaching, but also about growing in our relationship with God and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.

Overall, the book of Jude is a powerful and important letter that serves as a warning to Christians about false teachers and the dangers of apostasy. It encourages believers to persevere in their faith and to trust in God's sovereignty. It also reminds us of the importance of prayer and growing in our relationship with God.