Jude was named after its author Jude, who was one of Christ’s half-brothers. The best clue to this is in verse 1, where he describes himself as a brother James. The only James well known to be used in this fashion would’ve been the Church leader and also Jesus’ half-brother.
He and his brothers originally did not accept Christ as the Messiah, but later converted after the resurrection.
The book was most likely written before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. During which Christianity was under political attack from Rome and spiritual infestations such as Gnosticism.
Jude writes to confront apostates, attacking them head-on, and calling for discernment on the part of believers. He mostly focuses upon confronting and dealing with False teachers.
Overview #1-5 adapted from Reformation Study Bible ESV
- Salutations v1-2
- Why would Jude use bondservant to describe himself, instead of Jesus’ brother?
- What are the words, called, beloved, and kept alluding to?
- Purpose of the Letter v3-4
- Who are the people which Jude is warning about? Who are they denying?
- Can this warning/description apply to some people in this day and age?
- Denunciation of False Teachers v5-19
- What are the 3 examples given to illustrate God’s Divine Judgment? V5-7
- The arrogance of the false teachers is shown in v8-10, what ultimately happens to them?
- The example of Michael is used here in v9, instead of using Rash talk with Satan, what does Michael say?
- Jude references The Assumption of Moses, an apocryphal Jewish work here.
- What are the examples given in v11 of those who led others into sin?
- _________________ Gen. 4:1-5
- _________________ 2 Pet 2:15, Num. 31:16
- _________________ Num. 16:1-3
- Jude uses a reference to hidden reefs in verse 12 when describing the dangers of these False teachers, making a play on words in which they are dangers to what should be calm waters. They are filled with nothing but empty promises. Read 2 Peter 2:17. Do we know any teachers such as this in 2021?
- In v14-15 Jude quotes from the book of Enoch, a work that his Jewish readers would’ve been most familiar with. Although it may not happen immediately, what will ultimately happen to these ungodly teachers? Zec. 14:3-5
- In v16, Jude references what could be those who claim to have visions, spiritual powers, or the Holy Spirit, does v16 still apply today?
- Was the rise of ungodly teachers in the Church predicted? If so, by who?
- R.C. Sproul says the false teachers may have been trying to classify people into different categories such as the Gnostics, spiritual and natural.
4. Positive Exhortations v20-23
- What are the steps to combat these teachers in v20-21?
- ______________ yourselves up in holy faith
- ______________ in the Holy Spirit
- ______________ yourselves in the love of God
- ______________ for the mercy of Jesus which brings eternal life.
In v22-23 Jude gives some examples that different strategies should be used with different people regarding getting them out from False Teachers grasps.
5. Concluding Doxology v24-25
- Who can keep us from apostasy?
- Who can keep us from Stumbling?
- If we are sinners just as the False Teachers, how can we ever be blameless?
- Who ultimately has authority over all things?
Psalm 73 