1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Overview of Jude Chapter 1
The Book of Jude is a brief epistle in the New Testament, attributed to Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. This chapter serves as a warning against false teachers and emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and righteousness. The chapter is characterized by its strong language and vivid imagery, underscoring the urgency of Jude’s message.
Key Themes
- Warning Against False Teachers: Jude highlights the presence of individuals who distort the grace of God and lead others astray.
- Call to Perseverance: Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith despite the challenges posed by false doctrines.
- Judgment: Jude speaks of the impending judgment on those who reject God’s authority and promote immorality.
- Divine Protection: The chapter reassures believers of God’s ability to keep them from stumbling.
Structure of the Chapter
- Greeting (Verses 1-2):
Jude introduces himself and addresses his audience, extending mercy, peace, and love to them.
- Purpose of the Letter (Verses 3-4):
Jude expresses his initial intention to write about salvation but feels compelled to address the urgent need to contend for the faith.
- Examples of Judgment (Verses 5-7):
Jude cites historical examples of God’s judgment, including the Israelites who were delivered from Egypt but later perished due to unbelief, the fallen angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
- Characteristics of False Teachers (Verses 8-10):
He describes the behavior and attitudes of false teachers, emphasizing their arrogance and ignorance.
- Prophecy of Enoch (Verses 14-15):
Jude references a prophecy attributed to Enoch regarding the coming judgment on the ungodly.
- Exhortation to Believers (Verses 16-23):
Jude urges believers to build themselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God while showing mercy to those who doubt.
- Doxology (Verses 24-25):
The chapter concludes with a powerful doxology, praising God for His ability to keep believers from falling and presenting them blameless before His glory.
Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-2: Greeting
Jude identifies himself and establishes his authority as a servant of Jesus Christ. The mention of mercy, peace, and love sets a tone of encouragement for the readers.
Verses 3-4: Purpose of the Letter
Jude’s shift in focus from discussing salvation to contending for the faith highlights the seriousness of the situation. The phrase “contend for the faith” implies an active struggle against false teachings.
Verses 5-7: Historical Examples
By referencing the Israelites, fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah, Jude illustrates God’s judgment against rebellion and immorality, reinforcing the consequences of straying from the truth.
Verses 8-10: Characteristics of False Teachers
Jude describes false teachers as dreamers who defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander celestial beings. This characterization serves as a warning for believers to be discerning.
Verses 14-15: Prophecy of Enoch
The inclusion of Enoch’s prophecy emphasizes the seriousness of divine judgment and serves as a reminder of God’s ultimate authority over sin.
Verses 16-23: Exhortation to Believers
Jude’s call to action encourages believers to actively engage in their faith through prayer and love, while also urging them to reach out to those who are wavering in their beliefs.
Verses 24-25: Doxology
The doxology serves as a powerful conclusion, affirming God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. It reassures believers of their security in Christ and the promise of eternal life.
Conclusion
Jude Chapter 1 is a vital exhortation for Christians to remain vigilant against false teachings and to uphold their faith. The chapter’s vivid imagery and historical references serve to underscore the seriousness of the message, while its concluding doxology offers hope and assurance of God’s sustaining power.
