Such a little book sure packs a powerful punch! I was so captivated by the tremendous message of these few verses I was inspired to write down my own interpretations. I thought I would share my thoughts as a sort of commentary. Please feel free to comment and share your perspective.
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"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, "
Vs 1) In a matter of just a few words we get such insight into Jude’s humility. He did not boast in his family association but considered himself a servant.
“To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ:”
Doesn’t it help to be reminded that we are loved by God? Nothing can separate us from his love (
Rm 8:35-39). Time and again God has spoken his love to us. From the beginning of time he demonstrates it to us daily. We are also encouraged by the fact that it is the mighty Lord himself that keeps us. In the prayer recorded in
John 17, Jesus mentions that he did not lose anyone that God had given him (except Judas, the one foretold in scripture). The closing doxology links to this opening statement in praising God for his ability to keep us.
Vs 3) Jude urges his readers to “contend for the faith” The Greek word for contend that is used here is the root word for the English translation
agonize. This is the only time this word is used in the New Testament. It means to fight, earnestly struggle, labor fervently, or put forth great effort (as in wrestling).
By “faith” he is referring to sound teaching - that it must not to be compromised. The Body of Christ is to be vigilant in defending truth and godliness. False doctrine cannot be recognized apart from knowledge thereof.
“…godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.”
Vs 4) Promoting anything other than the true Gospel of Christ is a punishable sin regardless of God’s infinite grace. Lest we be led astray, it is imperative that we are able to recognize those among us that twist the Word of God to fit their own lifestyle.
Vs 5-7) A historical account of precedented judgment from unbelief and rebellion are then given as examples to divert repeated offenses. While I prefer to learn from the mistakes of others, I can’t say I always pay attention and avoid anguish. This record provides for our instruction but it also should produce a healthy, scriptural fear of the Lord. How else would we know that God’s own angels that were in his very presence were not immune to judgment if we don’t study His word for ourselves?
Vs 11) Notorious men of ill-repute from the Old Testament are next mentioned. Instead of the actions by the people of God we now see more into their character. Cain (
Gen 4) had murderous anger issues resulting from jealousy. Balaam (
Nu 22) was corrupt and greedy, choosing to profit as a prophet; he was a polytheist that encouraged others to worship idols. Korah, (
Nu 16) out of selfish ambition, was envious of another’s power. By rebelling against Moses he was really rejecting God’s authority. These men were of God’s chosen people. As Jude is addressing the “called” it is important to remember that these sins lie within the heart of all men. As Jude goes on to remark in
verse 15, Jesus will return to judge all men of their ungodly behavior.
“These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.”
Vs 16) I certainly can’t skip over this verse because I most certainly am guilty of these! I still have a tendency to criticize and complain. I've been boastful and practiced flattery. Thankfully, the Lord is not done with me yet! By the power of the Holy Spirit, in ever increasing measure, he is disciplining me to live by his leading rather than my own desires of the flesh. I can’t say I’ve yet attained it, but I do strive.
“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.”
Vs 17) Here he lends further instruction and yet another reason of importance to stay in the Word; to remember the apostles teaching. Living in these last times with scoffers, skeptics, and mockers living for themselves and causing divisions among us it is imperative to remain in the faith. Having been written approximately 60-65 A.D., we are that much closer to the end of time.
Vs 20) I immediately think of
Ephesians 6:18 when I read his closing exhortation to pray in the Spirit. Prayer keeps us linked to the Trinity and alive and working within us to know and accomplish his will.
Vs 21) Here he tells us to keep ourselves in God’s love, another reference to
abiding in him, which means we are to share in the process with God (as we were told in verse 1 that God’s keeps us in his love). Jerry Bridges writes in his book
The Practice of Godliness that: “Though the power for godly character comes from Christ, the responsibility for developing and displaying that character is ours……The Bible teaches
both total responsibility and total dependence in all aspects of the Christian life.”
“as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”
This brings to my mind a bride waiting for a white limo to whisk her away to her long awaited honeymoon. It is in his mercy he will return.
“Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
Vs 22-23) I glean strong imagery from his choice wording here of my responsibility (mercifully) toward others. The far-reaching effects of sin into everything that comes in its contact. Reminded, too, that I am to hate the sin but not the sinner.
Vs 24) A closing of deserving praise to Jehovah-God; extolling the blessings he endows:
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
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