Bible Commentaries
Jude

Jude

Jude, the last of the epistles to the Circumcision, is the prelude to the apocalyptic judgments. Its framework reveals the fact that the central theme is the coming of the Lord in judgment upon the irreverent ( Jud_1:14-15 ). Indeed, it seems to suggest that Enoch himself will prophesy, as one of the two witnesses ( Rev_11:3-12 ), to (not of ) these, in the Lord's day. As Peter's second epistle is especially concerned with this same judgment period, it contains many parallel passages. Compare Jud_1:8 with 2Pe_1:5 ; 2Pe_1:4 with 2Pe_2:1 ; 2Pe_2:6 with 2Pe_2:4 ; 2Pe_2:7 with 2Pe_2:6-10 ; 2Pe_2:8 with 2Pe_2:10 ; 2Pe_2:9 with 2 Peter_2:11, and 10 with 2Pe_2:12 ; 2Pe_2:11 with 2Pe_ 2Pe_2:15 ; 2Pe_2:12-13 with 2Pe_2:13-17 ; 2Pe_2:16 with 2Pe_2:18 ; 2Pe_2:17-18 with 2Pe_3:1-3 . As Jude speaks of the apostles ( Jud_1:7 ), he is not the apostle of this name ( Joh_14:22 ). Neither was James, his brother, an apostle, for James and John were the two sons of Zebedee ( Mat_26:37 ). The other James was not prominent enough to be referred to in this way. So Jude was evidently the brother of James, the Lord's brother, who occupied by far the most prominent place among the saints of the Circumcision, although he was not an apostle. This makes Jude himself a brother of the Lord. This fact throws much light on the character of its teaching, its harmony with the other Circumcision epistles, and its strong contrast with the later teaching of the apostle Paul. Paul repudiates even the distant physical bond existing between him and the Lord, and bases all on a spiritual relationship in grace. Jude deals with the judgment of those who are closely united to Him in the flesh. While the apostasy here set forth is not to be applied to the Uncircumcision during the present period of grace, its beginnings can be clearly seen among the Jews, as God is gathering them from the nations and restoring them to their own land. As in the exodus from Egypt, He will deal with the nation of Israel as a whole, yet destroy the apostates among them during the era of His indignation. With this in view, Jude addresses this epistle to the faithful, lest they, too, become involved in the apostasy. Unlike those to whom Paul writes these will not have justification, but only a pardon of sins, which can be revoked. Hence even believers among the Circumcision may fall away, especially during the fearful affiictions of the time of the end. The framework shows that the main theme, the judgment of apostasy, is presented, as usual, from the divine side first and then reviewed, in inverse order, from the human aspect. From verse fifteen, as shown by the framework, we return over the same ground as we came, but from a different viewpoint. In the former division all was viewed in its Godward aspect: then we look on the manward side. First we have the mercy from God (2), lastly the mercy shown to man ( Jud_1:21-25 ). And so with each subject. The closing ascription is in close harmony with the epistle. Glory, majesty, might and authority belong to God when He is executing His strange work of judging the earth and inaugurating the reign of His Christ, as is set forth in detail in the book of His unveiling.

Called and kept Jud_1:1

Mercy from God Jud_1:2

Contend for the faith Jud_1:3

Barter, disown, before Jud_1:4

Reminder-the prophets Jud_1:5-7

Dreamers Jud_1:8-13

The Lord’s Coming in

Judgement Jud_1:14-15

Murmurers Jud_1:16

Reminder-apostles Jud_1:17

Scoffers of the last time Jud_1:18-19

Build selves in faith Jud_1:20

Mercy on others Jud_1:21-23

Guarded and established Jud_1:24-25