The Book of Jude – Packing a Powerful Punch

I wound up my study of the book of Hebrews this past week and wondered where I would read next. Jude popped into my mind so that is where I landed. It’s a short book, the fourth shortest in the New Testament, but it packs a powerful punch.

Jude was written by the half-brother of Jesus. In the first line, he introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James (Jude 1:1 ESV). Jude’s name in Hebrew is Judah and in Greek, Judas. I can see why it is simply called Jude.

THEME – APOSTASY

The theme of this book is apostasy as it relates to Christians, the turning away from God’s truth to embrace false teachings.

False teaching has been going on since the establishment of Christianity. In this instance, notes in my Bible (Life Application by Tyndale) suggest this false teaching was likely Gnosticism. This belief system says hidden or secret knowledge exists within the Scriptures but remains unavailable to the average believer.

Christianity says this is heresy, or contrary to biblical doctrine. True doctrine and true faith go hand in hand. 2 Timothy 3:16 says all Scripture is God-breathed (ESV). Things about God may seem to be beyond human understanding, but God reveals Himself and His character to us in His Word. The more we read and study our Bible, the more we learn of Him. His message is clear. Study notes made by biblical scholars help us to go deeper in our understanding.

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POWERFUL VERSE 16

This verse jumped out at me as I read the book of Jude. As Jude describes some of the things the false teachers said or the people did, he says this in verse 16, These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage (ESV). I don’t know about you, but this sounds so much like today. Like the things constantly in our news or social media, or sadly, even in some pulpits.

Jude issues a call to persevere. This is in the header for this section in my Bible.

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, and pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh (Jude 1:17-23, ESV).

What a powerful book. So much packed into so few words. It isn’t even a page and a half in my ESV Bible. I urge you to read it. My Bible doesn’t have commentary, so I use a few Bibles to guide me as I read. The Tyndale Life Application Bible has wonderful notes that lead you to other places to read for understanding in depth.

Know I’m praying for you. For wisdom, for discernment, and for clarity of God’s Word. Hang in there. Stay strong and persevere. The more you study God’s Word, the better you know Him, and His message for us becomes clearer with each passing day. Remember – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 ESV).

Blessings, y’all!

This is the Doxology at the end of the Epistle of Jude. I love this! I pray it blesses you as you listen.