The Epistle of Jude

It is generally accepted that Jude, in calling himself the ‘brother of James’, was a half-brother to Jesus. The recipients of the letter are not known, nor is the date of writing, although there are suggestions it was either around A.D. 65 or 80. Verses 3 and 4 tell us that Jude had originally intended to write about the salvation we share, but then felt compelled to warn his readers about some godless men who had infiltrated the church. These were false teachers who taught that God’s grace gave them licence to sin, since their sins would no longer be held against them. They even considered their sins would lead to further evidence of God’s grace. Jude cites historical examples of God’s judgement against such apostates: the unbelieving Israelites during the exodus; the angels who fell prior to the flood; and Sodom and Gomorrah judged for their sexual immorality and perversion. He then describes the deplorable words and character of these godless men and the fate that awaits them. Jude reminds his readers that these things were foretold by Jesus. He urges them to continue to grow in faith, showing mercy to others and to save souls whenever they are able. The letter ends at verses 24 and 25 with an expression of praise to God: Now to Him being able to keep you without stumbling, and to set you before His glory without blemish, with unspeakable joy; to the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty and might and authority, even now and forever. Amen.