Jude

Jude originally intended to write about ‘the common salvation’, but found it necessary to write this epistle as an exhortation in view of those creeping in unawares v.3

Author & Date

Many commentators agree that the Jude, who wrote this epistle, was one of the earthly half brothers of the Lord Jesus, Mtt. 13:55, Mk.6:3.

It was written after II Peter since it refers to Peter’s prophecy from that epistle.

Outline

Jesus: the one who keeps vv1-4

A. Kept in Jesus

1. Those sanctified v1
2. Those preserved (=kept) v1
3. Exhortation to contend for the faith vv2-3

B. Those who kept not vv5-19

1. Examples 1

• The unbelievers out of Egypt v5
• The angels, who kept not their first estate v6
• Sodom & Gomorrah v7

2. Characteristics 1

• Dreamers, despisers, evil speakers v8,10
• A stark counter-example v9

3. Examples 2

• The way of Cain v11a
• The error of Balaam v11b
• The rebellion of Korah v11c

4. Characteristics 2

• Their lives vv12-13
• Their mouths v16
• Their walk vv17-19
• Their judgement vv14-15

C. Keep yourselves vv20-23

1. Build yourselves up vv20-21
2. Having  compassion vv22-23

D. He is able to keep vv24-25

1. From falling v24a
2. To present you faultless v24b
3. To Him be glory v25

Notes

a. Unique references

It is the only book in Scripture that mentions:

1. The dispute over Moses’ body v. 9
2. Enoch’s prophecy v.14-15.

b. Key words

1. Eternal things ; (a) Life v21; (b) Chains v6; (c) Fire v7
2. Keep & kept v1 (preserved =kept), 6 ; v21; v24

c. Textual note

F.F. Bruce  in commenting  about  verse 5 , says that there is strong textual evidence the verse should read “Jesus” instead of Lord. That is:

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that Jesus having saved the people…”

Compare this with I Cor.10:4