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
- Those sanctified v1
- Those preserved (=kept) v1
- 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
- Build yourselves up vv20-21
- Having compassion vv22-23
D. He is able to keep vv24-25
- From falling v24a
- To present you faultless v24b
- To Him be glory v25
Notes
a. Unique references
It is the only book in Scripture that mentions:
- The dispute over Moses’ body v. 9
- Enoch’s prophecy v.14-15.
b. Key words
- Eternal things ; (a) Life v21; (b) Chains v6; (c) Fire v7
- 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