The Book of Jude - KJV

Today's post is rather long and an all-day study; however, it is a full Book. I have expounded quite a bit. If you have thoughts, questions, or additional input please post in the comments section. 

The Book of Jude - KJV

Purpose: A reminder to the church to be consistently strong in the faith and oppose diligently heresy in the face of diluted Christian doctrine.

Jude's writing is against godless teachers with the desire, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to encourage and motivate all Christians to recognize the dangers of false teachings to protect themselves and other believers who have been deceived and bring them back into the truth. This letter from Jude is a warning to believers to avoid living a nominal Christian life with the false thinking that there is no fear to live as one pleases without God's punishment. This "letter" at the time written was probably directed to Gnostics who opposed two basic tenants of Christianity which are: 1) Christ's incarnation and 2) Christian ethics.

False teachers and leaders along with those who follow them while rejecting Christ's lordship, working to undermine others' faith, and lead them astray will be punished. 

Therefore, If you are a believer, it is a duty to staunchly defend Christian truth, avoid those who for their own purpose distort the Bible and truth of God. Believers should be genuine and sincere servants of Almighty God portraying the Lord Jesus Christ in words and conduct.

Regarding Apostasy: Jude is warning Christians. Apostasy is the turning of one away from Christ to false teachings. Be careful not to stray from faithful commitment to Christ. God will punish rebellion against Him.

Therefore, Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the truth as preached in the Bible by the apostles who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. One is susceptible to apostasy who does not seek to know the truth in God's Word. Beware of false doctrines.

Authorship: Jude, brother of Jesus and James
- Jude identifies himself in Verse 1 as James' brother. In the New Testament, there are another four men by the name of James; however, most likely Jude is referring to the half brother of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19. Being so, James and Jude grew up with Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). We must not confuse our author, Jude, with those bearing the same name. [Mark 3:19; Luke 3:30; Luke 6:15 ("the brother of" should read "the son of"); Acts 5:37; Acts 9:11; Acts 15:22-32.]
- Jude, like others in Jesus' immediate family, had a negative response to Jesus' ministry in His earthly days (John 7:5). 1 Corinthians 9:5 reveals Jude may have been one of His brothers who ministry was preaching. Jude was a renowned Jewish Christian (Messianic Jew) leader in Jerusalem who wrote with authority and assurance that his readers would listen carefully.

To Whom Written: Jewish Christians (Messianic Jews) and all believers throughout the world. Many believers were being mislead after being infiltrated ("crept in unawares") with false teachers of their day. Those false teachers were peddling messages of immorality (moral laxity), self-destructive pride, divisiveness, and theological error. 

Date written: Approximately 65 AD - Scholars have dated Jude from 40 AD to 140 AD; however, if indeed he was Jesus' half brother he would have written this book well before the first century's end. 

Setting: From the first century and continuing through our days, the church has been and is being threatened by false teachings and heresies opposing God's Word - always be diligently on guard.

Key verse: Verse 3

Key people: Jude, James, Jesus

Keep in mind while reading:
v3 Christians are to contend for the faith
vv 4-19 reject all ungodly falsehoods and immorality
vv 5-11, 14-16 remember the mighty acts of God's rescue and punishment
vv 17-19 warnings of the apostles
vv 20 build our own faith with prayer and reading scriptures
vv 21 continue drawing closer to Christ
vv 22, 23 help others
vv 23 hate sin
vv 24-25 Jude's conclusion and praise to God with his glorious benediction


DANGER OF FALSE TEACHERS (vv 1-16)
[Salutation - vv 1-2]
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are 1sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
1 perfect tense - Christians are once and continually "set apart" and "kept" for the return of Christ (v 21)
- Jude was James' brother. James was, like Jude, both leaders in the early church and were the half-brothers of Jesus. Mary was their mother. Mary was Jesus' true mother, Jesus' true Father was God. Joseph was James' and Jude's father.

2 Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be 1multiplied.
1 increased
- Believers that sought God's mercy and received His peace; refers to "inner assurance" and "stability"

[JUDE'S REASON FOR WRITING - vv 3, 4]
V3 - Judgment on false teachers:
3 1Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was 2once delivered unto the saints.
1 The word Beloved shows the relationship with John and his readers to be close as he wrote this letter urgently to them, exhorting them. The content of Christian faith is unchanging, unchangeable, and definite. 
2 once for all
- The relationship between correct doctrine and true faith is important. Here Jude emphasizes this. God Himself (through His Holy Spirit) inspired (breathed) the words of the Bible and His words must never be twisted, misrepresented, or manipulated in any way to compromise the real and true facts about Jesus and salvation. Those false teachers and leaders who conform the Bible for their own purpose stir confusion to mislead people over right and wrong causing blindness to the right and only path leading to eternal life (salvation). Jude encouraged people to return on the right path and see clear the way to salvation.

4 For there are certain men crept in 1unawares, who were ^before of old 2ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into 3lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
1secretly - unnoticed; 2 prepared; 3 evil, licentiousness, promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.
^ "before the old ordained" - long ago marked out for; recognition that there exists predictions in the Scriptures of the demise and judgement of those who flaunt God's will. It is wrong to assume that grace means "no moral laws." It is ineffective in denying the sovereignty and eternal moral lordship of both God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). [KJV Study Bible]
- Some churches even today have ungodly false teachers intentionally twisting the teachings of the Bible to justify their own opinions, poor ungodly behavior, and life-style. Their Judge will be God. He will judge those for tolerating, excusing, condoning, and promoting sin. This is a temporary freedom of false teachers/leaders who will learn it is fire they are playing with by having distorted God's Word.
- There are people who perhaps avoid reading and studying these wonderful Scriptures prepared and preserved for their eyes by the Very God of salvation. By refusing to study, learn, and apply correct and true doctrine, it makes for susceptibility to accepting false doctrines/teachings for lack of being well grounded in the Word of God. Through applying ones' self to diligence with the Bible one will recognize corrupt doctrines to avoid an undermined faith and an act of misleading/hurting others.
- False teachers during the first century (not to say those do not exist in our day) had a flippant idea of God's holiness and His justice. They went against God's teachings teaching Christians could live as they pleased without fear of the wrath of God. In Romans 6:1-23, Paul refuted those teachings. It is a bad choice to minimize "the sinfulness of sin" and neglect remembering daily that how a person lives has little to do with their faith. Showing deep respect for God and having a sincere desire to live according to God's principles taught in the Bible (His Word) will show truly how deep one's faith is - and it will show.


[DESCRIPTION AND WARNINGS REGARDING FALSE TEACHERS, BELIEFS, AND PRACTICES]
5 ^I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
^ I will - Jude is expressing his burden of desperate warning to readers; Christians should take notice and example of the Old Testament figures.

6 And the angels which kept not their 1first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved 2in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
1 original place with God - proper domain; 2 in prison

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to 1fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the 2vengeance of eternal fire.
1 sexual immorality: 2 punishment
- vv 5-7: There are three examples of rebellion listed by Jude. These are: 1) the children of Israel who refused still to trust God and enter the Promised Land even though He had delivered them from Egypt; 2) the angels though they lived in the the presence of God and were once pure and holy gave in the pride (free will to do so) when they joined up in rebellion against God and were banished from Heaven; and 3) Sodom and Gomorrha whose inhabitants were so wicked and filled with sin that God rained fire and brimstone down annihilating the cities from off the face of the earth (presumed remains to be located under the Dead Sea - perhaps why nothing will live there?) How much the more will false teachers and leaders be judged of God?
- v7: I have heard others say they will not believe that God would send people to Hell. The Scriptures clearly teach that the punishment for rejecting Him and the penalty for not seeking forgiveness from Him holds the punishment of eternal separation from Him. Would God allow those who reject Him to remain in His presence for eternity? Those who reject, ignore, and rebel against God will face eternal fire.
- Often mentioned in the Scriptures is Sodom and Gomorrha as examples of the severe judgment and wrath of God in regard to sexual sin with emphasis on sexual perversion. Apparently this sin had become familiar with Jude's readers.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers  (R) defile the flesh, 1despise 2dominion, and speak evil of ^3dignities.
1 reject authority; 2 Majesty; 3 glorious ones
(R) 2 Peter 2:10
^ My study Bible indicates that perhaps the "dignities" here are probably evil angels. In Genesis 19 the men of Sodom insulted the angels of God and scoffed at any type of authority. There is a danger for insulting even fallen angels. (See A. 2 Peter 2:10-12)
- Jude describes the false teachers during his warning to the people. They were self-serving paying attention to their own desires, visions or dreams instead of revealing God's Word leading the people into rebellion against authorities into insubordination against angelic and apostolic teachings while openly criticizing both authorities.
A. 2 Peter 2:10-12: (backing up to verse 9) 9 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly our of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptions are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas **angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. / Dignities can very well be angels, most probably fallen angels or from the unseen world - all the glories. Whichever these dignities are, false teachers scoffed at the spiritual reality of which they had not understanding of. Satan's power should never be taken lightly. The false teachers mistook the fact that they thought they had the power to judge evil. In this world we live in today, there are many who mock the supernatural, denying the reality of the spiritual world existing just out of our eyesight while claiming only what they can see or feel to be reality. Satan and his supernatural powers should absolutely not be taken lightly nor should we feel arrogant or passive about his defeat. He will be destroyed completely by Christ. Note all around you that the evil one (Satan) is busy at work with all effort attempting to make Christians ineffective in their Christian walk and/or their witness and/or ministries and service. There is an all-out attack and persecution upon Christians in this world.
**Jude 9

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when 1contending with the devil he 2disputed about the body of Moses, 3durst not bring against him a 4railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
1disputing; 2 discussed; 3 dared; 4 reviling
- There is no other mention in the Scripture of this incident regarding the contention between the devil and Moses' body. According to my study Bible, there is a book entitled "The Assumption of Moses" (ancient book) that Jude may have been referencing.
- The Archangel, Michael, refused to be provoked by Satan as he charged that Moses was a murderer (Exodus 2:11, 12) and that he was undeserving of a proper burial. Moses had risen above this through his faith in YHWH (God) and had been forgiven. When a person comes into a personal relationship - saved (born again) - with God having Christ as his/her Saviour, God places all sin as far as the east from the west and remembers them no more. Satan has no power over a person serving the Risen Saviour.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they 1corrupt themselves.
1 destroy
- The false teachers were claiming that they "possessed secret knowledge" that gave them authority in teaching by having a mystical and beyond human understanding type knowledge of God. The truth is, God's nature is way beyond our human understanding. He, by His grace, has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word and through His Son, Jesus Christ. Beware of those who appear to have all the answers and that belittle that which they do not understand. Even though with finite minds and inability to fully comprehend God, seek to know all there is about the truth in the Holy Scriptures and what He has revealed for our minds, hearts, and lives.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for 1reward, and perished in the 2gainsaying of Core.
1 profit; 2 rebellion
- The three men listed by Jude here are examples of men who did whatever they pleased. They are: 1) Cain - out of vengeful jealousy, he murdered his brother Able (the first murder committed) in Genesis 4:1-16; 2) Balaam - he prophesied to gain money, not out of obedience to God's command; 3) Core (Korah) - he wanted power for himself and rebelled against the divinely-appointed leaders of God. These three men all had something typical in common as do false teachers/leaders: pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power, and a disregard for God's will.
- Cain was not in proper relationship with God. His heart was not right. Israel was led into sin by Balaam. And Core (Korah) led a rebellion against Moses and in so doing - a rebellion against God.

12 These are 1spots in your 2feasts of 3charity, when they feast 4with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; 5trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
1 hidden reefs or stains; 2 love feasts; 3 love; 4 with you without fear, serving only themselves; 5 late autumn trees without fruit
- In the day of the early church, before celebrating the Lord's Supper, believers would have eaten a full meal prior to Communion. The meal was referenced as a love feast or "feast of charity." This time was designed to be a sacred time of fellowship and preparation of their hearts to receive Communion. False teachers began joining in these love feasts. During a time when there should be rejoicing in the Lord, they caused "spots" which, in several churches, developed into a party of gluttony and drunkenness. Sins such as gluttony, drunkenness, selfishness, greed, and disorder along with other sins should not be allowed or tolerated to destroy the unity of the church and/or to distance people's minds from the real purpose for their assembling together. 
- "twice dead" is a reference to useless trees. Useless trees do not produce fruit and would be "rooted up and burned." So as unbelievers, they were referred to as twice dead.

13 Raging waves of the sea,  (R) foaming 1out their own shame; wandering stars,  (R) to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
1 up 
(R) Isaiah 57:20; Philippians 3:19; 2 Peter 2:17



14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
- Enoch is not mentioned but twice in the Bible, once here and in Genesis 5:21-24. 
- Jesus being mentioned as coming with angels (saints) are recorded in Matthew 16:27 and 24:31. In the Book of Daniel Chapter 7:10, he speaks of God judging mankind with ten thousand times ten thousand angels in attendance.

15 (R)To execute judgment upon all, and to 1convince all that are ungodly among then of all their ungodly deeds which they have 2ungodly committed, and of all their 3hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
1 convict; 2 in an ungodly way; 3 harsh things
(R) 2 Peter 2:6; 1 Samuel 2:3
- Ungodly is the description repeatedly used by Jude to denounce the false teachers.

16 These are 1murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh *great swelling words, 2having men's persons in **admiration because of advantage.
1grumblers
2 flattering people to gain advantage
*great swelling words - bombastic, arrogant language used by the false teachers and leaders
**they use flattering language to coerce people into getting what they want


CHRISTIAN DUTY TO FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH OF GOD (vv 17-25)
Exhortations to Christians
17 (R)But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken 1before 2of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1 in the past; 2 by
(R) 2 Peter 3:2

Warnings from other apostles about false teachers are given in Acts 20:29; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3; and 2 John 1:7

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly 1lusts.
1 passions
- The common phrase for the time between Jesus' first and second coming is referred to the "last times" - which are the days in which we live now. We should keep our eyes toward Israel and the current happenings. Remember the apostolic warnings!

19 These be *they who 1separate themselves, 2sensual, having not the Spirit.

1 cause divisions; 2 worldly

*"they who separate themselves" - people who, getting their start in the church, are divisive and "schismatic" in nature using heretical actions to mislead others in the church to eventually separate their followers from following the apostolic direction. 

20 But ye, beloved, (R)building up yourselves on your most holy faith, (R)praying in the Holy Ghost.
(R) Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18
- When praying in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, one is to "pray in the Holy Ghost." The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Romans 8:26-27 tells us He prays for us; John 14:26 tells us praying in the Holy Ghost opens our minds to Jesus; John 15:26 tells us that the Holy Spirit teaches us about Him. Note: The Holy Spirit is the Person who convicts our hearts of our sin and points us toward Jesus Christ to accept Him as our Personal Savior. 
- Cling to God in prayer, building up to what is right in the eyes of God and renounce that which is ungodly and in error.

21 1Keep yourselves in the love of God, (R)looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
1guard
(R) 2 Peter 3:12
- The emphasis is to "keep yourselves in the love of God" essentially is to live close to Him and His people, deafen our ears and protect our hearts against listening to false teachers that want to draw us away from God.
- In Verse 1, Jude used the word "preserved" to denote God's role and ability to keep a grasp on those He has adopted as His children (those saved by grace). 
- Jude expresses his belief of the literal return of Jesus Christ as described in the Scriptures.

22 And 1of some have compassion, making the 2difference:
1 on; 2 distinction

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment 1spotted by the flesh.

1 made unclean, defiled
(R) Zechariah 3:4, 5

- v 22, 23 "Hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" is a powerful statement from God. This indicates we should hate sin but love and witness (tell them of the saving grace of Jesus Christ) to the sinner. To some, witnessing comes through compassion and kindness. To others, witnessing is as if we are "snatching them from the fire of hell itself" (which in reality when one gets saved Jesus is snatching them from hell's fire). Witnessing is a matter of life and death that shouldn't be taken lightly. All unbelievers are in need of salvation no matter what position they have in this life.
- When witnessing to unbelievers compromising the truth is not an option. In reaching out towards the "lost" our stand must be concreted in the truth of God and Jesus. 
- For Christians a very important factor in keeping your faith active and vibrant is to serve others. Even when there is danger or immorality in the extreme Christians must meditate on His word, remember His love for sinners, and share the gospel truth with those that are lost.

Benediction:
24 (R)Now unto him that is able to keep you from 1falling, and (R)to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
1 falling - literally stumbling
(R) Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:22

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, (R)both now and ever. Amen.
(R)Hebrews 13:8
- The word Saviour is referring to God the Father; however, the term is often used for Jesus Christ (Titus 1:4; 2 Peter 3:18). During Old Testament days the thought was that there was only one Savoiur Isaiah 43:10, 11) and with the early church's application of the term would imply (as is true) Jesus' unity with God the Father. The one whom Jude grew up with from childhood to adulthood is the One he placed his personal trust in as his own Personal  Saviour. My study Bible states that many of the ancient manuscripts using the words "through Jesus Christ our Lord" after the word "Saviour." Quite a tribute to the One named Jesus Christ.

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References:
2 Peter 2:10 "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and *despise government. Presumptuous are they self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." *belittle control
Isaiah 57:20 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
Philippians 3:19 "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things."
2 Peter 2:17 "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever."
2 Peter 2:6 "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an *ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;" *illustration
1 Samuel 2:3 "Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."
2 Peter 3:2 "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:"
Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession  for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
2 Peter 3:12 "Looking for and *hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" *earnest desiring
Zechariah 3:4, 5 (Speaking of Joshua, the high priest, before God with Satan accusing him of being dirty with sin) "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the *filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with **change of raiment. *sin, **clean clothes (representing forgiveness of sin - salvation)
Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"
Colossians 1:22 "In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:"
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. (Note: immutability of God)

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Today's world certainly fits the descriptions given by Jude so many years ago. 

Dear Lord, 
Help me to be steadfast, contending for the faith, denying false teachings, studying and meditating Your word daily, learning about You and your precepts, and applying them to my life. I pray too that You will help me witness to others of Your great love and Son Jesus Christ in Whom salvation is found.
In Jesus' name i pray. Amen.