Jude 1

  • Jude 1:1
    • Jude is the same word as Judas, but it is traditionally translated as Jude. He is the brother of James and Jesus.
    • See Matthew 13:55
    • It’s interesting that Jude introduces himself as the servant of Jesus, not the brother (see John 7:5).
    • Acts 1:14
    • This letter was probably written between 60-80 A.D. The letter is written to Christians.
  • Jude 1:3
    • The word translated “contend” is a very strong word. The English translation is not strong enough. The Greek word behind it carries the idea of a vigorous fight.
    • Galatians 1:6-9 – The faith was once delivered – there are no upcoming revelations.
  • Jude 1:4 – They were twisting God’s grace into a license for sin. See Romans 5:20-21; Galatians 5:13.
  • Jude 1:5-7 – God punished His own special nation (Israel) repeatedly for disobedience. We cannot think that we will not be punished.
    • Jude 1:6 – See II Peter 2:4. Even angels were punished when they sinned.
    • Jude 1:7 – See Genesis 19:4-5, 24-28; Romans 1:26-27 – Some take this verse to imply that punishment in hell is not actually eternal. See Mark 9:47. It could mean that Sodom and Gomorrah were just a taste of the punishment to come. Note that the annihilation of Sodom and Gomorrah was a one-time event, but the people were condemned to eternal destruction, which could be the point of the verse.