One of the most well-known verses from the Book of Jude is Jude 1:24-25:
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
This passage expresses praise and adoration to God for His power to keep believers from falling and to present them blameless before Him. It acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Savior and source of glory, majesty, dominion, and authority for all eternity.
Book of Jude (PDF download)
An Overview
The Book of Jude, often simply referred to as Jude, is a letter found in the New Testament. Here’s an introduction to the Book of Jude:
- Authorship: The author identifies himself as Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James (Jude 1:1). Early church tradition attributes the letter to Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus, who is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.
- Date and Context: The exact date of the composition of Jude is uncertain, but it was likely written in the late first century, between AD 60 and AD 80. The letter addresses concerns within the Christian community regarding false teaching, moral corruption, and the need for spiritual vigilance.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of Jude is to warn believers about false teachers who have infiltrated the Christian community and to exhort them to contend earnestly for the faith. The letter underscores the importance of standing firm in the truth of the gospel and resisting the influence of those who distort and pervert the message of salvation.
Themes
- Contend for the Faith: Jude urges believers to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). He warns against false teachers who have crept in unnoticed and who promote ungodliness and deny the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
- Divine Judgment: The letter emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment against the ungodly and the consequences of rejecting the authority of God. Jude provides examples from Jewish and Christian history to illustrate the fate of those who rebel against God and indulge in sin and disobedience.
- Warning Against Apostasy: Jude warns believers about the danger of apostasy and falling away from the truth of the gospel. He describes the characteristics and actions of false teachers, who deceive and lead others astray with their ungodly teachings and immoral lifestyles.
- Exhortation to Faithfulness: Despite the presence of false teachers and the threat of apostasy, Jude encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to build themselves up in the most holy faith. He calls them to pray in the Holy Spirit, keep themselves in the love of God, and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
- Mercy and Salvation: Jude concludes his letter with a doxology, praising God for His power to keep believers from stumbling and to present them faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. He emphasizes the role of God’s mercy and grace in the salvation and preservation of believers.
Structure
The Book of Jude is structured as a letter addressed to believers, with a focus on exhortation, warning, and encouragement. It includes:
- Greeting and Salutation (Jude 1:1-2)
- Warning Against False Teachers (Jude 1:3-16)
- Exhortations to the Believers (Jude 1:17-23)
- Doxology and Benediction (Jude 1:24-25)
In summary, the Book of Jude is a brief but powerful letter that emphasizes the importance of contending for the faith, resisting false teaching, and remaining faithful to the truth of the gospel. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, to guard against deception and apostasy, and to trust in the mercy and grace of God for salvation and preservation.