The author introduces himself as Jude, brother of James (Jde 1:1a, Gal 1:19),
see The Book of James. Jude and James were half-brothers of Jesus.
Jude warns of godless people in the church, who have taken God's grace and made it to a license to sin (Jde 1:4). The Lord rescued the people of Israel from the land of Egypt, but on the way to the promised land he destroyed those who didn't believe (Jde 1:5), see for example Twelve Spies Exploring Canaan in
Moses; Part 13: Rebellion and Paganism. Such people can have a devastating
influence in the church (Gal 5:7–9, 1 Cor 15:33). People in Sodom and Gomorrah
gave themselves over to sexual immorality and is presented as an example and suffers the vengeance of eternal fire (Jde 1:7), see Homosexuality. What happened in Sodom and Gomorrah is a reminder for us, see The Life of Abraham.
Likewise, these godless people also defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries (Jde 1:8, 2 Pet 2:9–11). They live only to please their flesh.
We shouldn't pronounce a blasphemous judgment against anyone (Jde 1:9–10), see
time 13:37–14:37 in Bible Q & A With Pastor Paul │December 2023. They have walked in the way of Cain (Gen (1 Mos) 4:6–11), have greedily run in Balaam's delusion for gain, see Balaam and Balak, and perished in Korah's rebellion
(Num (4 Mos) 16:1–35), see 6. Korah’s Rebellion in
Moses; Part 13: Rebellion and Paganism (Jde 1:11). False teachers do all of this.
They are shepherds who feed only themselves (Jde 1:12a). They follow their own sinful desires, show favoritism to gain advantages, and cause division
(Jde 1:16, 18–19, 2 Pet 3:3–4a).
Instead, you should aim to do as follows, see Sanctification:
- Build yourself up in faith (Jde 1:20a), see How to Build Your Faith.
- Pray in the Holy Spirit (Jde 1:20b), as the Holy Spirit leads in our heart.
- Keep yourself in God's love (Jde 1:21a), see Faith, Hope, and Agape Love.
- Wait for God's mercy (Jde 1:21b), see The Parable of the Persistent Widow.
- Exercise mercy toward doubters (Jde 1:22).
- Share your faith with unbelievers (Jde 1:23a).
- Show mercy to people who live in sin, but keep your distance (Jde 1:23b).
- Hate all sin (but not sinners) (Jde 1:23c).
