Jude

This little epistle of 25 verses and 613 words was written either by the apostle Judas (Lk. 6:16; Acts 1:13) or the Lord’s brother (Matt. 13:55). It seems that the writer distinguishes himself from the 12 apostles (compare 2 Pet. 3:2 with Jude 17). It was written during the Acts period and it is written to the same people that the other Hebrew epistles are written to; the kingdom saints. It is easy to read the Body of Christ into v.1, but what about v.21 (compare Rom. 8:35-39)? The kingdom saints are also said to be sanctified (Jn. 17:17) and preserved (Jn. 17:11-12). God will keep them IF they keep themselves in His love by keeping His commandments (Jn. 15:1-10). 

The theme of this epistle is stated in vs.3-4. The “common salvation” refers to the salvation which was spoken by the Lord in His earthly ministry concerning the “world to come” (Heb. 2:3-5). The tribulation saints must contend for the faith against the apostate teachers that Satan will plant among them (wolves in sheep’s clothing, tares among the wheat). The false teachers will try to add to and take away from the faith that was once delivered (Rev. 22:18-19). It is “the faith” that was spoken of by the prophets, Christ in His earthly ministry (Jam. 2:1), and His 12 apostles. This is distinct from the “one faith” (Eph. 4:5) that was revealed through Paul for the Body of Christ in this present age. 

I. Introduction (vs.1-2)

II. Purpose of the letter (vs.3-4)

III. Past examples of God judging apostasy (vs.5-7)

        A. Israel in the wilderness (v.5)

        B. Fallen angels (v.6)

        C. Sodom and Gomorrah (v.7) 

IV. Portrait of apostates (vs.8-19) – about 30 marks to identify them 

V. Prevention of apostasy (vs.20-25)

        A. Building (v.20)

        B. Praying (v.20)

        C. Keeping (v.21)

        D. Looking (v.21) 

        E. Reaching (vs.22-23)

        F. Trusting (vs.24-25)

There are many triplets in this epistle:

1) Sanctified, preserved, called (v.1)

2) Mercy, peace, love (v.2)

3) Ungodly, turning, denying (v.4)

4) The people, angels, the cities (vs.5-7)

5) Defile, despise, speak evil (v.8)

6) Cain, Balaam, Core (v.11)

7) Spots, clouds, trees (v.12)

8) Fruitless trees, raging waves, wandering stars (vs.12-13)

9) Murmurers, complainers, boasters (v.16)

10)   Separatists, sensual, not the Spirit (v.19)