A necessary warning
Jude 1:1–4FocusThe faith and corrupt influence
Connection to the wholeJude explains the occasion for his appeal and identifies the corruption that makes contending for the faith necessary.
interpretation Jude 1:10
KJVBut these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Read it in context
The false teachers described
Start reading at Jude 1:3 (Jude 1:3 to Jude 1:13).
Begin at verse 3 for the reason these men are being exposed.
Jude describes the intruders with a series of vivid images: clouds without water, trees without fruit, wandering stars.
- 1:3 Beloved, 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 once delivered unto the saints.
- 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:5 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.
- 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
- 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
- 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
- 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
- 1:10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
- 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
- 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
- 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jude, the brother of James, is the named author. He is traditionally identified with Judas, one of Jesus' brothers, rather than Judas Iscariot. Biblical references: Jude 1:1; Matthew 13:55. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Jude 1:1–1:25): Jude addresses called and preserved believers, warning about ungodly people who entered among them and urging faithfulness and care for others. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Those sanctified by God the Father, preserved in Jesus Christ, and called. They are believers urged to contend for the faith against corrupt intruders; no congregation or city is named. Biblical references: Jude 1:1; Jude 1:3; Jude 1:4. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Warnings and descriptions. Read Jude 1:5 through Jude 1:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The examples of rebellion and portraits of the intruders expose both their character and the judgment toward which it leads. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter responds to persons who have entered among the readers and turns to earlier scriptural examples. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The recipients and location of writing are not geographically identified in the opening. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The false teachers described (Jude 1:8 to Jude 1:13). Start reading at Jude 1:3. Begin at verse 3 for the reason these men are being exposed.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jude identifies himself as Jesus Christ's servant and calls the readers to look for His mercy while keeping themselves in God's love. The closing praise should be read with those exhortations. See Jude 1:1, Jude 1:20, Jude 1:21, Jude 1:24. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Contend for the faith through the conduct Jude prescribes: prayer, love, discernment, and mercy. Do not use the warning as license for reckless accusation. interpretation
Cited: Jude 1:5, Jude 1:16, Jude 1:1, Jude 1:20, Jude 1:21, Jude 1:24
Who wrote it, and how we know
Jude, the Lord's brother
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Jude, servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.
Jude 1:1
Early traditionTradition identifies him as the Lord's brother.
Related passages
- speak 2 Pet 2:12
- in those Rom 1:21-22
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Jude 1
Jude identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James and addresses the called, sanctified, and preserved. He urges them to contend for the received faith because corrupt people have entered among them.
FocusThe certainty of accountability
Connection to the wholeThe examples of rebellion and portraits of the intruders expose both their character and the judgment toward which it leads.
interpretation Continue faithfully and care for others
Jude 1:17–25FocusPrayer, mercy, and God's keeping
Connection to the wholeCommands to build, pray, keep, and show mercy stand beside praise for God's ability to keep, preserving both divine help and the readers' response.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Jude
Jude identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James and addresses the called, sanctified, and preserved. He urges them to contend for the received faith because corrupt people have entered among them.
The purpose of the appeal
Jude 1:1–4FocusContend for the faith
Connection to the wholeThe opening explains why Jude turns to an urgent appeal: people within the community are turning grace into a license for corruption.
interpretation FocusExamples, character, and judgment
Connection to the wholeJude uses a sequence of examples and descriptions to warn that the intruders' claims do not exempt them from judgment.
interpretation The believers' response
Jude 1:17–25FocusRemember, build, keep, and show mercy
Connection to the wholeThe conclusion directs the readers toward the apostles' warnings, prayer in the Holy Ghost, remaining in God's love, and merciful care, ending in praise.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.