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 1:23
KJVAnd others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Read it in context
Remember the apostles' words
Start reading at Jude 1:17 (Jude 1:17 to Jude 1:23).
Believers are told to build themselves up in faith, keep themselves in God's love, and show compassion in rescuing others.
- 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
- 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
- 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
- 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
- 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
- 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
- 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
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? Continue faithfully and care for others. Read Jude 1:17 through Jude 1:25 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Commands 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
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 Remember the apostles' words (Jude 1:17 to Jude 1:23). Start reading at Jude 1:17.
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 1:17, Jude 1:25, 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
- save Rom 11:14 1 Cor 5:3-5 2 Cor 7:10-12 1 Tim 4:16
- pulling Amos 4:11 Zech 3:2 1 Cor 3:15
- hating Lev 13:47-59 Lev 14:47 Lev 15:17 Isa 64:6 Lam 4:14 Zech 3:3-5 1 Cor 5:9-11 1 Cor 15:33
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.
Warnings and descriptions
Jude 1:5–16FocusThe 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 FocusPrayer, 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 The intruders exposed
Jude 1:5–16FocusExamples, 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 FocusRemember, 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.