Bible Studies In The Word of God

The Book of Jude

 

Verse 1. The writer of this epistle calls himself brother of James, no doubt because of the prominence of James in the Jerusalem church, the man who wrote the epistle of that name. Neither of these men was one of the twelve apostles as is shown: in remarks at James 1:1. This epistle is addressed to them that are sanctified which means Christians. (See the comments at 1 Peter 1:1.)

 

Verse 2. To be multiplied means the blessings are to be very abundant.

Verse 3. The definition “thoughtful activity” has been offered the readers
for the word diligence. Jude says he used it in writing this epistle which indicates its importance, also the trust- worthiness of him as an author.  Common salvation means a plan of salvation that is offered to all people alike, whether they be Jews or Gentiles.  Earnestly contend. Both words are from EPAGONIZOMAI, which Thayer defines with the single word “contend”; it means that Christians should “face the foe” wherever he is met. The faith means the New Testament in which the common salvation is revealed. Once delivered  to the saints. This denotes that the plan was put into the hands of men (who are saints; Christians) and that once is as often as it had to be revealed.

 

Verse 4. Crept in unawares means they came in some underhanded manner to get advantage over the disciples.  Ordained is from a Greek word that means they were predicted in old times, that they would do the things that would bring this condemnation.  They misused the grace (favor) of God by making it seem to support their lasciviousness (filthy desires). It would be expected that such characters would deny Jesus Christ because he would condemn their wicked deeds.

 

Verse 5. The importance of reminders is again indicated, for these breth-

ren had known of the history of the Israelites. The point is that it is not

enough to start serving the Lord, but it must be continued or He will judge his people.

 

Verse 6. This has the same point as the preceding verse. These angels had a favorable estate at first, but left their own habitation (their proper domain).  These are the angels that sinned in 2 Peter 2:4, and they are kept in everlasting chains under darkness which means Hades; they will be judged at the last day. 

 

Verse 7. Even as denotes that the people of Sodom and Gomorrha will

also be punished at the last day. Suffering the vengeance refers to the fu

ture judgment day. The last word means a sentence unto punishment the

sameas 2 Thessalonians 1:9. The destruction of those cities was for this

world only and did not constitute the eternal jtre, for that is to come at the day of judgment. But their destruction in Genesis was intended as an example for the warning of others, and when that calamity came upon them they were given this sentence to be carried out at the last day. Strange flesh refers to their filthy immorality as described in Romans 1:27.

 

Verse 8. Filthy dreamers means they had visions of depraved indulgencies which detiled the flesh. Speak evil of dignities is explained at 2 Peter 2:10.

 

Verse 9. The reference to Michael is for a contrast on the same principle as 2 Peter 2:11. Devil disputed about the body of Moses. All we know about this dispute is what is said here, but we learn from Deuteronomy 34:6 that no man knew his burying place; that does not say the devil and the angels did not know. We are not told what was the point in their discussion; the important thing is the mildness of Michael in contrast with the false teachers.

 

Verse 10. This means they act more like beasts than men. (See 2 Peter

2:12). 

 

Verse 11. Way of Cain refers to his life of wicked selfishness, and they are compared to Balaam because of his willingness to be bribed. Gainsaying means contention for one’s personal desires. Such a person is like Core (Korah in Numbers 16).

 

Verse 12. Spots is a figure of speech drawn from a hidden rock in the sea that wrecks the vessels. Jude says they will come to the feasts of charity (love feasts, 2 Peter 2:13) for the purpose of feeding themselves. Clouds without water is explained at 2 Peter 2:17. Trees . . . twice dead is another ligure, indicating something utterly useless; the same is meant by being plucked up by the roots.

 

Verse 13. Raging waves is used because such things make great dis-

turbances but accomplish nothing but threatening appearances.  Wandering stars refers to the planets that seem to have no fixed position and these men are like that. Blackness of darkness refers to the “outer darkness” awaiting the wicked.

 

Verse 14. The Bible does not record this prophecy of Enoch, but Jude was an inspired man and knew what he was talking about. Seventh from Adam means he was in that numerical place in the genealogy of Christ. The ten thousand saints include those mentioned in Matthew 27:52, 53. For complete comments on this subject see those at Romans 8:29, 30 in the first volume of the New Testament Commentary.

 

Verse 15. This verse describes some of the work Jesus will do when he

comes at the last day. Convince means to convict and punish these ungodly persons. All their ungodly deeds and hard speeches are considered as being against Him.

 

Verse 16. Mumurers and complainers are usually those who wish to

walk after their own lusts. They speak great swelling words for their effect upon those whom they think they can deceive. Having men’s persons (desirable appearances) in admiration.  That is, they become “respecter of persons” for their own personal advantage.  The whole passage describes people extremely selfish.

 

Verse 17. Another reminder, but this time it is of things spoken before by the apostle. In referring to those who spoke before and mentioning apostles with them, it strengthens the conclusion that Jude was not one of them.

 

Verse 18. A mocker is one who makes fun of that which he cannot

meet otherwise. The motive they have is their desire to walk after their own ungodly lusts.

 

Verse 19. Separate themselves. They put themselves in a different class from the faithful disciples by their wicked deeds. Sensual denotes being interested only in things that gratify the senses whether good or bad. Having not the Spirit because its teaching is against the kind of life they are following.

 

Verse 20. Building up means to edify themselves by the word which

is the source of the most holy faith (Romans 10:17). Praying in the Holy Ghost (or Spirit) means to pray according to its teachings in the scriptures.

 

Verse 21. All who keep the commandments will have the love of God, and such persons may expect the mercy of the Lord when he comes to judge the world. 

 

Verse 22. People should be dealt with according to their ability, and

also their opportunity for knowing right from wrong. (See Galatians 6:1.)

 

Verse 23. Save with fear denotes a feeling of terror over the wilful doing of wrong by others. Those deserve no mercy especially and should be dealt with sternly in the hopes they may possibly be rescued, just as we would snatch a person from drowning even if we had to grasp him by the hair of his head. Hating even the garment denotes that we should abhor anything that has been near fleshly sin.  James 1:27 says that pure religion consists in one’s keeping hiinself unspotted from the world.

 

Verse 24. This and the next verse are a form of praise to the Lord that

is most impressive. Keep you from falling will be done according to 2

Peter 1:10. Christ will present us faultless if we serve him in this life

(Luke 12:8), and He will do this with exceeding joy to Him and us.

 

Verse 25. Transferring the praise to God directly Jude says He is only

wise. That means that God is the First Cause of wisdom as He is of all things.  Glory means grandeur and majesty means greatness.  Dominion means domain and power means authority.  Jude ascribes these dignities to God to last now and ever.