Jude: Short and to the Point
“This little epistle of Jude was written under special constraint, as the writer himself tells us in verse 3. The constraint arose from a disturbing consideration of the apostasy which was blighting Christian assemblies through the subversive teachings of false brethren. It speaks with special force to our own times…”
“There is a clear orderliness of though it. Its central idea is that of contending for the faith, in accord with verse 3, which gives the key. The first sixteen verses tell us why to contend, i.e. because of apostate teachers. The remaining verses tell how to contend, showing our true resources.
First, then, in verses 3 and 4 we find that the subtle perverters were culpable of two basic denials: 1) denying grace by “turning” it into lasciviousness; 2) “denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Next, in verse 5-7 we find their certain doom foretold and illustrated by three historic examples of a like Divine vengeance on such, i.e. Egypt, angels, Sodom.
Next, in verses 8-11 Jude describes in scathing terms the character and conduct of these false teachers whom he combats, comparing them with three historic figures infamous for their impiousness, i.e. Cain, Balaam, Korah.
Next, in verses 12-16 he exposes their utter falsity, dragging away all their deceiving draperies, in six awful metaphors, i.e. 1) “hidden rocks”; 2) exploiting “shepherds”; 3) “clouds without water”; 4) “trees without fruit”; 5) “wild waves of the sea”; 6) “wandering stars.” Then this section ends with the Enoch prophecy of coming destruction upon all such.
The remaining verses in the letter, which show us how to contend for the faith, break up equally clearly. First, we are to realize that such apostasy has been foretold (verses 17-19). Second, there is to be a “building up of yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit” so as to “keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verses 20, 21). Third, we are to “show compassion” to certain who “doubt” or, more literally, “contend” (verse 22). Fourth, we are urgently to seek the rescue of others, but to keep our separation and purity in doing so, “hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (verse 23).
The little epistle then ends with a prophetic doxology envisaging an ultimate heavenly consummation (verses 24, 25).” 1
24Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (ESV)
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1 J. Sidlow Baxter, Explore the Book (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervon, 1960) 314-315.
