General Epistles · New Testament
Jude
c. AD 65
- Section
- General Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 65
- Written
- c. AD 65 critical view: c. AD 90–100
- Author
- Jude, the brother of James and of Jesus critical view: Anonymous or later, attributed to Jude
Jude, likely a brother of Jesus, writes a fiery warning against false teachers who have secretly slipped into the church, turning God's grace into a license to sin. Drawing on Old Testament examples of judgment, he urges believers to contend for the faith and keep themselves in God's love.
Key themes
- Contend for the faith
- Warning against false teachers
- God's judgment
- Perseverance
- Keeping in God's love
The letter's message
- Jude urges believers to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints
- He recalls God's judgment on unbelieving Israel, the fallen angels, and Sodom
- He denounces the ungodly false teachers who have crept in unnoticed
- Build yourselves up in faith and keep yourselves in the love of God
- A closing doxology to God, who is able to keep you from falling
“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.”