Survey of the Bible - Jude
Text: Jude 3-4
I. Jude focuses on the need to contend with false teachers. Except for the salutation and benediction, the entire letter is focused on this one topic.
A. Author is Jude, which is a shorten for Judas.
1. It was a popular name during the first century because Judas Maccabees lead a revolt in the years before Christ. But that means it is harder to pinpoint the author
2. He notes he is the brother of James, but James also is a popular name. However, the fact that it is being noted means he is referring to a well-known James. Possibilities are:
a. James the father of Judas (also known as Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus) - Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13
(1) The Greek is actually vague about the relationship between James and Judas.
(2) Some argue that it should be translated as Judas the brother of James making him the same as James the son of Alphaeus.
b. James the son of Joseph, and half-brother of Jesus - Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19
(1) He also had a brother named Judas.
c. Most feel that whichever way, this Jude is the brother of the writer of the book of James.
B. To those called – all Christians - Jude 1
C. Dating
1. Earliest copy of Jude is in p72 dated from about 200 AD. In a set with I Peter and II Peter.
2. Most believe to be written between 66 and 80 AD
II. Similarity between II Peter 2:1-3:4 and Jude 4-18
A. Too similar not to be purposely done.
B. Too different to be a copy from the other
C. II Peter probably came first
1. Peter speaks of the future rise of false teachers - II Peter 2:1-2; 3:3
2. Jude speaks that it has happened - Jude 4, 11-12
3. Jude quotes II Peter 3:3 and says it came from the apostles - Jude 17-18
III. Controversy
A. Jude 9 appears to allude to the Assumption of Moses
1. Origin made this claim, but nothing like this appears in the manuscripts we have of this book, which leads some to claim there is a lost ending
2. Lack of evidence as to this book predating Jude
3. Lines could have been added to the Assumption of Moses to make it appear authentic.
B. Jude 14-15 appears to quote The Book of Enoch 1:9
1. We don’t know which came first. We have copies of the Book of Enoch which predate Jude by hundreds of years, but none have Enoch 1:9 in them.
2. Oldest copy of that particular verse comes from a Coptic translation found in 1773 in Ethiopia.
3. Jude doesn’t say he is quoting Enoch’s writings, but Enoch himself.
C. Some claim that Jude was merely quoting non-inspired writers to illustrate his point. Problem is that these are not presented as information from men’s works.
IV. Outline
A. Purpose of the letter - Jude 1-4
B. Description of false teachers - Jude 5-16
1. Past judgment on false teachers - Jude 5-7
a. Believers who fell - Jude 5
b. Angels who fell - Jude 6
c. Non-believers - Jude 7
2. Present false teachers - Jude 8-13
a. So arrogant that they have no respect for authority - Jude 8-10
b. Like Cain, Ballaam, and Korah - Jude 11
c. Description - Jude 12-13
(1) hidden rocks (or spots) on their love feasts - hidden danger
(2) clouds without water - claims without reality
(3) uprooted trees without fruit - useless and dead
(4) wild waves - loudly proclaiming
(5) wandering stars - unstable, no fixed beliefs
3. Future judgment on false teachers - Jude 14-16
C. Defending against false teachers - Jude 17-23
1. They had been warned - Jude 17-19
2. Stay with God - Jude 20-21
3. Rescuing those caught in the trap - Jude 22-23
D. Benediction - Jude 24-25
V. The problem of false teachers is one that will never go away.
A. Rather we must always be ready to contend for the faith
