THE STUDY:
Jude is the only letter in the NT
to be extensively incorporated into another (i.e., into 2 Peter). Indeed, 2
Peter is the earliest evidence for the existence of Jude. Jude was circulated
as a separate book in Egypt and Italy by the end of the second century, for
both Clement of Alexandria and Origen cite it (both lived in Egypt), and it was
included in the Muratorian Canon (which was Italian).
Jude claims to be written by “Jude,
a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.” While the name Judah (the
Hebrew form) or Judas (the Greek form) was extremely frequent in Jewish groups.
Who could this person be? We know for sure who it could not be, namely Judas
son of Simon Iscariot. A more realistic possibility would be the prophetic
Judas Barsabbas, who, according to Luke (Acts 15:22, 27, 32), accompanied Silas
in carrying the letter from the Apostolic Council. Another possibility would be
that other Judas who was part of the Twelve. The most likely Judas being
designated as the author of this letter is Judas the younger brother of Jesus.
Turning to the issue of addressees,
then, we discover that Jude does not address a specific group. “Those who have
been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ” could
designate any group of people committed to Jesus as Lord, whether they were
Jewish or Gentile, whether they were Palestinian, Egyptian, or northern
Mediterranean. These believers apparently respect James, since Jude identifies
himself with respect to James rather than with respect to his own location or
parentage.[1]
Jude wrote with a heart of love and
understanding, and with a note of concern and authority. He wanted to write on
a joyful theme, “about the salvation we share” (Jude 3), but was compelled to
write a much more somber epistle. His love for believers whom he saw endangered
by encroaching adversaries moved him to turn from the more pleasant theme to
sound a solemn warning. Jude wrote in a dynamic style, using many figures of
speech (e.g., shepherds, clouds, and trees, v. 12; and waves and stars, v. 13).
The book is a solemn warning to
Christians everywhere. Though its theme regarding apostasy was specifically
directed to first-century Jewish Christians, its message is applicable to all
Christians. All believers need to avoid the pitfalls of denying Christ’s
lordship, promiscuously following the fleshly desires, rejecting authority,
being divisive, and living for self.[2]
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that, just like all of the other authors of the N.T., Jude is writing with a love for the believers and a warning for those who have fallen from the truth of Christ.
CONCLUSION:
Through the years I have tried to
be an expository preacher. Occasionally someone will come to take exception to
something in the sermon. Believing that I have faithfully drawn the truth from
the Word, I say, “Well, I suggest you take that up with the Lord. I didn’t say
it of myself. I simply told you what God said in His Book.”
Jude, along with the rest of the
authors found in the Bible, does nothing but reveal the truth of Christ. In
that day and time, they did it by forms of writing letters, preaching, and
living it. Today we are to do the same. Some are called to share the gospel by
the gift of writing, some are to share by Preaching, but all are to live it. Let
that be our prayer today, “Lord, help me to live the truth today!”
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Davids, P. H. (2006). The letters of 2
Peter and Jude. The Pillar New Testament commentary (18). Grand Rapids,
Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
[2]
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). Vol. 2: The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures
(918). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
No comments:
Post a Comment