Summary of the Book of Jude

Author:
Jude 1 identifies the author of the Book of Jude as Jude, a brother of James. This likely refers to Jesus’ half-brother Jude, as Jesus also had a half-brother named James «Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? », (Matthew 13:55). Jude likely does not identify himself as a brother of Jesus out of humility and reverence for Christ. Full article: Who wrote the book of Jude? Who was the author of Jude?

Date of Writing:
The Book of Jude is closely related to the book of 2 Peter. The date of authorship for Jude depends on whether Jude used content from 2 Peter, or Peter used content from Jude when writing 2 Peter. The Book of Jude was written somewhere between A.D. 60 and 80.

Purpose of Writing:
The Book of Jude is significant for us today because it is written for the end times, for the conclusion of the church age. The church age commenced at the Day of Pentecost. Jude is the sole book dedicated entirely to the great apostasy. Jude writes that evil works are the proof of apostasy. He urges us to contend for the faith, as there are tares among the wheat. False prophets exist in the church, and the saints are at risk. Jude is a concise yet crucial book deserving of examination, crafted for the modern Christian.

Key Verses:

Jude 3: “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”

Jude 17-19: “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”

Jude 24-25: “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you beforeHis glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

Brief Summary:
According to verse 3, Jude was eager to write about our salvation; however, he changed topics to address contending for the faith. This faith embodies the complete body of Christian doctrine taught by Christ, later passed on to the apostles. After Jude warns of false teachers (verses 4-16), he advises us on how we can succeed in spiritual warfare (verses 20-21). Here is wisdom we would do well to accept and adhere to as we go through these days of the end times.

Connections:
The Book of Jude is filled with references to the Old Testament, including the Exodus (v. 5); Satan’s rebellion (v. 6); Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 7); Moses’ death (v. 9); Cain (v. 11); Balaam (v. 11); Korah (v. 11); Enoch (vv. 14,15); and Adam (v. 14). Jude’s use of the well-known historical illustrations of Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam, and Korah reminded the Jewish Christians of the necessity of true faith and obedience.

Practical Application:
We live in a unique time in history, and this little book can help equip us for the untold challenges of living in the end times. Today’s Christian must be on guard for false doctrines that can easily deceive us if we are not well-versed in the Word. We need to know the Gospel—to protect and defend it—and accept the Lordship of Christ, which is evidenced by a life change. Authentic faith always reflects Christ-like behavior. Our life in Christ should reflect our very own heart knowledge that rests on the authority of the Almighty Creator and Father who puts faith into practice. We need that personal relationship with Him; only then will we know His voice so well that we will follow no other.