The thoughts and note material given on these pages are only a possible suggestion of the meaning, they must not be taken as inspired, however they are prayerfully prepared and compared with other similar material. There are many ways in which God’s Word can be analyzed and none must be taken in place of the Word of God itself.

Epistle of Jude

WRITER. Jude was the brother of James, which makes him a half brother of Jesus, same mother. Mark 6:3

The half flesh brothers and sisters of Jesus did not believe who He was during ministry years. John 7:5. Following His death on the cross and His resurrection we are told that James was converted, 1 Cor 15:7. In Acts 1:14 we are told that the brethren of Jesus were part of the prayer group awaiting the Holy Spirit.

Date: Probably about A.D. 66.

This was a general letter written to the early Church, warning about and against the now appearing false doctrine of Gnosticism.
Gnosticism, a Greek word meaning "knowledge," was teaching that there was a sharp separation of material, which was evil, and spirit, being good. This possession of knowledge which would eventually serve to unite the soul to God. Out of this had developed the idea that the body of Christ was only apparent, not real, because if He had a real body it would have been evil.
Those who followed this teaching would often ignore any teaching from the Old Testament and denial of the suffering of Jesus, His birth and incarnation. The follower considered themselves special, who had secrets hidden from the world. They lived a life which they considered a special purity, which may have included certain food ban, worship of angelic beings and effect of powers of the stars on a person. The Corinthian Church has been affected by this teaching 1 Cor 8:1ff.

Identification and Greetings. verses 1-4.

Warnings against false teaching. verses 5-16.

Encouragement to Christians. verses 17-23.

Final benediction. verses 24,25.