(69) The Book of Jude

The man who explains how to stand firm.

 

Jude is a shortened form of Judah, or in Hebrew Y'hudah which can be translated as "praise Yahweh".  It is also a form of Judas.  There were six men associated with New Testament times named one of the three ways.  Judas Iscariot; but this is 100% sure he did not write this book since he hung himself even before Jesus gave up His spirit.  There was Judas of Galilee who led a revolt during the time of Christ but died in it in 6 AD (Acts 5:37).  There was Judas, the man who Paul went to go see on Straight Street that remains a possibility.  There was a man named Judas Barsabbas who was a traveler with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:22) which is a possibility.  Thaddeus was also known as Judas.  And then there is the most widely accepted author of Judas, the brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3).  It says in Jude that he was also a brother of James (who was also a brother of Jesus).  It was written in 65 AD but no one is really sure from where.

 

Jude is the only NT book with a direct reference to the Apocryphal books.  It says that Michael and satan argued over what to do with Moses' body, a reference only found in the book called the Assumption of Moses.  Because of this reference it was hard for many in the early church to accept its authenticity.  It also references a book called Enoch.  The number three pops up all over the letter; many of his examples are in groups of three.  Ex)  To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:  Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.  The book tends to take on a prophetic feel to it, making it a perfect lead into the book of Revelation.

 

As mentioned earlier Jude was a brother (half) of Jesus and full brother of James, the leader of the Church in Jerusalem.  Jude was not a believer at first (John 7:5), but as we can see he eventually became a trusted brother IN Christ and not just OF Him.

 

Main point of this book is:

1. Persevere (vs 17-22).

Just from this one context we get what the whole book is about.  In the future the Church needs to stay strong in their faith because in the end there will be many false teachings that will steer many away.  Many will be divided by earthly ideas and follow their natural instincts like animals instead of following their spirit like humans should.  One of the shortest books in the whole Bible but perhaps one with the most truth to it.  Even today the Church itself seems to follow earthly ideas and live amongst the culture instead of trying to change it.  PC will destroy the Church.