Jude’s a short read, but it packs a punch!

Within this small letter, there’s a wealth of doctrinal content. It’s often overlooked within the New Testament letter because it has some taglines reaching back into Jewish history, and non-biblical texts. This can leave some scratching their heads and even sermons are hard to come by.

Scholars believe that  Jude was Jesus’ youngest brother which sparks further intrigue. On a personal note, my interest in Jude as a Biblical figure and appreciation for his letter led my wife and I to name our first son Jude.

And I can’t ignore that, “Jude” often sparks a cultural significance, popularized by the Beatles’ hit, “Hey Jude.” Of course, they weren’t singing about the same Jude, and most people (including Christians), can recite the lyrics to “Hey Jude” far easier than verses from the Book of Jude.

I digress; back to Jude’s writing.

Despite its apparent lack of popularity in sermons and public readings, the Book of Jude offers a remarkable exploration of Christian doctrine. And yet, only a single chapter, far smaller than the other epistles. Was Jude just a man of little words? Was he more of a preacher than a writer?

Why don’t we have more from Jude? Have you ever wondered why so few words made it into the canon of Scripture? There must be something deeply meaningful within them that God deemed Jude’s letter worthy of preservation.

As we dive into this concise yet impactful piece of Scripture, I’d like to focus on the end of Jude’s letter. There, we discover foundational principles that are essential to our faith.

Beginning with verses 17 through 19:

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

Jude 1:17-19 (ESV)

Jude encourages believers to remember the predictions of the apostles about the rise of scoffers in the last times, individuals driven by ungodly desires. These are the ones who seek to divide, following natural instincts instead of following the Holy Spirit.

Moving on to verses 20 through 23:

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Jude 1:20-23 (ESV)

Despite these challenges, Jude urges believers to build themselves up in the faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. They are called to remain in God’s love, awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ which leads to eternal life.

Jude emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to those who doubt. He calls us to rescue others from spiritual peril. Finally, we must demonstrate compassion while maintaining a reverent fear of sin’s corruption.

Finally, in verses 24 and 25; the Doxology.

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Jude 1:24-25 (ESV)

The epistle concludes by praising God for His ability to keep believers from falling and presenting them faultless with great joy. Concluding with the exclamation of glory, majesty, power, and authority, dedicated to the only God and Savior, through Jesus Christ, from eternity past to forevermore.

Within a few verses, lies a wealth of Christian doctrine and hope-filled truths for us to cling to. No wonder Jude didn’t feel he needed to expand into a second chapter; perhaps he felt like he covered it all?

Join the Conversation, Share Your Thoughts

• When you hear the name “Jude” what comes to mind?
• What’s easier to recite, “Hey Jude” or verses from Jude?
• Read the last few verses of Jude; what resonates?