Jude Chapter 1

Throughout the New Testament, messages that are targeted at those who have believed tend to discuss the preservation of their faith in the face of heresies, deception, and the like, to some extent.

Jude’s message here is no different, and mirrors Peter’s message in 2 Peter (especially chapter 2) in this epistle. 

Many similar descriptions of men of unrighteousness can be found in both: false teachers creeping in unnoticed (v4; 2Pet 2:1); sinning angels to be punished (v6; 2Pet2:4); the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (v7; 2Pet 2:6); angels not bringing reviling accusations against the devil and those under him (vv8-9; 2Pet 2:10-11); the greed of unrighteous Balaam (vv10-11; 2Pet 2:15-16), and so on.

In response to adulterations of the faith, Jude exhorts believers to “contend earnestly for the faith” (v3). More practically, Jude lists several instructions, which are both on a personal level (vv20-21) and on an interpersonal level (vv22-23). Therefore, when Jude said to contend, he really meant that all believers should contend for his own faith, as well as that of others. We need to contend to be different from the false teachers, and also contend to save others from destruction.

This contention can take many forms – prayers, thinking about God’s mercy, and showing compassion to others. These are things we can do on our part, but in the end, let’s be reminded that God is able to preserve us till we reach the goal of our spiritual journey. Praise His name!

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