BACKGROUND NOTES ON THE BOOK OF JUDE

Author
The author of Jude is traditionally identified as Jude (or Judas), the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). Conservative scholars affirm this view based on early church testimony and Jude's own introduction as "a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James" (Jude 1:1). Jude does not claim apostolic authority but writes with a strong sense of urgency and pastoral concern.
 
Why was it written?
Jude wanted to write about "the salvation we share", but circumstances forced him to write a warning to believers against false teachers who had infiltrated the Christian community, promoting immorality and denying the authority of Jesus Christ. He urges believers to contend for the faith and remain steadfast in their commitment to the truth.
 
How and when was it written?
Jude was likely written in the AD 60's, possibly from Palestine or another region where Jewish Christians resided. The letter's themes and warnings are similar to 2 Peter, suggesting they may have been written around the same time. Jude's use of vivid imagery and references to Jewish traditions indicate he was writing to a Jewish-Christian audience.
 
First audience and destination
The letter was written to an unspecified group of Christians, likely Jewish believers, warning them against false teachers who were distorting the gospel. The lack of a specific location suggests Jude intended the letter to be circulated among multiple churches.
 
Literary style
Although his Greek style is awkward and hard to read, Jude employs a forceful and urgent tone, using vivid Old Testament references and Jewish apocalyptic literature to illustrate his warnings. He references historical judgments (such as Sodom and Gomorrah) and extrabiblical sources (such as the Book of Enoch) to emphasize the certainty of divine judgment against false teachers.
 
Themes
Jude employs two complementary themes: Strive for godliness and adherence to the faith, which of necessity means avoid ungodliness:
· Contending for the faith: Believers must defend the true gospel against corruption.
· Warning against false teachers: Their immoral behavior and doctrinal errors lead to destruction.
· Judgment and apostasy: Drawing from past examples to show the consequences of rebellion.
· The call to perseverance: Encouraging believers to build their faith and rely on God's protection.
 
Special features
· Contains references to non-canonical Jewish literature, including 1 Enoch and the Assumption of Moses.
· Closely parallels 2 Peter in its warnings about false teachers.
· Uses powerful imagery from the Old Testament to illustrate divine judgment.
· Ends with one of the most well-known doxologies in the New Testament.
 
General structure
· Chapter 1:1-2: Introduction - Greeting and blessing.
· Chapter 1:3-4: Call to contend for the faith - Urgency in defending against false teachings.
· Chapter 1:5-7: Historical examples of judgment - Warnings from Israel's past, fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah.
· Chapter 1:8-16: Denunciation of false teachers - Their characteristics, condemnation, and future judgment.
· Chapter 1:17-23: Exhortation to believers - Encouragement to remain faithful and help others in the faith.
· Chapter 1:24-25: Doxology - A closing praise to God for His sustaining power.
 
 

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