rev. by Matthew L. Skinner (03/2023)
1. Prescript (Jude 1-2)
The writer says who he is, names his audience in the language of their Christian identity, and extends to them a blessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God’s favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More.
2. An Appeal to Contend for the Faith (Jude 3-4)
The letter introduces its core issue: the very essence of the readers’ faith is under attack.
3. Proofs and Arguments against False Teachers (Jude 5-16)
The letter offers its first line of defense: God’s faithful have often been subject to precisely the sort of evil attack that the readers face, and they have prevailed. Examples are cited from the Old Testament (vv. 5-10), from prophecyProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. More (vv. 11-13), and from the apocryphal book 1 Enoch (vv. 14-16).
4. An Apostolic Appeal to Resist and Confront False Teachers (Jude 17-23)
The letter names sources of strength amid struggle and bitter conflict.
5. Concluding Doxology (Jude 24-25)
A benediction exhorts readers to look beyond the conflict to the place of strength where their faith situates them.
