INTRODUCTION

The author, Jude also known as Judah. He was a half-brother of Jesus, besides James, Joses and Simon (Matthew 13:55). Jude wrote his letter to the Messianic Jews around 67-70 A.D. with reference to Hebrew Old Testament Scriptures. Initially was to write a simple letter of encouragement turned up to be a letter to charge them to content for their faith against apostasy.

The Occasion :1-3 showing his humility as one of Jesuss bond servants. He greets them giving the assurance for believers.

The Danger of apostasy :4-16 He warns the church with instruction citing examples from the Old Testament. First about rebellious people who in the past receive divine justice (:5-10), The Israelites who rebelled against God in the wilderness, they got what they wanted and perished. Second the angels who are imprisoned for rebellion until judgement from Genesis 6. Third example was the men of Sodom and Gomorra as in Genesis 19 where violent men attempted sex with fallen angels. About Cain who slayed his brother in Genesis 4, Balaam who led Israel into immorality (Numbers 22-25; 31:16) and Korah who rebelled against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16) He describes the corrupt leaders as selfish shepherds, clouds without rain and chaotic waves. He cites two more warnings with one from ancient time (:14-16)

The Defence :17-23) from the apocrypha or Jewish tradition. He refers to Gods grace. Such grace given demands a whole life response. Jude encouraged the people in that church to continue to trust God as the way to deal with the influence of corrupt leaders. He points out that the community of Jesus as Gods new Temple. They are to build their lives on the most holy faith, foundation of the good news about Jesus life, death and resurrection for our sins. Dedication of prayer and to the love of God in obedience. God will protect them from failing away.

The Doxology :24-25 Jude concludes by giving praise to God for the power He displays in preserving us.

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