JudeLesson 1: Introduction

Rev. Christopher J. RespassAntioch Bible Institute

Summer 2012

JudeWho is the Author?

AuthorshipThe author of Jude introduces himself as a “servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James.” “Jude” is an English translation of the Greek word, VIou,daj (Ioudas), which may also be translated “Judah” or “Judas.” Five men in the NT could have been considered the author of this epistle:

JudeWho is the Author?

Possible “Judes”A. Judas IscariotB. Judas, the Galilean (Acts 5:37)C. Judas, the apostle & son of James (Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13).D. Judas, a/k/a “Barsabbas” (Acts 15:22, 27, 32).E. Judas, half-brother of Jesus and brother of James (Matt. 13:55).

JudeWho is the Author?

Jude’s self-description as “the brother of James” greatly narrows the list of candidates, but which “James” is his brother:

1. James, son of Zebedee (Matt. 4:21)2. James, son of Alphaeus (Matt. 10:3)3. James, father of Judas (Luke 6:16)4. James, half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem (Acts 15:13, Gal. 1:19)

JudeWho is the Author?

So, who is it already!!?After the martyrdom of James, son of Zebedee in 44 AD, the only other “James” who would be recognizable enough to mention without further description is James, half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem Church. So, Jude is

the half-brother of Jesus and brother of James

JudeWhen was it written?

DateThe probable date range for the epistle of Jude is roughly 40-80AD. Because of the similarities, some scholars argue that Peter used Jude letter as a source document for 2 Peter. Others argue the opposite position stating that it is highly unlikely that the great, Apostle Peter would borrow from one who is not even an apostle (c.f., 2 Peter 3:15-16 referencing Paul).

JudeWhen was it written?

While this debate continue, a few helpful pieces are fairly settled:

1. Both epistles address false teachers but of a slightly different variety2. 2 Peter was written around 64-65AD 3. Peter was martyred n 65AD.

JudeWhen was it written?

All things considered and given that both Peter and Jude addressed similar heresies suggests that they were written around the same time. Thus, for our purposes, we will assume Jude’s epistle was written in the mid-to-late 60s.

JudeWho were the Recipients?

DestinationJude states that the letter is “to those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ” (v.2). This general description suggests that Jude intended his letter to be circulated to a circuit of churches with whom we regularly visited or with churches within a specific, geographic region.

JudeWho were the Recipients?

The brevity of Jude and the lack of additional writings make it difficult to determine with certainty the addressees of the letter. The regions of Asia Minor, Syrian Antioch and Palestine are common suggestions.

JudeWho were the Recipients?

Asia Minor

JudeWho were the Recipients?

Syrian Antioch (Antioch of Syria)

JudeWho were the Recipients?

Palestine

JudeWhy Did He Write it?

PurposeJude’s original motivation was to write a letter to the churches regarding their “common salvation” (v.3), but the progress made by the false teachers compelled him to change his letter. In a nutshell, Jude is writing to expose the false teachers, denounce them and aid the church in accept the danger of their theological error.

JudeWhy Did He Write it?

The false teachers where believe to be proto-gnostic (i.e., showing signs of what would become Gnosticism), but none of the gnostic elements are mentioned by Jude. From Jude’s comments, it is fairly clear that the false teachers promoted and encouraged Antinomianism.

JudeWhy Did He Write it?

Theological Term--AntinomianismThis refers to the doctrine that it is not necessary for Christians to preach or obey the moral law of the OT. Several justifications have been offered for this view:

1. Once persons are justified by faith in Christ, they no longer have any obligation to the moral law because Jesus freed them from it.

JudeWhy Did He Write it?

Theological Term—Antinomianism (cont.)2. Since the law came from a demiurge and not

from the true loving Father, it was a Christians duty to disobey the law.

3. Since sin is inevitable anyway, there is not need to resist it.

4. The law is unnecessary and contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

JudeWhy Did He Write it?

Theological Terms—Antinomianism

As a whole, the Christian community has rejected antinomianism, primarily because it is damaging to the unity of the Bible. In general, orthodoxy teaches that the moral principles of the law are still valid, not as objective strivings, but as fruits of the Holy Spirit at work in the life of the believer.

JudeWhat’s the Genre and Structure?

Style and StructureJude is a short, but dense, epistle-essay of 25 verses. It employs a highly stylized form of Greek prose, using 13 words not otherwise found in the Greek NT. The message of Jude is conveyed in three (3) large sections:

Section 1: Denunciation of False TeachersSection 2: Encouragement of the SaintsSection 3: Praise to God

JudeWhat’s the Genre and Structure?

Questions1. How can Jude and today’s Christians point

out error if there can be no “judging” by believers (c.f., Matt. 7:1, 1 Cor. 5:12)

2. Are there dangerous teachings being espoused in the today’s Christian Church? Give and example.

3. Has Antinomianism invaded today’s Church? If so, how?