Letter of Jude
in a Nutshell
Letter of Jude
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Letter of Jude is a short but urgent message written by Jude, a brother of James, and it follows then, also a brother of Jesus. Addressed to believers in an unnamed church, the letter warns against corrupt individuals who have secretly slipped into the community, distorting the message of grace and leading others into immorality. Jude writes not to explore new ideas, but to call his readers back to the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude begins by encouraging his audience with their identity: called, loved by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ. But his tone quickly turns serious as he urges them to contend for the faith. False teachers, he says, are twisting God’s grace into an excuse for sin and denying Jesus Christ as Master and Lord. Jude uses a series of Old Testament examples, such as the Israelites in the wilderness, the fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah, to show how God judges rebellion.
These false teachers are described in vivid language: like hidden reefs, selfish shepherds, waterless clouds, and wandering stars. They rely on dreams, reject authority, and speak arrogantly, even mocking spiritual realities they don’t understand. Jude compares them to Cain, Balaam, and Korah, figures known for rebellion, greed, and divisiveness.
In contrast, Jude exhorts the faithful to build themselves up in the most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in God’s love. They are to be merciful to those who doubt, while also being cautious toward those who are deceived. His tone is both pastoral and protective, aiming to keep the church grounded in truth and guarded against deception.
The letter ends with a powerful doxology, praising God’s ability to keep His people from stumbling and to present them blameless with great joy. Jude is a passionate appeal to stay anchored in truth, resist false teaching, and remain faithful to the Lord who saves and preserves His people.
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Greek Scriptures
Greek Scriptures
(New Testament Books)
Outline to the Letter of Jude
Outline to the Letter of Jude
I. Introduction and Purpose – Jude 1:1–4
A. Greeting from Jude to the Called – Jude 1:1–2
B. Purpose of Writing: Contend for the Faith – Jude 1:3–4
1. The faith once for all delivered – Jude 1:3
2. Warning against ungodly infiltrators – Jude 1:4
II. Historical Warnings Against Apostasy – Jude 1:5–7
A. Unbelieving Israel in the Wilderness – Jude 1:5
B. Fallen Angels Bound for Judgment – Jude 1:6
C. Sodom and Gomorrah as Examples – Jude 1:7
III. Description of the False Teachers – Jude 1:8–16
A. Their Arrogance and Blasphemy – Jude 1:8–10
1. Rejecting authority – Jude 1:8
2. Michael the archangel as contrast – Jude 1:9
3. Speaking evil of what they don’t understand – Jude 1:10
B. Their Ways Compared to Biblical Rebels – Jude 1:11
1. The way of Cain – Jude 1:11
2. The error of Balaam – Jude 1:11
3. The rebellion of Korah – Jude 1:11
C. Their Corrupt Nature Illustrated – Jude 1:12–13
1. Hidden reefs and selfish shepherds – Jude 1:12
2. Waterless clouds, fruitless trees – Jude 1:12
3. Wild waves and wandering stars – Jude 1:13
D. Prophesied Judgment – Jude 1:14–16
1. Enoch’s prophecy of the Lord’s coming – Jude 1:14–15
2. Description of their grumbling and pride – Jude 1:16
IV. Exhortation to the Faithful – Jude 1:17–23
A. Remember the Apostolic Warnings – Jude 1:17–19
1. Scoffers will arise – Jude 1:18
2. Divisive, worldly-minded men – Jude 1:19
B. Build Yourselves Up in the Faith – Jude 1:20–21
C. Respond to Others with Discernment – Jude 1:22–23
1. Show mercy to doubters – Jude 1:22
2. Save others with fear, hating even garments defiled – Jude 1:23
V. Doxology and Benediction – Jude 1:24–25
A. Praise to God who Keeps and Presents Believers Blameless – Jude 1:24
B. Glory and Majesty to God Forever – Jude 1:25
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
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