Jude 1:1

KJV

¶ Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:

KJV (with Strong's)

Jude {G2455}, the servant {G1401} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and {G1161} brother {G80} of James {G2385}, to them that are sanctified {G37} by {G1722} God {G2316} the Father {G3962}, and {G2532} preserved {G5083} in Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and called {G2822}:

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Y’hudah, a slave of Yeshua the Messiah and a brother of Ya‘akov

To: Those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept for Yeshua the Messiah:

Berean Standard Bible

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ:

American Standard Version

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:1 serves as a foundational salutation, introducing the author as "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James," and profoundly defining the recipients as those divinely "sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called." This succinct verse immediately establishes the letter's theological bedrock, emphasizing the triune God's sovereign initiative in salvation, the secure identity of believers, and the humble authority of the author, setting the stage for a robust defense of the faith against encroaching apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This opening verse functions as the standard epistolary greeting, immediately establishing the author's identity and the audience's divine status. It is crucial because the subsequent verses (Jude 1:3-4) pivot sharply to the urgent purpose of the letter: exhorting believers to "contend earnestly for the faith" against false teachers who have "crept in unawares." By first affirming the secure, divinely-ordained identity of his readers, Jude provides a theological anchor of assurance before launching into a stern warning and call to vigilance. The emphasis on God's active preservation in this verse foreshadows the letter's concluding doxology, which praises God's ability to "keep you from falling" ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Preserve")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle of Jude was likely written in the latter half of the first century, a period marked by the burgeoning growth of the early church but also by the infiltration of heretical teachings. The author, Jude (Greek: *Ioudas*), identifies himself as the "brother of James." This James is widely understood to be James the Just, the leader of the Jerusalem church and half-brother of Jesus ([Matthew 13:55](/matthew/13-55 "Matthew 13:55 - Jesus' Brothers")). By identifying himself as a "servant of Jesus Christ" rather than directly as "brother of Jesus," Jude demonstrates profound humility and reverence for Christ's divine nature, aligning himself with other apostles like Paul who similarly adopted the title of "bondservant" ([Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul's Apostolic Greeting")). The cultural context of the time saw various philosophical and religious movements, some of which began to distort Christian doctrine, leading to moral laxity and theological error, which Jude directly addresses.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Initiative in Salvation**, portraying believers as actively chosen, set apart, and guarded by God the Father and Jesus Christ. This tri-fold description ("sanctified," "preserved," "called") emphasizes that salvation is not a human achievement but a sovereign work of God. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Security of the Believer**, particularly through the concept of being "preserved in Jesus Christ," a theme of divine protection that offers immense assurance amidst the threats of apostasy discussed later in the letter. This echoes the promise of Christ's keeping power found in passages like [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus' Sheep are Secure"). Thirdly, Jude's self-designation as a "servant" exemplifies **Humility and Authority**, demonstrating that true spiritual authority stems from complete submission to Christ. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the **Trinitarian Nature of Salvation**, with distinct roles for God the Father (sanctifying), Jesus Christ (preserving), and the implied divine call, laying a robust theological framework for the urgent message that follows.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** This term, often translated as "slave" or "bondservant," signifies more than a mere employee. A *doûlos* was wholly owned by their master, their life completely devoted to the master's will. When Jude applies this term to himself in relation to "Jesus Christ," it conveys absolute allegiance, profound humility, and complete submission to Christ's authority and purpose, establishing the source of his apostolic commission.
* **Sanctified (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** Derived from the root meaning "holy," this word describes the divine act of setting someone or something apart for God's exclusive use and purpose. The passive participle "sanctified" emphasizes that this is an action performed *by* God the Father *upon* the believers, not something they achieve themselves. It denotes a positional holiness, a consecration to God's service and a separation from the world's defilements.
* **Preserved (Greek, _tēréō'_):** This term means "to guard," "to keep," or "to watch over." The perfect passive participle indicates a state of continuous preservation, highlighting that believers are constantly and actively being guarded by Jesus Christ. It underscores the divine security of salvation, assuring the recipients that despite external threats or internal struggles, their standing in Christ is divinely maintained and protected from ultimate loss or injury.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James":** This opening clause identifies the author. "Jude" (Greek: *Ioudas*) was a common name, but his familial connection to "James" (likely James the Just, the Lord's half-brother and prominent leader in the Jerusalem church) lends him significant authority. His self-designation as a "servant of Jesus Christ" prioritizes his spiritual allegiance over his biological relationship, demonstrating humility and the true source of his authority.
* **"to them that are sanctified by God the Father":** This phrase begins the description of the recipients. It emphasizes that their set-apart status (sanctification) is not a human achievement but a divine act initiated and accomplished "by God the Father." This points to God's sovereign election and His purpose to consecrate His people for Himself.
* **"and preserved in Jesus Christ":** This continues the description of the recipients, highlighting their security. The passive voice indicates that their preservation is something done *to* them, not *by* them. They are continually "preserved" or "kept safe" by the active power and presence of "Jesus Christ," underscoring the believer's security and the ongoing work of Christ in maintaining their salvation.
* **"[and] called":** The final descriptor of the recipients. This refers to God's effectual call to salvation, a divine summons that draws individuals into a saving relationship with God. It signifies their chosen status and divine destiny, completing the tri-fold description of God's comprehensive work in their lives.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:1, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Apostolic Greeting**, a standard epistolary convention in the New Testament that immediately establishes the author's identity and authority, as well as the intended audience. The verse also utilizes a powerful **Tripartite Structure** to describe the recipients: "sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called." This threefold description serves to emphasize the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of God's work in salvation, highlighting the distinct yet unified roles of the Father and the Son. Furthermore, the consistent use of the **Passive Voice** for "sanctified," "preserved," and "called" is a deliberate rhetorical choice. It underscores the **Emphasis on Divine Action**, clearly attributing the believers' status and security entirely to God's sovereign initiative and power, rather than to any human merit or effort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:1 lays a profound theological foundation, asserting that the believer's identity and security are entirely rooted in the sovereign work of the triune God. It emphasizes divine election and preservation, portraying salvation not as a human endeavor but as a comprehensive, ongoing work initiated by God the Father, secured in Jesus Christ, and culminating in a divine calling. This foundational truth provides immense assurance, reminding believers that their standing before God is divinely guaranteed, a crucial message given the letter's subsequent warnings against apostasy. The verse implicitly highlights the Trinitarian nature of salvation, with distinct yet unified roles for the Father and the Son in setting apart, preserving, and calling His people.

* [Ephesians 1:3-5](/ephesians/1-3-5 "Ephesians 1:3-5 - God's Election and Adoption")
* [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Kept by God's Power")
* [Romans 8:28-30](/romans/8-28-30 "Romans 8:28-30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:1 offers profound reassurance and a foundational understanding of the believer's standing before God. It reminds us that our salvation is not merely an intellectual assent but a divine work initiated and sustained by God the Father and Jesus Christ. We are not just saved, but we are actively *sanctified* (set apart for His holy purpose), *preserved* (kept safe and guarded by His power), and *called* (divinely summoned into a relationship with Him). This truth should instill deep confidence and gratitude, knowing that our security in Christ is divinely guaranteed, not dependent on our fluctuating efforts. It also calls us to embrace the humble posture of a "servant of Jesus Christ," recognizing that our lives are dedicated to His purpose and glory, living out our identity as those set apart for Him in a world that constantly seeks to conform us to its patterns. This divine security empowers us to contend for the faith with courage and conviction, knowing that our foundation is firm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jude's self-identification as a "servant of Jesus Christ" inform our understanding of Christian leadership and personal devotion?**
* **In what ways does knowing you are "sanctified by God the Father" and "preserved in Jesus Christ" impact your daily walk and sense of security amidst life's challenges?**
* **How can we more fully live out our identity as "called" ones in a world that often pulls us away from God's purpose and truth?**

### FAQ

**Is this Jude the same as Judas Iscariot?**

Answer: No, this Jude is distinctly different from Judas Iscariot. The author identifies himself as "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James." This "James" is widely understood to be James the Just, the leader of the Jerusalem church and the half-brother of Jesus Christ ([Matthew 13:55](/matthew/13-55 "Matthew 13:55 - Jesus' Brothers")). Judas Iscariot, on the other hand, was the disciple who betrayed Jesus ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas' Betrayal")). The association with James and the humble title "servant of Jesus Christ" clearly distinguish this Jude as a faithful follower and relative of the Lord.

**Why does Jude identify as "brother of James" instead of "brother of Jesus"?**

Answer: While Jude was indeed a half-brother of Jesus ([Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Mark 6:3 - Jesus' Family")), his choice to identify as "brother of James" rather than "brother of Jesus" is likely a demonstration of profound humility and reverence. He prioritizes his spiritual relationship as a "servant of Jesus Christ" over any biological connection. Furthermore, James was a highly respected and well-known leader in the early church, particularly in Jerusalem ([Acts 15:13-21](/acts/15-13-21 "Acts 15:13-21 - James' Leadership in the Jerusalem Council")). By linking himself to James, Jude may have also been leveraging James's established authority and reputation within the Christian community, lending credibility to his urgent message.

**What does it mean to be "sanctified," "preserved," and "called"?**

Answer: These three terms describe the comprehensive work of God in the lives of believers:
* **Sanctified by God the Father:** This means believers are "set apart" or "made holy" by a divine act of God the Father. It refers to a positional holiness, where believers are consecrated for God's purposes and separated from the world's defilements, not by their own merit but by God's sovereign choice ([1 Corinthians 1:2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1:2 - Called to be Saints")).
* **Preserved in Jesus Christ:** This signifies that believers are continuously "guarded" or "kept safe" by the power of Jesus Christ. It speaks to the security of salvation, assuring believers that their faith and standing in Christ are divinely maintained and protected from ultimate loss, even amidst trials and temptations ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus' Sheep are Secure")).
* **Called:** This refers to God's effectual and sovereign summons, inviting individuals into a saving relationship with Him. It's not merely an invitation but a divine drawing that leads to salvation, signifying their chosen status and divine destiny in Christ ([Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - God's Effectual Call")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:1, though a salutation, profoundly points to Christ as the central figure in the believer's salvation and security. Jude's humble self-identification as a "servant of Jesus Christ" immediately establishes Christ's supreme Lordship and the author's absolute devotion, foreshadowing the letter's later emphasis on Christ's authority as both Savior and Judge. Crucially, believers are described as "preserved in Jesus Christ," highlighting His indispensable role as the divine guardian and sustainer of His people. It is through His atoning work that they are made holy and kept secure, echoing His promise to lose none of those the Father has given Him ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None")). The entire work of salvation, initiated by God the Father and culminating in the divine call, finds its efficacy and eternal security *in* Jesus Christ. He is not merely the object of faith but the very sphere of the believer's preservation, interceding for them ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")) and ultimately presenting them "faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Present Blameless")). Thus, this opening verse sets the stage for the entire epistle's Christocentric message of contending for the faith that was "once for all delivered to the saints," a faith irrevocably grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

John 14:22

Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Romans 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

John 17:15

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.