Jude 1:17

Commentary on Jude 1:17 (KJV)

Jude 1:17 serves as a pivotal point in Jude's short but potent epistle, shifting from a stern warning against false teachers to a pastoral reminder for believers. After extensively describing the character and impending judgment of those who have "crept in unawares" (Jude 1:4), Jude turns to strengthen and equip his "beloved" audience.

Context

The book of Jude is a concise and urgent letter written to combat the infiltration of corrupt individuals into the early Christian church. These false teachers, characterized by their immoral behavior and rejection of authority, were perverting the grace of God and leading believers astray. In the verses preceding this one (Jude 1:5-16), Jude provides a series of historical examples of rebellion and judgment, from the Israelites in the wilderness to Sodom and Gomorrah, and the rebellion of Korah. He then graphically describes the false teachers as "spots in your feasts of charity" and "clouds without water" (Jude 1:12). Against this backdrop of spiritual danger, Jude 1:17 calls the faithful back to their foundational truths.

Key Themes

• Apostolic Authority and Foundation: This verse underscores the supreme authority of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Their teachings were not merely human opinions but divinely inspired revelations that formed the bedrock of Christian faith and practice. To "remember ye the words" is to acknowledge and adhere to this foundational truth.
• Doctrinal Purity and Remembering: In an era where new and dangerous doctrines were emerging, Jude urges believers to recall and cling to the original, pure teachings passed down by the apostles. This act of remembering is crucial for spiritual discernment and for standing firm against error. It emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine as a safeguard for the church.
• Warning Against Apostasy: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the call to remember the apostles' words is an implicit warning against the very apostasy Jude is combating. The apostles had foretold that such corrupting influences would arise, especially in the "last days" (2 Peter 3:3; 1 Timothy 4:1). By remembering these prophecies, believers would be better prepared to recognize and resist the deceivers.

Linguistic Insights

The term "beloved" (Greek: agapetoi) is a tender term of endearment, demonstrating Jude's deep affection and pastoral concern for his readers despite the severity of his warnings. It highlights that his admonition comes from a place of love, not condemnation. The phrase "words which were spoken before" refers to the prophetic warnings given by the apostles, often concerning the rise of scoffers and false teachers in the end times. This suggests that Jude's readers were familiar with these prophecies, reinforcing the idea that the current spiritual challenges were not unexpected.

Practical Application

For believers today, Jude 1:17 serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of grounding one's faith in the authoritative teaching of God's Word, as delivered by the apostles.

• Study Scripture Diligently: We must continually immerse ourselves in the Bible, which contains the apostolic teachings, to build a strong foundation. This helps us to discern truth from error in a world filled with conflicting messages.
• Discernment in a Deceptive Age: Just as in Jude's time, there are many voices claiming to speak for God. This verse calls us to measure all teachings against the established truth of Scripture, recognizing that genuine faith is built on the unchangeable word of God, not fleeting trends or deceptive doctrines.
• Perseverance in Faith: Remembering the warnings and promises of the apostles equips us to stand firm, to "contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 1:3). It encourages us to remain faithful and look forward to the return of Christ with hope.