TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jude 1:16–25. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. The apostle enlarges further on the character of these evil men and seducers: they are murmurers, complainers, etc., Jde 1:16. Observe, A murmuring complaining temper, indulged and expressed, lays men under a very bad character; such are very weak at least, and for the most part very wicked. They murmur against God and his providence, against men and their conduct; they are angry at every thing that happens, and never pleased with their own state and condition in the world, as not thinking it good enough for them. Such walk after their own lusts; their will, their appetite, their fancy, are their only rule and law. Note, Those who please their sinful appetites are most prone to yield to their ungovernable passions.
II.He proceeds to caution and exhort those to whom he is writing, Jde 1:17-23. Here,
1.He calls them to remember how they have been forewarned: But, beloved, remember, etc., Jde 1:17. "Remember, take heed that you think it not strange (so as to stumble and be offended, and have your faith staggered by it) that such people as the seducers before described and warned against should arise (and that early) in the Christian church, seeing all this was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the accomplishment of it in the event is a confirmation of your faith, instead of being in the least an occasion of shaking and unsettling you therein." Note,
(1.)Those who would persuade must make it evident that they sincerely love those whom they would persuade. Bitter words and hard usage never did nor ever will convince, much less persuade any body.
(2.)The words which inspired persons have spoken (or written), duly remembered and reflected on, are the best preservative against dangerous errors; this will always be so, till men have learnt to speak better than God himself.
(3.)We ought not to be offended if errors and persecutions arise and prevail in the Christian church; this was foretold, and therefore we should not think worse of Christ's person, doctrine, or cross, when we see it fulfilled. See Ti1 4:1, and Ti2 3:1, and Pe2 3:3. We must not think it strange, but comfort ourselves with this, that in the midst of all this confusion Christ will maintain his church, and make good his promise, that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Mat 16:18.
(4.)The more religion is ridiculed and persecuted the faster hold we should take and keep of it; being forewarned, we should show that we are fore-armed; under such trials we should stand firm, and not be soon shaken in mind, Th2 2:2.
2.He guards them against seducers by a further description of their odious character: These are those who separate, etc., Jde 1:19. Observe,
(1.)Sensualists are the worst separatists. They separate themselves from God, and Christ, and his church, to the devil, the world, and the flesh, by their ungodly courses and vicious practices; and this is a great deal worse than separation from any particular branch of the visible church on account of opinions or modes and circumstances of external government or worship, though many can patiently bear with the former, while they are plentifully and almost perpetually railing at the latter, as if no sin were damnable but what they are pleased to call schism.
(2.)Sensual men have not the Spirit, that is, of God and Christ, the Spirit of holiness, which whoever has not, is none of Christ's, does not belong to him, Rom 8:9.
(3.)The worse others are the better should we endeavour and approve ourselves to be; the more busy Satan and his instruments are to pervert others, in judgment or practice, the more tenacious should we be of sound doctrine and a good conversation, holding fast the faithful word, as we have been (divinely) taught, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, Tit 1:9; Ti1 3:9.
3.He exhorts them to persevering constancy in truth and holiness.
(1.)Building up yourselves in your most holy faith, Jde 1:20. Observe, The way to hold fast our profession is to hold on in it. Having laid our foundation well in a sound faith, and a sincere upright heart, we must build upon it, make further progress continually; and we should take care with what materials we carry on our building, namely, gold, silver, precious stones, not wood, hay, stubble, Co1 3:12. Right principles and a regular conversation will stand the test even of the fiery trial; but, whatever we mix of baser alloy, though we be in the main sincere, we shall suffer loss by it, and though our persons be saved all that part of our work shall be consumed; and, if we ourselves escape, it will be with great danger and difficulty, as from a house on fire on every side.
(2.)Praying in the Holy Ghost. Observe,
[1.]Prayer is the nurse of faith; the way to build up ourselves in our most holy faith is to continue instant in prayer, Rom 12:12.
[2.]Our prayers are then most likely to prevail when we pray in the Holy Ghost, that is, under his guidance and influence, according to the rule of his word, with faith, fervency, and constant persevering importunity; this is praying in the Holy Ghost, whether it be done by or without a set prescribed form.
(3.)Keep yourselves in the love of God, Jde 1:21. [1.] "Keep up the grace of love to God in its lively vigorous actings and exercises in your souls." [2.] "Take heed of throwing yourselves out of the love of God to you, or its delightful, cheering, strengthening manifestations; keep yourselves in the way of God, if you would continue in his love."
(4.)Looking for the mercy, etc.
[1.]Eternal life is to be looked for only through mercy; mercy is our only plea, not merit; or if merit, not our own, but another's, who has merited for us what otherwise we could have laid no claim to, nor have entertained any well-grounded hope of.
[2.]It is said, not only through the mercy of God as our Creator, but through the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ as Redeemer; all who come to heaven must come thither through our Lord Jesus Christ; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, but that of the Lord Jesus only, Act 4:12, compared with Act 4:10.
[3.]A believing expectation of eternal life will arm us against the snares of sin (Pe2 3:14); a lively faith of the blessed hope will help us to mortify our cursed lusts.
4.He directs them how to behave towards erring brethren: And of some have compassion, etc., Jde 1:22, Jde 1:23. Observe,
(1.)We ought to do all we can to rescue others out of the snares of the devil, that they may be saved from (or recovered, when entangled therein, out of) dangerous errors, or pernicious practices. We are not only (under God) our own keepers, but every man ought to be, as much as in him lies, his brother's keeper; none but a wicked Cain will contradict this, Gen 4:9. We must watch over one another, must faithfully, yet prudently, reprove each other, and set a good example to all about us.
(2.)This must be done with compassion, making a difference. How is that? We must distinguish between the weak and the wilful.
[1.]Of some we must have compassion, treat them with all tenderness, restore them in the spirit of meekness, not be needlessly harsh and severe in our censures of them and their actions, nor proud and haughty in our conduct towards them; not implacable, nor averse to reconciliation with them, or admitting them to the friendship they formerly had with us, when they give evident or even strongly hopeful tokens of a sincere repentance: if God has forgiven them, why should not we? We infinitely more need his forgiveness than they do, or can do, ours, though perhaps neither they nor we are justly or sufficiently sensible of this.
[2.]Others save with fear, urging upon them the terrors of the Lord; "Endeavour to frighten them out of their sins; preach hell and damnation to them." But what if prudence and caution in administering even the most just and severe reproofs be what are primarily and chiefly here intimated - (I do but offer it for consideration); as if he had said, "Fear lest you frustrate your own good intentions and honest designs by rash and imprudent management, that you do not harden, instead of reclaiming, even where greater degrees of severity are requisite than in the immediately foregoing instance." We are often apt to over-do, when we are sure we mean honestly, and think we are right in the main; yet the very worst are not needlessly, nor rashly, nor to extremity, to be provoked, lest they be thereby further hardened through our default. - "Hating even the garment spotted with the flesh, that is, keeping yourselves at the utmost distance from what is or appears evil, and designing and endeavouring that others may do so too. Avoid all that leads to sin or that looks like sin," Th1 5:22.
III.The apostle concludes this epistle with a solemn ascription of glory to the great God, Jde 1:24, Jde 1:25. Note,
1.Whatever is the subject or argument we have been treating of, ascribing glory to God is fittest for us to conclude with.
2.God is able, and he is as willing as able, to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory; not as those who never have been faulty (for what has once been done can never be rendered undone, even by Omnipotence itself, for that implies a contradiction), but as those whose faults shall not be imputed, to their ruin, which, but for God's mercy and a Saviour's merits, they might most justly have been. - Before the presence of his glory. Observe,
(1.)The glory of the Lord will shortly be present. We now look upon it as distant, and too many look upon it as uncertain, but it will come, and it will be manifest and apparent. Every eye shall see him, Rev 1:7. This is now the object of our faith, but hereafter (and surely it cannot now be long) it will be the object of our sense; whom we now believe in, him we shall shortly see, to our unspeakable joy and comfort or inexpressible terror and consternation. See Pe1 1:8.
(2.)All real sincere believers shall be presented, and the Lord Redeemer's appearance and coming, by him their glorious head, to the Father, in order to his approbation, acceptance, and reward. They were given to him of the Father, and of all that were so given to him he has lost none, nor will lose any one, not an individual, a single soul, but will present them all perfectly holy and happy, when he shall surrender his mediatorial kingdom to his God and our God, his Father and our Father, Joh 6:39, with Joh 17:12, Co1 15:24.
(3.)When believers shall be presented faultless it will be with exceeding joy. Alas! now our faults fill us with fears, doubts, and sorrows. But be of good cheer; if we be sincere, we shall be, our dear Redeemer has undertaken for it, we shall be presented faultless; where there is no sin there will be no sorrow; where there is the perfection of holiness, there will be the perfection of joy. Surely, the God who can and will do this is worthy to have glory, majesty, dominion, and power, ascribed to him, both now and for ever! And to this we may well, with the apostle, affix our hearty Amen.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Jude got this from Peter’s second letter, where he talks about Paul’s writings, for Paul has a lot to say about this.
But you, beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they said to you, "In the last time there will be mockers, following their own ungodly desires." These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly people, lacking of the Spirit.
"remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles," those by Peter in the second Epistle, and by Paul in almost every epistle. From this, it is clear that this was written last after the apostles had passed away. "These are the ones who are causing divisions." Behold, another accusation against these very small men.
For they are not the only ones, Jude says, who perish, but they also rob the nourishments of those of the Church, (for this is what the term "cause division" intends to signify), that is, making them outside the ecclesiastical boundaries, either of the faith or even of the very holy tabernacle of the Church. For having shown their gatherings to be a den of thieves, they lead away from the Church, but bring to themselves. And they do this, being worldly people, that is, living according to the behavior of the world. For we have already said that the divine Scripture often calls the soul and life, as in Job; "All that a man has, he will give for his soul," (Job 2:4) that is, for his life. Of these, Paul says that they are natural men, unable to accept the things of the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 2:14) Being worldly, they are taught by natural means, concerning which it has been said: This wisdom is not from above, descending from the Father of lights (James 1:17), but is earthly, demonic, not having the Spirit of God speaking.
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Summary
Jude 1:18 serves as a solemn reminder to believers, echoing prior apostolic warnings concerning the emergence of "mockers" in the "last time." These individuals, characterized by their scoffing at divine truth and godly living, are driven by their own impious and self-serving desires, rather than by the will of God, manifesting a lifestyle defined by ungodliness.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is part of Jude's urgent appeal to contend earnestly for the faith against false teachers who have infiltrated the church. Following his opening greetings and purpose statement in Jude 1:1-4, Jude launches into a series of historical examples of rebellion and divine judgment, drawing from both Old Testament narratives and intertestamental traditions (e.g., Jude 1:5-7). He then vividly describes the character and conduct of these ungodly intruders, comparing them to those who "defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones" (Jude 1:8). Verse 18 specifically grounds these contemporary issues in prophetic warnings, emphasizing that the presence of such individuals is not unexpected but foretold, thereby validating Jude's strong condemnation and call to discernment. It sets the stage for Jude's subsequent exhortations to believers to build themselves up in the faith and remain steadfast (Jude 1:20-23).
Historical & Cultural Context
Jude writes to a Christian audience facing internal threats from within their communities. The early church was a diverse movement, and as it grew, it naturally attracted individuals with various motivations, some of whom sought to exploit or corrupt the faith for personal gain or to promote heretical doctrines. The concept of "mockers" or "scoffers" was not new; philosophical schools often engaged in verbal sparring, and religious dissenters were common. However, these "mockers" within the Christian context specifically challenged the authority of Christ, the apostles, and the moral standards of the gospel. The "last time" or "last days" was a prevalent eschatological concept in both Jewish and early Christian thought, referring to the period leading up to the Messiah's coming and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. This period was often understood to be marked by increased spiritual deception and moral decay, making the warnings about mockers particularly relevant to the audience's lived experience and understanding of prophetic fulfillment.
Key Themes
Jude 1:18 significantly contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the theme of apostasy and false teaching, highlighting that the infiltration of ungodly individuals is a predicted characteristic of the "last time." This reinforces Jude's primary concern about the purity of the faith and the dangers of spiritual deception. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the prophetic nature of warnings, reminding the readers that the challenges they face are not unforeseen but have been foretold by earlier authorities, likely the apostles themselves, as seen in similar warnings in 2 Peter 3:3. This theme serves to validate Jude's own urgent message and to encourage steadfastness among believers. Thirdly, the phrase "walk after their own ungodly lusts" points to the theme of moral depravity and ungodliness as the root cause of false teaching and rebellion against God. It reveals that the intellectual or theological errors of these mockers are fundamentally driven by their sinful desires and a rejection of divine authority, a motif that runs throughout Jude's vivid descriptions of the false teachers' character and conduct, such as their "sensual, having not the Spirit" nature in Jude 1:19.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the verb meaning "to mock" or "to deride," this noun describes someone who ridicules or scoffs. In the biblical context, especially as used here and in 2 Peter 3:3, it signifies more than mere jest; it denotes a defiant contempt for spiritual truth, God's authority, and godly living. The Strong's data further specifies that such a derider is, by implication, a "false teacher," indicating that their mockery is often intertwined with the dissemination of erroneous doctrine.
This superlative adjective refers to that which is "farthest" or "final," pertaining to both place and time. When used in the phrase "the last time" or "the last days," it denotes the ultimate period of history, specifically the epoch inaugurated by Christ's first coming and culminating in His second advent. It signifies a decisive, final era characterized by specific spiritual and moral conditions, including the rise of those who oppose God.
This noun denotes "impiety" or "wickedness," stemming from a root meaning "without reverence" or "without worship." It describes a fundamental lack of respect or devotion towards God, manifesting as a disregard for His commands, character, and truth. The Strong's data links it directly to "ungodly(-liness)," emphasizing that the "lusts" are not merely human desires but are specifically devoid of any orientation towards God, making them inherently sinful and rebellious.
This term refers to a "longing" or "strong desire." While it can sometimes be used neutrally or even positively (e.g., a strong desire for good), in the New Testament, particularly when qualified by adjectives like "ungodly" or "fleshly," it almost invariably refers to illicit, sinful desires or cravings. The Strong's data explicitly notes it as "especially for what is forbidden," highlighting its negative connotation of "concupiscence" or "lust after" that which is contrary to God's will.
Verse Breakdown
"How that they told you"
This introductory phrase serves as a reminder, appealing to the readers' prior knowledge and instruction. "They" most likely refers to the apostles or other authoritative teachers who had previously warned the Christian community about future challenges. It underscores the prophetic nature of the warnings, indicating that the current state of affairs was not unforeseen but had been clearly communicated.
"there should be mockers"
This clause identifies the specific type of individuals who were foretold to appear. "Mockers" are those who scoff at, ridicule, and show contempt for spiritual truths, godly living, and the authority of God. Their presence is presented not as a possibility but as a certainty, a characteristic feature of the eschatological period.
"in the last time,"
This phrase situates the appearance of these mockers within a specific theological timeframe. "The last time" (or "last days") refers to the period between Christ's first and second comings, an era marked by spiritual intensity, increasing opposition to God, and the fulfillment of various prophecies. It suggests that the emergence of such individuals is a sign of the times, confirming the unfolding of God's plan.
"who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."
This final clause reveals the driving motivation and characteristic lifestyle of the mockers. Their "walking" signifies their manner of life, their conduct, and their overall orientation. This "walk" is not guided by divine truth or the Holy Spirit but is determined by "their own" desires, which are explicitly labeled "ungodly." This highlights the self-centered, impious, and morally corrupt nature of their motivations, revealing that their mockery stems from a deep-seated rebellion against God and a commitment to their sinful passions.
Literary Devices
Jude 1:18 employs several effective literary devices. Foreshadowing is prominent, as the verse explicitly references prior warnings about future events ("they told you there should be mockers"). This device not only validates Jude's current message but also prepares the readers for the reality of these challenges. The use of Characterization is central, vividly describing the "mockers" not just by their actions but by their underlying motivation: "who should walk after their own ungodly lusts." This provides a profound insight into their spiritual state. Furthermore, there is an element of Contrast implied between the expected godly conduct of believers and the "ungodly lusts" that drive the mockers. The phrase "walk after their own ungodly lusts" also functions as a form of Metonymy, where "lusts" stand for the entire depraved nature and lifestyle that results from such desires. The entire verse serves as a Prophetic Reminder, reinforcing the certainty of these events and urging the audience to heed the warnings.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Jude 1:18 powerfully connects the presence of false teachers and apostates in the church to the prophetic warnings given by the apostles, framing their emergence as an expected sign of the "last time." This theological insight underscores the continuity of God's revelation and the consistency of His warnings regarding spiritual deception. The verse highlights that the core issue with these mockers is not merely intellectual error but a fundamental moral rebellion, a life driven by "ungodly lusts." This reveals a profound theological truth: true faith is inextricably linked to godly living, and a rejection of God's truth often stems from a prior commitment to sinful desires. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and the spiritual battle against forces that seek to corrupt the church from within.
Reflection and Application
Jude 1:18 serves as a timeless warning and a call to spiritual vigilance for believers in every generation. It reminds us that the presence of those who scoff at faith, ridicule biblical truth, and live lives driven by self-serving, ungodly desires is not a new phenomenon, nor is it a sign that God's word has failed. Rather, it is precisely what was foretold. This understanding should equip us with discernment, preventing us from being surprised or swayed by such opposition. Instead of becoming discouraged, we are called to recognize these individuals as fulfilling ancient prophecies, prompting us to stand firm in our convictions and to contend earnestly for the faith. The verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are our lives "walking after" God's truth, or are we subtly being drawn by our "own ungodly lusts"? It urges us to prioritize holiness and spiritual integrity, knowing that genuine faith is demonstrated by a life submitted to God's will, not by a pursuit of selfish desires.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the last time" mean in Jude 1:18?
"The last time" (Greek: eschatos chronos) refers to the period inaugurated by the first coming of Jesus Christ and extending until His second coming. It signifies the final epoch of salvation history, a time characterized by the fulfillment of prophecies, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and also by increased spiritual deception and opposition to God. It is not necessarily a short period but the decisive, concluding era of God's redemptive plan, during which the forces of good and evil are in heightened conflict. This concept is found throughout the New Testament, such as in Hebrews 1:2 and 1 Peter 1:20.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jude 1:18, while a warning about mockers, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the presence of these adversaries, but in the steadfastness and enduring truth of the Gospel, which these mockers oppose. The "last time" in which these mockers appear is precisely the era inaugurated by Christ's advent, His atoning sacrifice, and His resurrection. He is the one who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world, and it is His truth that the mockers scorn. Their "ungodly lusts" stand in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and self-sacrificial love of Christ, who "did not please Himself" (Romans 15:3). The warnings given by the apostles, which Jude references, are rooted in the teachings of Christ Himself, who foretold the coming of false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). Therefore, the presence of these mockers serves to highlight the unwavering truth and purity of the faith delivered once for all to the saints, a faith centered on Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Believers are called to contend for this faith, not by their own strength, but by building themselves up in the most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, looking to Christ's mercy for eternal life (Jude 1:20-21).