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Jude, the Brother of Jesus: A Man Who Contended for the Faith
Jude, the Brother of Jesus: A Man Who Contended for the Faith
The Epistle of Jude, though one of the shortest books in the New Testament, carries an urgent and powerful message that resonates profoundly with the challenges facing believers today. Written by Jude, a humble servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James (Jude 1:1), this letter serves as a clarion call to contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. His identity, his transformation, and the fervent plea of his epistle paint the picture of a man deeply committed to the purity of Christ's church and the integrity of the Gospel.
Jude's Identity and Transformation
The author identifies himself simply as "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James." While there were several men named Jude (or Judas) in the New Testament, tradition and textual evidence strongly suggest this Jude is Judas, one of the half-brothers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). This familial relationship with the Lord adds a remarkable dimension to his testimony. Initially, like his brothers, Jude did not believe in Jesus' messianic claims. The Gospel of John records, "For neither did his brethren believe in him" (John 7:5). This initial skepticism highlights the profound impact of Jesus' resurrection and subsequent appearances.
The transformation of Jude and his brothers, particularly James, is a testament to the power of the risen Christ. After the resurrection, we find Jesus' brothers among the disciples gathered in the upper room, devoted to prayer (Acts 1:14). Later, Paul mentions that the apostles, including James, were accompanied by their wives, implying that other brothers of the Lord, like Jude, were also married and involved in ministry (1 Corinthians 9:5). Jude's self-identification as a "servant of Jesus Christ" rather than "brother of Jesus" speaks volumes about his humility and profound reverence for the One he once doubted. His earthly kinship paled in comparison to the spiritual bond of servitude to the resurrected Lord. His connection to James, a prominent leader in the early church (Acts 15:13, Galatians 2:9), further establishes his credibility and standing within the apostolic community.
The Urgency of Jude's Message
Jude begins his letter by expressing his original intent to write about "the common salvation" (Jude 1:3). This suggests a desire to share encouraging words about the glorious redemption found in Christ, a theme dear to every believer's heart. However, circumstances compelled him to shift his focus dramatically. He writes, "it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 1:3). The Greek word for "earnestly contend" (epagonizomai) implies a strenuous struggle, like an athlete competing for a prize. This urgency arose from the infiltration of false teachers into the church:
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
These "ungodly men" were not external persecutors but internal deceivers, subtly corrupting the church from within. They twisted the glorious doctrine of God's grace, using it as an excuse for immoral behavior (lasciviousness) and ultimately denying the supreme authority and deity of Jesus Christ. This grave threat necessitated an immediate and forceful response from Jude, calling believers to actively defend the unadulterated truth of the Gospel.
How Jude "Contended for the Faith"
Jude's method of contending for the faith involved a two-pronged approach: exposing the nature and destiny of false teachers, and exhorting believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith.
Exposing False TeachersJude pulls no punches in describing the character and conduct of these infiltrators. He uses vivid imagery and historical examples to illustrate their depravity and inevitable judgment:
- Their Character: They are "filthy dreamers" who "defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities" (Jude 1:8). They are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, speaking great swelling words, and flattering men for advantage (Jude 1:16). They are "spots in your feasts of charity," "clouds they are without water," "trees whose fruit withereth," "raging waves of the sea," and "wandering stars" (Jude 1:12-13).
- Their Historical Parallels: Jude draws parallels to well-known figures of rebellion and apostasy from Old Testament history:
- Their Inevitable Doom: Jude reminds his readers of God's past judgments on disobedient Israel, rebellious angels, and Sodom and Gomorrha (Jude 1:5-7). He declares that these false teachers are "reserved unto the blackness of darkness for ever" (Jude 1:13), emphasizing the certainty and severity of their coming condemnation. He even quotes Enoch's prophecy concerning the Lord's coming with ten thousands of His saints "to execute judgment upon all" (Jude 1:14-15).
While exposing error is crucial, Jude does not leave believers in despair. He provides clear instructions on how to stand firm and grow spiritually amidst apostasy:
- Building on Their Most Holy Faith: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 1:20-21). This is an active process of spiritual construction, rooted in the foundational truths of the faith.
- Praying in the Holy Ghost: This refers to prayer empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to pray according to God's will and to receive spiritual strength and discernment.
- Keeping Themselves in the Love of God: This is not about earning God's love, but about remaining within the sphere of His loving protection and obedience, living in a way that reflects His character.
- Looking for the Mercy of Jesus Christ: Maintaining an eschatological hope, eagerly awaiting the Lord's return and the consummation of their salvation.
Jude also instructs believers on how to approach those who are wavering or caught in error, advocating for a balanced approach of compassion and firm conviction:
And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
This passage calls for discernment. Some may be genuinely struggling or misled, requiring compassionate engagement. Others, deeply entangled in sin and promoting error, may need a more severe warning, akin to pulling someone from a burning building, while maintaining a hatred for the defilement of sin itself.
The Doxology: A Message of Hope and Security
Jude concludes his short but potent letter with one of the most magnificent doxologies in scripture, offering profound reassurance of God's power and faithfulness:
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Despite the warnings against false teachers and the call to contend, Jude reminds believers that their ultimate security rests not in their own strength, but in God's sovereign ability to "keep you from falling." He is able to preserve His saints and present them "faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." This glorious truth underscores the divine power that undergirds the perseverance of the saints, ensuring their final triumph in Christ.
Conclusion
Jude, the brother of Jesus, emerges as a profound example of a man transformed by grace and fiercely dedicated to the truth. His epistle, though ancient, remains remarkably relevant for the church today. In an era marked by shifting moral standards, theological compromise, and a proliferation of false doctrines, Jude's call to "earnestly contend for the faith" is as vital as ever. It is a call to vigilance, discernment, spiritual growth, and unwavering commitment to the "faith which was once delivered unto the saints." As believers, we are exhorted to know the truth, live the truth, and courageously defend it against all forms of error, resting in the blessed assurance that our God is able to keep us from falling and will present us faultless in His glorious presence.
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