Understanding the 40 Parables of Jesus Christ: Learn from the greatest teacher Jesus Christ. The gospel taught in stories.

Summary of Jude


Jesus Christ Messiah-of-God.com

Author: Jude, brother of James

Audience: Christians

Subjects: False believers are revealed by their sinful behavior

Chapters: 1


Summary of Jude 1


Jude introduces himself, and then he immediately expresses his concern for "counterfeit believers" (see 2 Timothy 3:8) who are pretending to be Christians but are actually ungodly. Jude makes the point that these false believers are not saved, giving examples from the Old Testament of God's reaction toward unbelievers and sinners.

The examples that Jude gives indicate that the actions of these people is what reveals their unbelief. Jude further describes these people as "waterless clouds" and "trees without fruit."

Jesus Christ also gives this example in the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, with the character in the story saying, "See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?" (Luke 13:7)

Jesus is also recorded as saying, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 7:19)


Regarding these false believers (who are shown to be false believers by their actions), Jude says, "for whom the deepest darkness has been reserved forever." (Jude 1:13) To further emphasize his point, Jude quotes additional scripture of prophecy regarding the judgment that will come on those who have committed "deeds of ungodliness." (Jude 1:14-15)

In Jude 1:14-15, Jude writes a quote that can also be found in the Book of Enoch (Wikipedia Article: Book of Enoch); however, this book is generally not considered to be scripture, for various reasons.

It is very possible that Jude is not quoting from this book directly, but that both Jude and the book of Enoch are quoting from a third scriptural text that did not survive throughout history.

Jude continues to list examples of sins that these false believers continue to commit, saying that the apostles warned them of these kinds of people. Jude then instructs his audience on how to behave and gives his farewell.


Concluding Summary of Jude


The letter of Jude is a short text addressed to Christians. Jude writes with a concern regarding false believers who are within the church pretending to be Christians. Jude instructs his audience that false believers are revealed by their sinful actions, and his letter appears to be a message to identify and excommunicate these people.

Paul also speaks of this kind of subject in several of his letters: "After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions..." (Titus 3:10) "For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money...unholy...lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them!" (2 Timothy 3:2-5)

The main subject of this short letter of Jude is how to identify and deal with these counterfeit Christians.


← Back to Summary of New Testament Letters from Summary of Jude

Go to Messiah of God Home


Understanding the 40 Parables of Jesus Christ: Learn from the greatest teacher Jesus Christ. The gospel taught in stories.

Like and Share this Page


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  1. Biology of Cell confirms Intelligent Design: Irreducible Complexity

    The complex biology of the ‘basic cell’ exhibits what has been termed ‘irreducible complexity’ by biochemist Michael Behe, due to the fact that removing even...

    Read More

  2. What is love? It's a call to action.

    Ben-Byrum_1-04-2022.jpg
    What is love? It's a call to action. Guest post by Ben Byrum.

    Read More

  3. Miraculous Physical Healing Explains Salvation: The Truth of Jesus’ Salvation

    If you have stage 4 pancreatic cancer, then with current medical technology you have likely not been given any hope for getting better. Your cancer is terminal. In fact, with many diseases...

    Read More

  4. Does Science Argue For or Against God?

    swiss-watch
    Probability of the Universe Existing in Coin Flips: Flipping a coin has a 50/50 chance of heads vs tails. How many times do you think you could flip heads in a row with a 50/50 chance?

    Read More

  5. Man Finds Single Ominous Bible Page in Wildfire Aftermath

    Dollywood-TN-Tennessee-Wildfires-Bible-Page-Burnt-Joel
    Wildfires in Tennessee have temporarily displaced thousands of people fleeing from the destruction. Over 100 homes have been destroyed, as well as hotels and businesses. Thus far, seven people...

    Read More

  6. How to Obey God's Will

    Obeying God's will is actually more simple than it seems. The truth is that some actions are good (holy), some actions are bad (sinful), and the majority of actions are completely neutral...

    Read More

  7. Doubting After God Answers Your Prayers

    Having God answer your prayers can result in overwhelming feelings of joy, relief, and thankfulness. However, sometimes doubt of God's intervention can appear and begin to steal your confidence...

    Read More

  8. How to Prove God Exists

    For unbelievers, there are only a few ways to prove that God exists, depending on how willing they are to accept God's existence. For unbelievers who are...

    Read More

  9. The Lie of Sanctification

    Sanctification is a widely accepted belief that bridges the gap between the biblical mandate for obedience to God and the practical application of living a Christian life as...

    Read More

  10. God's Definition of Perfect

    "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." One of the problems with modern Christianity is the mainstream concept that "It is impossible to be perfect."

    Read More