Introduction
The Epistle of Jude, though one of the shortest books of the New Testament, carries a strong message of warning, exhortation, and steadfastness in the faith. To understand the weight of its words, it is important to consider the person behind the letter—Jude, also called Judas in Scripture, who was both a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James.
Jude’s Identity
The opening of the letter provides the author’s self-introduction: “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James…” (Jude 1:1, KJV). From this description, several important points are made clear. Jude identified himself foremost as a servant of Jesus Christ. Though he was related by blood to the Lord, he chose not to emphasize this natural relationship but rather his spiritual submission. By calling himself the “brother of James,” he connected himself with James, the well-known leader of the Jerusalem church, often called “James the Just.” This connection helps us identify Jude as one of the brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” (Matthew 13:55, KJV).
Thus, Jude was a brother of the Lord in the flesh but, more importantly, a servant of the risen Christ in faith.
Jude’s Relationship to Jesus
Like his brothers, Jude did not at first believe in Jesus during His earthly ministry. John records: “For neither did his brethren believe in him” (John 7:5, KJV). However, following the resurrection, Jude, along with Mary and his brothers, was found among the believers who gathered in the upper room for prayer (Acts 1:14). This transformation demonstrates the power of Christ’s resurrection to turn unbelief into faith and devotion. Jude’s acknowledgment of himself as Christ’s servant reflects humility and submission to the Lordship of Jesus, not relying on family ties but on personal faith.
The Purpose of Jude’s Writing
The Epistle of Jude is a strong appeal to believers to remain steadfast in “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3, KJV). He warns against false teachers who had crept into the church, men who turned the grace of God into lasciviousness and denied the Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4). His writing is filled with Old Testament references and vivid imagery, showing his deep knowledge of Scripture and Jewish tradition. He reminds the readers of God’s past judgments and urges them to keep themselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:21).
Jude’s Authority and Message
Though Jude wrote only one chapter, the authority of his words carries great weight. He draws from examples such as Israel in the wilderness, the angels that left their first estate, Sodom and Gomorrha, Cain, Balaam, and Core (Korah), to remind believers of the dangers of rebellion and ungodliness. He calls the saints to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3, KJV) and to build themselves up on their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20).
Jude ends his letter with one of the most well-known doxologies in Scripture: “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.” (Jude 1:24-25, KJV).
Conclusion
Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus, was a man transformed by the power of Christ’s resurrection. Once an unbeliever, he became a faithful servant of the Lord and a watchman for the purity of the faith. His epistle, though brief, provides a powerful reminder of the dangers of apostasy and the necessity of clinging to Christ. By identifying himself not by earthly relation but by spiritual servitude, Jude gives all believers an example of humility and devotion. His letter continues to call Christians to steadfastness, holiness, and reliance on the keeping power of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.