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Name - The writer of this Epistle calls himself “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James” (1:1). Evidently, the James referred to is the author of the Epistle bearing that name, and a brother of Jesus; this, then, makes this Jude a brother of Jesus. Like the other brothers of Jesus, Jude did not believe in the Saviour until after His death and resurrection (John 7:3-8); but he is found among the disciples in the assembly after Christ’s ascension (Acts 1:14). He is indirectly referred to by Paul (1Cor 9:5), and it has been inferred that his missionary labours were confined to the Jews.
Theme - Like Peter in his Second Epistle, Jude deals primarily with the false teachers that had crept in among the believers. The Epistle is truly general and was probably intended for Christians of every race and nationality. Its theme is contending for the faith, and it warns against both apostasies and false teachings which go hand in hand.
Outline - The following analysis comprehends this theme and the purpose of the writer: I. Salutation (Vrs. 1, 2) II. Admonition to Contend for Faith (Vrs. 3, 4) III. God’s Judgment against the Wicked Sustained by Historical Proof (Vrs. 5-7) IV. Denunciation of False Teachers (Vrs. 8-13) V. Assurances that God Will Judge the Wicked (Vrs. 14-19) VI. Exhortation to Spiritual Growth and Evangelism (Vrs. 20-23) VII. Doxology (Vrs. 24, 25)
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