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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER OF JUDE

THE LETTER

Jude 1 – Jude to the Preserved Elect

JU1 Jude, 1 a slave of Jesus Christ 2 [and a] brother of James 3 – to those beloved in God (the Father) and to those called and preserved 4 in Jesus Christ –

1	Jude: Or, “Judas.” (Praise) Meaning, “Jew.” This is one of the four brothers of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. He is not to be confused with the apostle of the same name. (See notes on Matthew 13:55.)

2	A slave of Jesus Christ: Jude humbly avoids his ancestry with the Messiah – he is but a servant or slave of his now glorified brother. It is likely he became a Christian after the ascension of Jesus.

3

Brother of James: James was another brother of Jesus Christ. (See notes on Matthew 13:55.) He was a man of great importance in the early Church though he did not become a believer until his risen brother appeared to him. (1 Corinthians 15:7) The Jewish historian Josephus reports in Wars of the Jews that he was called “the Righteous” by the Jewish religious hierarchy. Though not a priest he was permitted to wear the garment of a priest for his outstanding reputation as a keeper of the Law. This same group later turned on him and killed him.

4	To those called and preserved: “Called” means “invited.” See the parable at Matthew 22:1. The Greek for “preserved” is unique (“kept”). Or, ASV: kept. It is by the power of God that a Christian is guard and protected by God as long as an effort is made to “remain in His love.”

Jude 2 – Opening Petition

JU2 mercy to you and may peace and love be multiplied! 5

5	May peace and love be multiplied: The salutation is somewhat different from Paul and Peter for Jude omits “grace” in favor of “love.” It should be noted, like Paul, though the Father and Jesus are mentioned the “holy spirit” is absent.

Jude 3-4 – Fight against Ungodly Men

JU3 Beloved, I wanted to quickly write to you about our shared salvation 6 but I found it necessary to encourage you to struggle for the faith 7 once delivered to the Saints.

6

I wanted to quickly write to you about our shared salvation: This was the subject really close to Jude’s heart: the hope of heavenly salvation. What a joy to have read those godly words of hope and joy. Yet a more pressing matter confronts him. “The man of lawlessness” and the “antichrist” mentioned by Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 John 2:18) have already begun to materialize in the years before the desolation of Jerusalem. (66-70 CE) Jude must be under considerable pressure for he surely could have written another letter and perhaps he did. It is this brief epistle that has found its way into the inspired canon of the New Testament.

7

I found it necessary to encourage you to struggle for the faith: The Greek word here for “struggle” is EP-AGONIZESTHAI from which English gets “agonize.” Or, KJV: contend for the faith; TCN: to fight in defense of; NEB: join in the struggle in defense of; TAY: stoutly defend. The Greek root for agony is found in two most interesting places – Luke 13:24; 2 Timothy 4:7 (“agonize the agony”)

JU4 For certain persons have sneaked in among you 8 – persons condemned by what had been previously written 9 long ago. They are irreverent, 10 perverting the unmerited favor of our God into loose conduct. 11 They deny our only Owner and Master Jesus Christ. 12

8

Certain persons have sneaked in among you: Or, KJV: crept in; RHM: crept in unobserved; WEY: crept in unnoticed; MOF: slipped in by stealth; GDS: sneaked; NJB: infiltrated. For a discussion of the foretold apostasy see the notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:3 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Compare Acts 20:29; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1 (2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1)

9

Persons condemned by what had been previously written: Or, KJV: who were before of old ordained to this condemnation; ASV: even they who were of old written of beforehand; NEB: the very men whom Scripture long ago marked down for the doom they have incurred; TCN: whose sentence has long since been pronounced. Compare 2 Peter 2:1.God’s eternal purpose has already judged that evil and unrighteous persons will become extinct like dinosaurs. (Psalm 37:9-11, 29)

10

They are irreverent: The Greek is ASEBEIS which as the root meaning of “awe” in relation to the Creator. Such awe of the Almighty turns to reverence among godly persons. Jude uses forms of the word several times in his epistle. Or, KJV: ungodly; GDS: godless persons; MOF: pious creatures; PME: no real reverence for God. The Greek EUSEBIAS (godliness; Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #765) is worthy of special study and application.

11

Perverting the unmerited favor of our God into loose conduct: This is the same observation and warning in Paul, Peter, and John. Or, KJV: turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness; PME: they abuse his grace; TCN: an excuse for profligacy. The Greek for “loose conduct” is ASELGEIAN and is identified as a work of the flesh at Galatians 5:19, 20.

12

They deny our only Owner and Master Jesus Christ: The title Master is backed up by the Greek DESPOTEN (Acts 4:24). It seems unlikely they “denied” Jesus forthrightly as they entered with stealth. Possibly they used cunning and subterfuge to undermine faith. They no doubt were among those that twisted the Scripture to their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16, 17)

Jude 5-10 – Examples of Salvation and Judgment

JU5 But I wanted to remind you 13 even though you recognize it completely, that YHWH, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt 14 later destroyed those who did not believe. 15

13	I wanted to remind you: O, how we need constant reminders. Peter does the same at 2 Peter 3:1. Compare Acts 20:30.

14

Saved the people out of the land of Egypt: One subtle denial of Jesus’ teachings is that once one is saved he or she can no longer stumble. (“Once saved, always saved.”) May we suggest that these persons with loose morals had a liberal view of the Nazarene’s words? They may have argued that God forgave anything. Jude uses several examples to destroy this misunderstanding and deception. Compare 1 Corinthians 10:4 and Hebrews 3:19.

15	Later destroyed those who did not believe: Compare Numbers 14:35.

JU6 Also, those angels that did not keep their own original [estate] 16 but left their own dwelling-place 17 He has preserved in everlasting bonds. 18

16

Those angels that did not keep their own original [estate]: Or, KJV: kept not their first estate; MOF: who abandoned their own domain; TCN: who did not keep to their appointed spheres; WMS: did not preserve their original rank. Peter uses a similar comparison. (2 Peter 2:4; 1 Peter 3:19) Jude has in mind Genesis 6:1-4.

17

Left their own dwelling-place: Or, WMS: their proper home; WEY: deserted their original rank. Thereafter these became the Devil’s own angels. (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 12:7) The angels as spirit-beings have their own proper OIKETERION [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3613, dwelling place, habitation]. Though with God’s permission they may visit the earth, or even materialize, they must return to their real home in the Celestialum.

18	He has preserved in everlasting bonds: These rebellious and disobedient angels were imprisoned as it were: shut out from God’s purpose; no longer free to materialize. Compare 1 Peter 3:19 and 2 Peter 2:4.

JU7 Also Sodom and Gomorrah 19 the surrounding cities – who in similar manner indulged in sexual immorality 20 and lusting after different flesh 21 – are placed before us as an object lesson 22 of a fiery everlasting punishment. 23

19	Sodom and Gomorrah: The Nazarene draws on Sodom in his own teachings. (See notes on Matthew 10:15; Matthew 11:23, 24) Compare Genesis chapters 14, 18, 19. There is a spiritual Sodom. (Revelation 11:8) The morals of Sodom have become what is called “sodomy” or “sodomite.”

20	Who in similar manner indulged in sexual immorality: The Greek for “sexual immorality” is PORNEIA. Compare notes on Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9.

21

Lusting after different flesh: Sodomy or homosexuality. Compare Genesis 19:5. The Scriptures clearly condemn such immoral activity. (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26) Noting Jude’s isolation of this “loose conduct” to sexual perversion, is it possible that this was a problem with these “men who sneaked in”? Or, NOR: homosexuality; MOF: sensual perversity; TCN: unnatural vice.

22	Are placed before us as an object lesson: Compare 1 Corinthians 10:11. Thus, three and a half thousand years later the word “sodomy.” Or, KJV: for an example; MOF: exhibited as a warning.

23

A fiery everlasting punishment: Or, KJV: suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. The example is the cities and their destruction by fire and sulfur. (Genesis 19:24) The actual site has been found underwater. Some read this and see eternal hell-fire torment. For details see the file Where Are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 20000©.

JU8 Indeed also just so these who are beguiled with sensual images disrespect authority 24 and reject those honored by their abusive talk. 25

24

These who are beguiled with sensual images disrespect authority: Or, KJV: filthy dreamers; TCN: cherishing vain dreams; NEB: their dreams lead them to; KJV: despite dominion TCN: reject control; WEY: they set authority at naught; GDS: make light of authority; NEB: flout authority. The Greek word “beguiled with sensual images” is ENYPNIASZOMENOI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1797]. A characteristic of the liberal is their disdain for Church authority. (Titus 2:15; Hebrews 13:7, 17) Research the word authority.

25

Reject those honored by their abusive talk: Or, KJV: speak evil of dignities; GDS: deride majesty. Some view this as an attack against angels. However, others see the allusion to the undermining of authority in the church. Compare how this was done by Diotrephes. (3 John 9, 10) See notes on 2 Peter 2:1 forward.

JU9 But [in contrast] Michael the Archangel 26 when disputing with the Devil, 27 he argued about the body of Moses 28 but did not dare bring a blaspheming condemnation against him. 29 Rather, Michael said, “YHWH rebuke you!” 30

26	Michael the Archangel: Some see clear evidence that this is a celestial name of the Jesus. The name means: “Who is like God?” Compare Daniel 12:1 and Revelation 12:7. (See notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 2 Peter 2:11)

27

When disputing with the Devil: See Zechariah 3:2. Some see this as an allusion to the Jewish apocryphal Assumption of Moses. Apparently Jude does this a couple of times. An uninspired book may contained a truth which when quoted under inspiration becomes inspired. Paul quotes Greek poets adding them to the inspired canon without making everything written by them inspired.

28	He argued about the body of Moses: See Deuteronomy 34:6. Many are the suggestions.

29

Did not dare bring a blaspheming condemnation against him: Or, KJV: did not bring against him a railing accusation; WEY: did not dare to pronounce judgment on him in abusive terms; GDS: did not venture to condemn him for blasphemy. Jude’s example is that even Michael did not speak abusively of Satan, while these stealthy men disrespect those in authority in the Church.

30	Michael said, “YHWH rebuke you!”: Likely a quote from Zechariah 3:2, which contains the Tetragram. Here the Greek for Lord is without the article.

JU10 But these persons, indeed, blaspheme what they do not understand 31 yet physically are like speechless animals 32 knowing full well those things corrupting them. 33

31	Blaspheme what they do not understand: Or, KJV: these speak evil of those things which they know not; TCN: malign whatever they do not understand; NEB: pour out abuse on things they do not understand.

32	Physically are like speechless animals: Or, KJV: what they know naturally; GDS: know by instinct; MOF: like irrational animals. Compare notes on 2 Peter 2:11.

33	Knowing full well those things corrupting them: Or, KJV: in those things they corrupt themselves. Compare Romans 1:24.

Jude 11-13 – Rebellious and Selfish Shepherds

JU11 Woe to them because they followed the way of Cain 34 and rushed forth greedily into the error of Balaam’s reward. 35 They are like rebellious Korah 36 and will destroy themselves.

34	They followed the way of Cain: Compare John’s use of this parallel of the unloving and hateful person. (See notes on 1 John 3:12)

35	Rushed forth greedily into the error of Balaam’s reward: Compare Numbers 22:32; Deuteronomy 23:5 and notes on 2 Peter 2:15. It is interesting that though Balaam was a greedy false prophet God still was able to use him to utter a great Messianic prophecy. (Numbers chapter 24)

36

They are like rebellious Korah: Compare Numbers 16. Note how Miriam was involved in this disrespect of Moses the authorized leader of Israel. The argument among them was “why shouldn’t they be prophets also.” Likely this is a complaint from these ambitious persons who were jealous of those with Church authority.

JU12 These are the same persons feasting well in your love-feasts 37 who are like hidden reefs, 38 [and] disrespectful shepherds. 39 They are rainless clouds blown by winds. 40 They are fruitless trees of autumn, 41 having died twice, they should be uprooted. 42

37

Feasting well in your love-feasts: The Greek is AGAPAIS. Or, KJV: feasts of charity; NJB: community meals. Some view these agape-feasts as associated with the Lord’s Supper. Judging from 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 that is a possibility. However, the evidence points to an annual celebration of the Memorial on Nisan 14 and thus the early Christian nickname “Fourteeners.” (See History of the Christian Church by Eusebius) It is more likely that these are “pot lucks” or church banquets.

38

Like hidden reefs: The KJV uses “spots.” Unseen, they lurk below water as hidden rocks ready to shipwreck those of weak faith. Note 1 Timothy 1:19. They associate with other Christians in a social context while they slyly undermine those in authority within the Church. It is interesting to note that Diotrephes in 3 John 9, 10 discouraged hospitality. Perhaps one sees how much damage has been done between Jude and 3 John.

39

Disrespectful shepherds: Or, ASV: shepherds that without fear feed themselves; ALF: pasturing their own selves; WEY: caring only for themselves; MOF: they look after none but themselves. On shepherds read Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34. It is possible some were pastors or shepherds in the Church. (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15)

40	Rainless clouds blown by winds: Or, KJV: clouds they are without water. Their appearance may promise truth and blessings but they produce nothing of a spiritual nature. Rather, they are winds of gossip and misinformation within the church. (Ephesians 4:14)

41

Fruitless trees of autumn: Or, RSV: fruitless trees in late autumn; TCN: they are leafless trees without a vestige of fruit. See notes on Matthew 15:13. They are not only without fruit, they provide little shade. Such persons speak swelling and inflated words which produce nothing. Often this is in the form of negative criticism without providing a positive alternative. See notes on 2 Peter 2:17.

42	Having died twice, they should be uprooted: Not only are they unfruitful, there is no possibility of them ever producing anything good. (See notes on Matthew 7:15-23)

JU13 They are wild waves of the ocean, 43 foaming up their own shamefulness. 44 They are wandering asteroids 45 for whom the gloom of everlasting darkness is reserved. 46

43	Wild waves of the ocean: Compare Isaiah 57:20 and see notes on Ephesians 4:14. There are waves called renegade which appear from nowhere, do their damage, and vanish.

44	Foaming up their own shamefulness: Compare Isaiah 57:20. Seldom is anything of value found along the beach. There lies the flotsam of the oceans – the dead and the dying.

45

Wandering asteroids: The Greek is ASTERES PLANETAI or “planetary asteriod.” Most translate this as “stars” and yet asteroid or comet might be the real meaning. Great comets or meteors appear in a brief flash (in the pan) and then leave to wander the depths of space. “Shooting stars” is not far from the idea. In the Jewish book Enoch stars often mean angels.

46	For whom the gloom of everlasting darkness is reserved: As shooting stars go out in darkness, these “stars” in the congregation are but a brief flash – interesting in display – but of no long-lasting light.

Jude 14-15 – Enoch: “God Will Judge the Irreverent”

JU14 But the seventh person after Adam, Enoch, 47 prophesies to these persons, 48 saying, “Behold, YHWH arrived with his holy myriads, 49

47	Seventh person after Adam, Enoch: See Genesis 5:22 (Luke 3:37) and Hebrews 11:5.

48

Prophesies to these persons: Enoch is only described as a person who walked with God. He is nowhere noted as a prophet. It seems Jude quotes from memory either: a) a truth known by revelation; or, b) an allusion to the Jewish apocryphal book Enoch (5:2). Opinions are divided. As in the case of the quote from the Assumption of Moses a truth may be buried in an uninspired book. The quotation represents a divine truth so it becomes part of the inspired canon.

49	Behold, YHWH arrived with his holy myriads: Enoch 5:2.

JU15 to bring condemnation on everyone, and to convict every one of the irreverent and every one of their irreverent actions which they irreverently did, and against every one of the harsh things they spoke against Him by irreverent sinners.” [Enoch 5:2]

Jude 16 – Apostate Characteristics

JU16 There persons are slanderers and complainers, 50 conducting themselves according to their own lusts, 51 their mouths speaking inflated things, 52 admiring personalities to benefit from [their] charity. 53

50	Slanderers and complainers: Or, KJV: murmurers; WMS: grumblers; GDS: dissatisfied with life. Their main weapons are untruths, half-truths, and negativity regarding appointed men in the church.

51	Conducting themselves according to their own lusts: Or, KJV: walking after their own lusts; TCN they follow there their passions lead them.

52

Their mouths speaking inflated things: Or, KJV: great swelling words; RSV: loud-mouth boasters; MOF: their talk is arrogant. They hate any good and positive words said about another. Their jealousy and ambition forces them to comment or criticize anything said by the appointed men. (Psalm 75:5; 140:11)

53

Admiring personalities to benefit from [their] charity: Or, KJV: having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage; ASV: showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage; ABU: admiring men’s persons for the sake of profit; TCN: and they flatter men for the sake of what they can get from them. These persons will pick those they can use and with false-fronts of flattery cater to these. Jesus’ warning is true: “Beware when men speak well of you.” Not always, but sometimes flattery and compliments is a debt to be paid later. (Proverbs 28:21; James 2:9)

Jude 17-23 – Build Faith and Remain in God’s Love

JU17 But, beloved, remember the teachings previously spoken to you by the apostles 54 of our Master Jesus Christ.

54	Remember the teachings previously spoken to you by the apostles: Here Jude quotes 2 Peter 3:2 showing it had an application to that period before the end of the Jewish Temple Age.

JU18 They told you that in the last time there will be mockers 55 driven by their own lusts proceeding from their irreverence. 56

55

They told you that in the last time there will be mockers: See 2 Peter 3:2 and the notes on 2 Peter 3:2. “Last time” is from the Greek ESCHATOU CHRONON, or, “end time.” Research last days and its application to the end-time on Jerusalem in the 40 years before its desolation. This is an allusion to the foretold apostasy. (1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 4:2-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:3)

56	Driven by their own lusts proceeding from their irreverence: Or, KJV: walk after their own ungodly lusts; GDS: who will go where their own godless passions lead.

JU19 These are those persons who create disunity. 57 They are fleshly by nature, 58 lacking spirituality. 59

57	Persons who create disunity: Or, KJV: they separate themselves; TCN: cause divisions. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 11:17-19. (Romans 16:17; James 3:16)

58	Fleshly by nature: The Greek is PSUCHIKOI, or literally “soulical, soul-like.” The Latin is animales. Or, KJV: sensual; BER: worldly; TCN: animal. Compare 1 Corinthians 2:14.

59	Lacking spirituality: The Greek is PNEUMA ME EXONTES, or, “spirit not having.” Or, TCN: unspiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

JU20 But, beloved, continue building up yourselves in your most holy faith, 60 praying in holy Pneuma. 61

60

Continue building up yourselves in your most holy faith: Or, KNX: make your most holy faith the foundation of your lives; TCN: build up your characters on the foundation of your most holy faith. (Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 3:10) Faith, belief, or conviction is not static. It must continual grow in size and strength. What these apostate persons have been doing is creating doubt and undermining faith. Jude’s exhortation could not be more apropos entering the 3rd Millennium for the faith of the Church is under attack from every corner.

61	Praying in holy Pneuma: Or, TCN: pray under the guidance of. Compare 1 Corinthians 14:15 and Romans 8:26.

JU21 Keep yourselves in God’s love 62 anticipating the mercy of our Master 63 Jesus Christ into everlasting life.

62	Keep yourselves in God’s love: Or, TCN: keep within the love of God; TAY: stay always with the boundaries where the love of god can reach you. No Nazarene disciple may assume they cannot fall from the love of God. Compare notes on 1 John 3:17.

63	Anticipating the mercy of our Master: Or, KJV: looking for. This may be that future mercy demonstrated at the Parousia.

JU22 Show merciful patience with the indecisive. 64 Save them by snatching them out of the fire. 65

64

Show merciful patience with the indecisive: The Greek for “indecisive” is DIAKRINOMENOUS. Or, ASV: who are in doubt; TCN: to some show pity because they are in doubt. There is a difference between those persons slyly creating doubt and those they mislead who now have mistrust or misgivings. Their original conviction has cooled and someone has taken advantage of it. These sly apostates never attempt to face-off a tower of strength in the congregation, or one of unmovable faith. Like predators they look for the new born, sickly and weak.

65	Save them by snatching them out of the fire: There is an example here in the word HARPAZONTES to compare with 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. Compare 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

JU23 However, while showing mercy in fear continue to hate the inner garment stained by the flesh. 66

66	Continue to hate the inner garment stained by the flesh: Or, NEB: the very clothing polluted by sensuality. There is a powerful suggestion here. See the pollutions which rendered one ceremonially unclean in the book of Leviticus.

Jude 24-25 – Eternal Praise of Your Guardian

JU24 Now to the One who is able to guard you from stumbling 67 and install you spotless in rejoicing right in front of His glory 68 –

67

Now to the One who is able to guard you from stumbling: Or, KJV: him that is able to keep you from falling; MOF: slipping. This “stumbling” is a possible result of these false brothers who have wormed their way into the Nazarene community. The counsels in Jude’s epistle are a great guard and protection from falling. (See notes on 1 John 5:18)

68

Install you spotless in rejoicing right in front of His glory: Some versions use “presence” and this may allude to the Parousia or Arrival of the Master Jesus. The Greek is literally STESAI [to set] KATENOPION [down in sight of; in front of; in the presence of]. The Greek STESAI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2476] means “to bid someone to stand by” before superiors. It is possible it infers a presentation before the God of glorious presence in the Celestialum. The thought may be echoed in Ephesians 5:27 where paraSTESE is used.

JU25 to the Absolute God our Savior 69 by means of Jesus Christ our Master – majestic glory! 70 dominion! 71 authority! 72 before time immemorial 73 and into all the future periods of time. 74 Amen!

69	To the Absolute God our Savior: Or, KJV: only wise God. Jude means “God” and “savior” in the absolute sense. See the work De Trinitatis Erroribus in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

70	Majestic glory: Or, greatness.

71	Dominion: Or, realm; the territory of the kingdom. (Daniel 7:14; see notes on Ephesians 1:19)

72	Authority: The Greek is EXOUSIA and with regard to that of Christ within the Church is worthy of research: authority.

73	Before time immemorial: Or, KJV: now. Compare the notes on Ephesians 3:9.

74	Into all the future periods of time: Or, TCN: for all time to come. Compare 2 Peter 3:18.