In his short epistle, Jude deals with the serious problem of apostasy in the churches. False teachers had defiled the church, the body of Christ. Amidst Jude’s strong denunciation of the false teachers and his pointing out their erroneous beliefs, he ends with one of the most compelling doxologies written in Scripture.
Who was Jude? Scholars are generally agreed that he is the half-brother of Jesus. He states that he is “the brother of James and servant of Jesus.” It is a general epistle addressed “to those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.” That includes us!
It is generally held that this epistle was to a “second generation” of Christians. Although the date of writing is not specifically known, it probably was composed after AD 60 and before AD 100. Heresy had crept into beliefs and caused many to be arrogant in theology, to boast of visions and revelations, to defile the flesh, to grumble, to be malcontents, to follow their own desires, to boast, to show and seek favoritism, and try to gain advantage. Many were the sins brought on by false theology and sinful practice. Does this not sound like today?
But with Jude’s reprimand also came a way of restoration. He taught them clearly about the trouble spots to avoid and doctrines to shun. Then he encouraged them to grow in the faith, pray in the Spirit, live in God’s love, look forward to the second coming of Jesus, and minister to believers who doubt and err. What good advice for those who are strong who want to sincerely pray for and help those who are weaker and erring in the faith. Jude advised that such tender, loving care for erring fellow Christians is like “snatching them from the fire” (vv. 22-23).
Look at the beautiful doxology. It is as if Jude were saying, “Now that we have these problems uncovered and remedies for them, we can move on to the most important task we have: that of glorifying God!” The doxology states what Jesus can do and what we should do. Jesus can keep us from stumbling; no falling, floundering or lack of steadfastness with Him. He is able to take us into the very presence of the Lord. And this restored fellowship will allow us to give glory, majesty, dominion and authority to the Lord God “before all time, now and forever.” A friend of mine ends his notes and letters with a reference to Jude 24 and 25. It would be well for each of us to commit these verses to memory so that they can be a constant reminder of what Jesus is doing on our behalf and how we can praise and glorify God.
Read again the majestic doxology penned by Jude. May we make it a part of our meditation and adoration when we truly want to commune with God.
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