This is supposed to have been written by the apostle Jude, 'brother of James,' Luke 6:1616And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. (Luke 6:16); Acts 1:1313And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. (Acts 1:13). Jude gives a fearful description of apostates—of those who had turned away from the profession they had made in association with the saints; judgment would surely fall on such. The saints are counseled what to do amid such a state of things, and are reminded of One who is able to keep them from falling.
A great deal has been written concerning the prophecy of Enoch, on account of its not being recorded in the Old Testament, and because there is an apocryphal book bearing the name of Enoch from which Jude is supposed to have quoted. There are many conjectures as to the date and the writer of this apocryphal book, some dating it after the writing of the Epistle of Jude, and supposing the author to have copied from our Epistle. Where the inspiration of the scripture is fully held, nothing is simpler than to see that the Holy Spirit could reveal to Jude the prophecy uttered by Enoch, though it may never have been written down before.
Jude,
bondman of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to the called ones, beloved in God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ: mercy, peace, and love be multiplied.
Jude desired to write of the salvation common to all Christians, but it was needful that he should exhort them to contend earnestly for the faith originally delivered. For ungodly men had crept in unnoticed, who abused the grace of God, and denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Instances of apostasy are cited from the Old Testament.
They were to remember that after the people were saved out of Egypt, those who believed not were destroyed.
Angels have also fallen and are kept in eternal chains for the judgment of the great day.
Sodom and Gomorrha, and other cities also lie under the judgment of eternal fire (the abiding effect of the judgment on them).
Michael the archangel, when disputing with the devil concerning the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a railing judgment against him; but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these rail against things they know not; and corrupt themselves in things they do know.
Three forms of evil found in Christendom are pointed out.
Woe to them who (1) have gone in the way of Cain (natural religion and hatred of that which is true: cf. also 1 John 3:1212Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. (1 John 3:12)), and (2) for reward have given themselves to the error of Balaam, (ecclesiastical corruption, Rev. 2:1414But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14)), and (3) perished in the gainsaying of Core (opposition to Christ's royalty and priesthood, Num. 16:11Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: (Numbers 16:1), &c.) Such were doubly dead, by nature and by apostasy, to whom has been reserved the gloom of eternal darkness. Enoch also had prophesied of the judgment that would be executed upon them when the Lord comes with His holy myriads.
These apostates exalt themselves and admire persons for their own profit. The apostles had forewarned the saints that there would be mockers, walking after their own lusts of ungodliness, and setting themselves apart (as superior), but they were natural men, not having the Spirit. Those preserved from the evil are to build up themselves on their most holy faith, and, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep themselves (practically) in the love of God, awaiting the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
They were to distinguish between the erring: to have compassion for some, and to snatch others out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jude closes the Epistle with a full ascription of praise to Him who is able to keep us from stumbling and to set us with exultation blameless before His glory.