Canonicity of This Epistle
REV. EDMUND VENABLES, M. A.—Although the epistle of Jude is one of the so-called Antilegomena, and its canonicity was questioned in the earliest ages of the church, there never was any doubt of its genuineness among those by whom-it was known. It is quoted as Apostolic by Ephrem of Syrus. The earliest notice of the epistle is in the famous Muratorian Fragment, circa A. D. 170. It was recognized by Clement of Alexandria. Eusebius informs us that it was among the books of. Canonical Scripture. Origen refers to it expressly as the work of “The Lord's brother. "Of the Latin Fathers, Tertullian once expressly cites this epistle as the work of an Apostle; so also does Jerome. It is likewise quoted by Malchion, a presbyter of Antioch, in a letter to the bishops of Alexandria and Rome, and by Palladius, the friend of Chrysostom; and it is contained in the Laodicene Catalog, A. D. 363; and in the Carthagenian,
A. D. 397, as well as in those emanating from the churches of the East and West.—Smith's Dict. of Bible, p. 1505
Rebel Angels
Verse 6.—And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains udder darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
H. Fox TALBOT, F. R. S.—At the 'creation harmony prevailed in heaven. All the sons of God, says Job, shouted for joy. What caused the termination of this blissful state we are not informed; but the Babylonians have preserved for us a remarkable tradition of it, which is found on 'a cuneiform Tablet, now in the British Museum. This Tablet describes the revolt of the gods or angels against their Creator. While the host of heaven were assembled and were all engaged M singing hymns of praise to their Maker, suddenly some evil spirit gave the signal of revolt. The hymns ceased in one part of the assembly, which burst forth into loud curses and imprecations on their Creator. In His wrath he sounded a loud blast of the trumpet, and drove them from his presence never to return.—Records of the Past, Vol. VII., p. 123.
BABYLONIAN INSCRIPTION.—The Divine Being spoke three times, the commencement of a psalm. The god of holy Songs, Lord of —religion and worship, seated a thousand singers and musicians.; and established a choral band, who, to his hymn were to respond in multitudes.... With a loud cry of contempt they broke up his holy song, spoiling, confusing, confounding, his hymn of praise. The god of the bright crown with a wish to summon his adherents Sounded a trumpet blast which would wake the dead; which to those rebel angels prohibited return, he stopped their service, and sent them to the gods) who, were his enemies. In their room He created mankind. The first who received life, dwelt along with Him. May He give them strength, never to neglect his word, following the serpent's voice, whom 'His bands had made. And may the god of divine speech expel from his five thousand that wicked, thousand, who, in the midst of his heavenly song, had shouted evil blasphemies! The god Ashur, who had seen the malice of those angels who deserted' their allegiance to raise a rebellion, refused to go forth with them.—Records of the Past,, Vol. VII., p. 127.