Who Wrote This Book?   Jude was the half brother of Jesus and the full brother of James.

Date of Writing:  It is believed to be around A.D. 65 or earlier since some think there is a connection between Peter’s second letter and Jude’s letter.

Written:  To urge believers to contend for the faith (v.3).  Jude was concerned that Christians might be drawn away from the truth by teachers of false doctrine.  The book is only 24 verses and could be read in 10 minutes; it is well worth the time.

The word ‘contend’ implies that Christians had something worth fighting for, which they did.    Jude was trying to help people understand that battles for faith sometimes occur inside the church, not just outside.  People are not always comfortable with the rigors of firm convictions.  The real world and Satan will continually confront our faith, leaving us no choice but to take a stand.  (Satan does not wait outside the church door.  He sits on the back pew waiting for those that are there because it is Sunday and who won’t approach the table to be fed.)

(Satan--the enemy-- sends counterfeit believers to create doubt and dupe people into believing him, and he is very good at it.  Thankfully, we fight these battles with the help of God.)

What was happening:   During Jude’s time, strange teachings were introduced into some of the churches.   Christian imposters had begun assuming roles as leaders.  These imposters were teaching what is still heard today:  that it doesn’t matter how you live if you are saved by grace.  Sin means nothing if you are saved.  It is only necessary to ask for forgiveness, repeat the same sins, and ask for forgiveness again.

Key Verses:

Jude 3:  Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people.

Jude 7:  In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion.  They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.