The Epistle of Jude, also known as the Letter of Jude, is a canonical book of the New Testament in the Bible attributed to Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. It is a short letter, consisting of only 25 verses, and is addressed to a specific audience, referred to simply as "those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ."
The Epistle of Jude is characterized by its intense and urgent tone, as Jude writes to warn the recipients about false teachers who have infiltrated the church. These false teachers are described as immoral, distorting the grace of God and leading others astray. Jude emphasizes the need for vigilance, reminding the readers of past examples of punishment and judgment to come.
The letter draws heavily on references from Jewish literature, such as the examples of disobedience and rebellion from the Exodus period. Jude also mentions non-canonical sources, such as the Assumption of Moses and the Book of Enoch, to support his arguments and expose the false teachers.
Despite its short length and unique content, the Epistle of Jude is considered a valuable part of the biblical canon, as it provides important insights into early Christian attitudes towards apostasy and false teaching. Its message serves as a call to maintain faithfulness and contend for the true faith, fighting against deception and standing firm in God's love and mercy.
