Enoch’s Prophecy
14-16
In this section, Jude returns to his early theme of judgment on false teachers being prescribed by God long ago. In verse 4, he wrote that they were “designated for this condemnation”. Returning to that theme, he writes here that the prophesy of Enoch said the Lord would come with ten thousand of his holy ones to executed judgment on all the ungodly for their deeds of ungodliness and the things they have said against the Lord.
Jude was referring to a passage in 1 Enoch, which was attributed to Enoch, the seventh from Adam, who did not die but was taken into heaven because he walked with God. (Genesis 5:21-24) He is the seventh from Adam in the list of Adam’s descendants in Genesis 5, but some people do not believe the list is comprehensive. Instead they believe there were more men in the line, but only the well known ones were listed.
As a reminder, 1 Enoch is in the Apocrypha and is not part of the canon of scripture for the Jews and most Protestants. It was, however, a popular book in the early church.
This prophecy says the Lord comes with 10,000 of his holy ones to execute judgment on the ungodly for their actions and words.
There are also Old Testament prophecies to this effect. For example, Daniel 7:9-10 shows us God on his throne in judgment surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand angels. Zechariah 14:5 says “then the lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.”
Jesus, in Matthew 25:31, similarly said “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.” He was speaking of his return and the final judgment.
So, the point is that these false teachers will be judged and condemned at the final judgment. The implication is that, since they will be condemned by Jesus, the church should see them for what they are and resist their teaching as evil. And, we can be comforted while they persist in false teaching and immoral lifestyles that they will be held accountable on the last day. Jude tells us this with emphasis on the word “ungodly”: God will convict all the ungodly of all the deeds of ungodliness committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things ungodly sinners have spoken against God. (15)
Note that no unbelieving person escapes judgment. Jude says all the ungodly will be convicted by God. All of those who have spoke horrible and harsh things against the Lord will be convicted.
Jude finished his description of the false teachers with another triad: they were grumblers, malcontents, and loud-mouthed boasters. (16) “Grumblers” reminds us of those Israelites who complained about God in the wilderness. They complained about food from heaven and about water. They even said they wanted to return to Egypt where they were slaves! Ultimately, the refused to go into the promised land and were condemned by God to die in the wilderness.
Since the false teachers were self centered, not Christ centered or church centered, they sought to fulfill their sinful desires rather than serve others and they showed favoritism to those who would help them get what they wanted. That is why they deserved judgment.
The same type of people exist in the church today, so this word from Jude is instructive for us. There are many false teachers and their platforms today are greater than those in Jude’s time. Social media has made it possible for anyone to spread a false gospel. There are also many who manipulate and maneuver to get what they want. All of these should be resisted and rebuked, so that the body remains devoted to Jesus and his teachings.
Exortations
17-23
This is a new section and, except for a short doxology, the last section. The body of the letter began with the word “beloved” and this closing section does also. The exhortation has a triad. First, Jude reminded his readers of the predictions of the apostles regarding false teachers. Second, Believers should remain in the love of God. Third, Jude teaches his readers how to treat those who have been influenced by the false teachers.
Jude wanted his readers to remember that God was not caught by surprise when false teachers arose. He knew it would happen and he revealed that fact to the apostles so they could warn the church. We are God’s “beloved”, those whom he loves. He does not leave his loved ones in ignorance. Rather, he prepared them, and us, with warnings.
These warnings could certainly have been oral warnings that were passed down. But at least some were also written down. Matthew recorded Jesus warning of false prophets. (Matthew 7:15-20) Paul warned of savage wolves that would attack the flock, distorting the truth in order to draw away disciples from the truth. (Acts 20:29-30)
Paul also gave warnings to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1-5 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Since Jude was the brother of James, he likely heard the apostles speak and teach.
They caused divisions, as in the church at Corinth. They do not have the Spirit, so they act like lost, worldly, people. We expect sinners to sin. But when those who claim to be believers act like those who do not believe, we need to be careful around them.
In contrast, the “beloved” are to do three things: (1) build themselves up in their most holy faith; (2) praying in the Holy Spirit, keep themselves in the love of God; and (3) wait for the return of our Lord, who will bestow the final mercy of eternal life upon us. (21)
Although we resist the false teachers, we show mercy to their victims, those who doubt. (21) it is easy get frustrated with those who doubt, or even to be harsh with them. But we are to show them mercy, dealing with them gently to restore them to confidence in their faith. We also instruct them so that we are, in effect, snatching them out of the fire that is reserved for the unbelieving.
While doing these acts of mercy, we avoid falling into their sin or even condoning their sin.
Doxology
24-25
Jude closed his letter with praise to God, praising him for his glory, majesty, dominion, and authority for all eternity. It would be a good praise for you to add to your prayers.
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