With respect to the time of its composition we have a final limiting point in the date of 2 Peter, about A. D. 67, since that Epistle is evidently dependent on Jude. On the other hand it does not seem likely that Jude would write such a letter, while his brother James was still living, so that we have a starting point in A. D. 62. A date later than 62 is also favored by the Pauline words employed in this letter, in some of which we seem to have an echo of Ephesians and Colossians. Moreover the great similarity between the conditions pictured in this letter and those described in 2 Peter is best explained, if we date them in close proximity to each other. We shall not go far wrong in dating the Epistle about the year 65.
The danger to which these Christians were thus exposed, led to the composition of this Epistle. Apparently Jude intended to write to them of the common salvation, when he suddenly heard of the grave situation and found it necessary to pen a word of warning. In the verse from which we draw this conclusion, the author also clearly states his aim, when he says that he deemed it imperative to write to them that they should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. In order to do this, he pictures to them the disobedient and immoral character of the ungodly persons that had unawares crept into the fold and endangered their Christian faith and life; reminds them of the fact that God would certainly punish those wanton libertines, just as He had punished sinners in the past; and exhorts them to stand in faith and to strive after holiness.
As unprincipled men, under the name of Christians, had crept in, whose chief object was to lead the unstable and weak to a profane contempt of God, Jude first shows, that the faithful ought not to have been moved by agents of this kind, by which the Church has always been assailed; and yet he exhorts them carefully to beware of such pests. And to render them more hateful and detestable, he denounces on them the approaching vengeance of God, such as their impiety deserved. Now, if we consider what Satan has attempted in our age, from the commencement of the revived gospel, and what arts he still busily employs to subvert the faith, and the fear of God, what was a useful warning in the time of Jude, is more than necessary in our age.
In the Epistle of Jude we have the Christian war-cry, resounding through the ages: Contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints! This letter, the last of the New Testament, teaches with great emphasis that apostasy from the true creed with its central truths of the atonement of Christ and the permanent validity of the law as the rule of life, is assured perdition; and clearly reveals for all generations the inseparable connection between a correct belief and a right mode of living.
The writer begins his Epistle with the regular address and apostolic blessing (1-2). He informs his readers that he felt it incumbent on him to warn them against certain intruders, who deny Christ, lead lascivious lives and will certainly be punished like the people delivered from Egypt, the fallen angels and the cities of the plain (3-7). These intruders are further described as defilers of the flesh and as despisers and blasphemers of heavenly dignities, and the woe is pronounced on them (8-11). After giving a further description of their debauchery, the author exhorts the readers to be mindful of the words of the apostles, who had spoken of the appearance of such mockers (12-19). Admonishing them to increase in faith and to keep themselves in the love of God, and giving them directions as to the correct behaviour towards others, he concludes his Epistle with a doxology (20-25).
I. Greeting (1-2)
II. The Purpose of Writing (3-4)
III. Judgment of the Intruders (5-16)
IV. Exhortation to Believers (17-23)
V. Closing (24-25)
I. Greeting (1-2)
II. The Purpose of Writing (3-4)
A. Appeal: Contend for the Faith (3)
B. Reason: Ungodly Intruders Crept in (4)
III. Judgment of the Intruders (5-16)
A. Warning: Old Testament Times (5-7)
B. Extracanonical Example (8-10)
C. “Woe to Them!” (11-13)
D. Extracanonical Example (14-16)
IV.
Exhortation to Believers (17-23)
A. Warning: New Testament Times (17-19)
B. Purpose Elaborated (20-21)
C. Have Mercy (22-23)
V. Closing
(24-25)
Thomas R. Schreiner, New American Commentary: Vol.37 1, 2 Peter, Jude. Broadman & Holman, 2003.
Phillip David Strickland, The Curious Case of P72: What An Ancient Manuscript Can Tell Us about the Epistles of Peter and Jude, JETS 60.4 (2017), 781-91.
Alistair Begg, A Study in Jude.
Steve Kreloff, Jude with Steve Kreloff.