Jude 1:1

"On the very threshold of a book written about apostasy appears a name which brings to mind a traitor who stands forever as the worst apostate the world has ever known." [Note: S. Maxwell Coder, Jude: The Acts of the Apostates, p. 7.]

The writer identified himself in a humble way. He could have mentioned that he was the half-brother of Jesus Christ, but he preferred to describe his relationship with Jesus as spiritual rather than physical (cf. James 1:1). "Bond-servant" or "servant" (Gr. doulos) means "slave."

"The author’s designation of himself as ’brother of James’ is unique. No other New Testament writer introduces himself by identifying his family connections." [Note: Hiebert, Second Peter . . ., p. 192.]

"It is probable that since Jude is not mentioned within the Acts of the Apostles nor in any of the other books of the New Testament, he was not a leader in the early church. Therefore, it was quite natural to identify himself with one who was a leader in the church-his brother James." [Note: Paul A. Cedar, James , 1, 2 Peter, Jude, p. 244.]

Jude’s threefold description of his readers is the first of many triads that distinguish the style of this letter. They present an impression of completeness and well-rounded thought. The Holy Spirit called Christians in the past (cf. Judges 1:3), God the Father loves them in the present (cf. Judges 1:21), and the Son will keep them secure for the future (cf. Judges 1:14; Judges 1:21).

"The knowledge of God’s calling, loving, and keeping brings believers assurance and peace during times of apostasy.

"Each of these points in Jude’s address seem to be alluded to later in the epistle: the calling may be hinted at in the words ’the salvation we share’ (Judges 1:3), the love of God is mentioned in Judges 1:21, and the keeping power of Jesus may be implied in the words, ’as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life’ (Judges 1:21; cf. Judges 1:24)." [Note: Pentecost, p. 919.]

"Kept" is a key word in this epistle occurring five times (Judges 1:1; Judges 1:6 [twice], 13, 21).

"Spiritually we are simply that which we have received, and Jude does not lose sight of this for a moment, even when he is insisting upon the importance of the human co-operation by which the work of grace is made complete." [Note: R. Duane Thompson, "Jude," in The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, 6:389.]