There are three short books which nestle together at the end of the New Testament, two written by John, his second and third Epistles, followed by the one written by Jude. Those written by John were probably written around AD85-90 while that by Jude more likely to be around AD66 before the Destruction of the Temple. As we all see there are similarities between Jude and 2 Peter in their respective concerns for the believers and the acceptance and dangers of false teachers permeating through the churches of God. Some believe that Jude was probably written after the death of Peter.

Who is Jude, the writer of this short letter?

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James.

It seems to be generally accepted that Jude was a half-brother of Jesus Christ and therefore obviously, brother of James. It appears that in the early church there was only one James who could be referred to in this way without further elaboration; such as “James, the Lord’s brother” in Gal. 1v19.- see also Matt 13:55, Mark 6:3 and Acts 1:13.

As to whom this short, but nonetheless important Epistle was written and directed, there are some differences of opinion.Some think that it may have been written to the Churches of Asia Minor as was the book of 2Peter something we will look at in due course.Others think perhaps that it was directed to the believers in Palestine who would have been familiar with the bits of Jewish history within the book.

Whichever it was we are glad that it was written for our edification and help as we traverse this “present evil world” Gal 1:4.

One of the main themes in this book is the need “to exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”. And if it was necessary for Jude long centuries ago to exhort faithful men to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3), how much more necessary is it today.”

So let us read the greeting from this man who was weighed down with the situation within the Churches.