Verse 3 begins with the adjective “beloved,” marking the third occurrence of the word ‘love,’ underscoring its significance in the letter and in Jude’s theology. It is from the foundation of love that the author encourages us to examine the themes of the letter: defending the faith and standing against those who threaten the harmony of the communities from within (3s). The struggle is not solely the responsibility of leaders but of all Christians, who are regarded as saints because of their received faith (3). The opponents are described as false, manipulative, ungodly, and apostate.
The author reinforces his accusations with four wisdom metaphors from nature (12ff) that highlight the contrast between the potential to be good and the enemies’ choice to not be so, instead opting for a barren, shameless, and unclear life: clouds that yield no rain, fruitless and dead trees, shameless waves, and stars that cast darkness.