Jude 1: 17, 20-25
Chapter 1
17
Recommendations
But you, beloved, remember what the apostles of Christ Jesus our Lord announced to you.20
But you, beloved, build your life on the foundation of your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.
21
Remain firm in the love of God, welcoming the mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord, which leads to eternal life.
22
And have mercy on some who are wavering;
23
others you will save, snatching them from condemnation. Treat the others with compassion, but also with prudence, shunning even the tunic defiled by their bodies.
24
To the one God, who can keep you from all sin and bring you, happy and without blemish, in the presence of his glory,
25
to the one God who saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord, to him be glory, honor, might, and power, from past ages, now and forever. Amen.
Commentaries
Recommendations.
Jude returns to the exhortative and brotherly tone of verses 1-3 to emphasize the importance of remembering (cf. 5) what the apostles proclaimed (cf. 1 Tim 4:1) and to oppose the ‘infiltrators’ who mock everything, sow discord, live immorally, and lack the Spirit—’ruah,’ the breath of God—that gives life (Gn 2:7). In this way, they live as if they are dead (17-19). For Jude, memory is essential to stay true to God’s plan.
In verses 20 and following, he sets aside his opponents. He speaks directly to the believers, his beloved, encouraging them to draw from the treasure chest of memories as their best tools for remaining committed to the Lord’s path. This includes faith, prayer, love, mercy, and compassion for doubters, though with caution not to become contaminated (cf. Rev 18:4). It is important to note that, despite the author’s strong stance against the ‘infiltrators,’ he urges the community to show compassion toward them (22ff), but with great caution.