Remember the words spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Epistle of Jude is addressed to the “those who have been called” so it is considered a catholic, that is universal, epistle instead of one targeting a particular situation. It very short, only 25 verses long. Which Jude is the author has puzzled scholars since antiquity since the name was fairly common. In the beginning of the letter he identifies himself a”the brother of James,” perhaps referring to the “brother of the Lord” who presided over the Jerusalem church. His invocation of the “apostles” suggests that he wrapped himself in their authority. The message of the epistle is an appeal to hold onto the faith. The lesson we might take from this: you never know what good you are accomplishing. This short letter came to be considered sacred scripture, probably much to Jude’s surprise. When we give hope and encouragement to others as Jude did our efforts will redound in ways we won’t ever know.
JUNE12024
By Church Staff
