Reading for June 11th

 Read Jude 1.1-13. In verses 1-2: Letter opening. Jude is servant, not a slave but a figure of very high status such as Abraham, Moses, and David. (Ex 12. 13; 1 Sam 17.23) if brother of James (Acts 12.17: 15.12), then Jude is also kin of Jesus. He addresses on geographical church, which suggests that this is a general letter that could be read in any church. In verses 3-4: Enter heretics. Jude writes because certain intruders are abroad whose false doctrine (deny our only Master and Lord)) leads to immorality (pervert the grace of God into licentiousness). He finds it necessary to exhort the addressees to contend for the faith that was delivered to the disciples in its fullness. He appeals, then to the antiquity of an immutable tradition. In verses 5-7: Refutation. Jude cites three examples of divine judgment: Although God saved a people, God latter destroyed those who proved unfaithful, Similarly, although many angels remained faithful, God imprisoned the angels who strayed. Sodom and Gomorrah illustrate divine judgement on immorality. Hence, if the intruders deny the sovereignty of God to judge, these examples rebut that error and serve as proof of the coming judgment. In verses 8-9: What could be worse? Jude claims that these intruders accept no laws concerning the body (defile the flesh) and reject all authority, even that of the angels who assist God's judgment. He cites an obscure document, the "assumption of Moses," in which Michael the archangel confirmed God's sovereignty. The Lord rebuke you. This proves useful in support of the tradition about the Day of Judgment, which the intruders deny. In verses 10-13: Precedents of punishment. Just as three biblical examples were cited in vv. 5-7, so we find here these examples of deviants brought to judgment: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. In legend Cain exemplified godlessness and envy; Balaam was will to lead Israel astray and curse it (Num 22), Korah typified ambition and rebellion (Num 16.1-35. Besides accusing the intruders of parasitical corruption, they are compared to fleeting, empty natural phenomena such as waterless clouds, uprooted trees, wild waves, and wandering stars. Their instability makes them perilous guides. Comments or Questions..