Why does Jude 1:5 say Jesus saved a people out of Egypt, contradicting the standard Old Testament account? Jude 1:5 and the Question of “Jesus” Delivering Israel from Egypt Overview Jude 1:5 in the Berean Standard Bible reads, “Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered the people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe.” Some have raised the concern that this statement might contradict the standard Old Testament account, which consistently attributes the Exodus to the LORD (YHWH). However, a closer analysis reveals that Jude 1:5 is not in conflict with the broader testimony of Scripture. This entry explores textual considerations, the theology of Christ’s divinity, and the unity of God’s works in both Testaments. 1. The Textual Basis for “Jesus” or “the Lord” Several ancient manuscripts and translations of Jude 1:5 vary in their wording, rendering it as either “Jesus,” “the Lord,” or, occasionally, “God Christ.” Early textual witnesses—such as Codex Alexandrinus and other manuscripts—have the reading “Jesus.” Others, including various later manuscripts and versions, use “the Lord.” In modern critical editions, there is considerable support for “Jesus,” and a number of conservative and mainstream scholars accept this reading as both ancient and genuine. This variation highlights how early scribes might have substituted “Lord” for “Jesus” or vice versa due to a strong theological understanding that Jesus is the Lord God of Israel. Regardless of whether “Jesus” or “the Lord” was the original wording, both point to the same reality: the Savior who delivered the Israelites is the God revealed ultimately in Christ (cf. John 10:30). 2. Divine Identity and Consistency in Scripture From a biblical perspective, there is no contradiction if Jude attributes the Exodus to Jesus. Several passages in the New Testament affirm that Christ shares the same divine identity as the Creator God (John 1:1–3; Colossians 1:16–17). God’s plan of redemption unfolds through the same eternal Being—manifested as the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. • In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” connecting Himself to the divine name revealed in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.” • In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul notes that the spiritual Rock accompanying Israel “was Christ,” directly linking the Son of God with events during the Exodus period. Thus, rather than a contradictory statement, Jude 1:5 applies the Exodus deliverance to Jesus precisely because He is Yahweh in the flesh. 3. The Old Testament’s Witness to the Messiah’s Deity Although the Old Testament largely uses the covenant name “YHWH” (often translated as “the LORD”) in recounting the Israelite deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12–14), later biblical revelation clarifies that this same divine being is fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Prophetic texts frequently point to the coming of the Messiah who embodies the nature and authority of God: • Isaiah 9:6 labels the coming Messiah as “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father,” titles that belong to the divine realm. • Malachi 3:1 states that “the Lord you are seeking will come to His temple,” prophesying a divine visitation that Christians see fulfilled in Jesus’ life and ministry. In light of these passages, Jude’s reference to Jesus as the one who rescued Israel becomes a natural extension of scriptural teaching on the Messiah’s divine status. 4. Exegetical and Contextual Considerations Jude 1:5 serves a rhetorical purpose in the letter’s context. Jude warns against apostasy and the danger of turning away from salvation. He references the past deliverance from Egypt as an example of God’s saving activity and His subsequent judgment on those who fell into unbelief: “He destroyed those who did not believe.” By using “Jesus,” Jude underscores that the same author of salvation who acted in the Exodus is the author of salvation for believers in the New Testament era. • Jude’s mention of the Exodus is part of a sequence of historical examples (Jude 1:5–7), where the primary theme is divine judgment following unbelief. • The passage stresses continuity in God’s character: He saves the faithful and judges the faithless—whether in ancient times or in the present. 5. Theological Harmony across Testaments Acknowledging Jesus as Redeemer during the Exodus affirms the overall unity and harmony of Scripture. Both the Old and New Testaments consistently testify to one God, who reveals Himself more fully in Christ without negating His identity as Yahweh: • Deuteronomy 6:4 proclaims, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One!” • The New Testament speaks of Christ in terms that only apply to the LORD of the Old Testament (Philippians 2:10–11, quoting Isaiah 45:23). When Jude 1:5 states “Jesus” instead of “the Lord,” the intent is not to overturn the Exodus narrative but to highlight that the same divine person who redeemed Israel is the Christ proclaimed in the gospel. 6. Historical and Archaeological Support of the Old Testament Deliverance Numerous historical and archaeological data points reinforce the credibility of the Exodus account: • Ancient references, such as the Merneptah Stele (c. 1208 BC), mention “Israel” in Canaan, supporting an Israelite presence shortly after plausible Exodus timelines. • Writings from various Near Eastern sources describe catastrophic collapses of civilizations around the time period some scholars associate with the events in Exodus, indicating a broader historical upheaval. • Excavations in regions of the Sinai have uncovered remnants of nomadic settlements. While direct proof remains debated, these findings align with the possibility of large-scale migrations. These lines of evidence reinforce the trustworthiness of the Exodus event, further supporting Jude’s assertion that it was the divine hand—fully revealed as Christ—who saved Israel out of Egypt. 7. Conclusion Jude 1:5 does not present a contradiction but reflects a key New Testament revelation: Jesus, sharing the same eternal Being as the Father and the Holy Spirit, acted in Israel’s deliverance at the Exodus. The textual evidence supports this reading, and it aligns with the wider scriptural testimony that Christ is fully divine. Far from conflicting with the Old Testament, Jude’s statement reaffirms the oneness of God’s redemptive plan throughout history. By invoking the Exodus, Jude emphasizes God’s consistent character—He is both Savior and Judge. The continuity of divine action through Jesus Christ underscores that the God who led Israel from bondage is the same God who offers salvation to all who believe and warns of judgment against unbelief. Ultimately, what may appear at first as a puzzling reference—in which “Jesus” is said to have delivered the people out of Egypt—shows a glorious unity in Scripture: the Lord of the Exodus is the Lord incarnate, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son who offers salvation to all. |
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