Jude 1:17

But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ

Study Bible

But you, beloved
This phrase addresses the recipients of the letter with affection and concern. The term "beloved" indicates a close relationship, suggesting that Jude is speaking to fellow believers who are cherished by God and by Jude himself. This reflects the communal nature of the early Christian church, where believers were often referred to as "beloved" (e.g., Romans 1:7, 1 John 3:2). It emphasizes the importance of love and unity within the Christian community.

remember what was foretold
Jude urges the believers to recall the teachings and warnings previously given to them. This act of remembering is crucial in maintaining faith and discernment, especially in the face of false teachings. The concept of remembering is a common biblical theme, seen in passages like Deuteronomy 8:2 and 2 Peter 3:2, where believers are encouraged to recall God's past actions and promises to remain steadfast in their faith.

by the apostles
The apostles were the foundational leaders of the early church, chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His teachings and establish His church. Their authority was recognized by the early Christians, and their teachings were considered divinely inspired. This reference underscores the importance of apostolic teaching as a reliable source of truth, contrasting with the false teachings that Jude warns against. The apostles' role is highlighted in Acts 2:42 and Ephesians 2:20, where the church is described as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.

of our Lord Jesus Christ
This phrase affirms the divine authority of the message, as it originates from Jesus Christ Himself. The title "Lord" emphasizes His sovereignty and divinity, while "Jesus Christ" acknowledges His role as the Messiah. This connection to Jesus Christ underscores the continuity and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament, as seen in passages like Luke 24:44 and John 5:39, where Jesus explains how the Scriptures testify about Him. The apostles' teachings are thus rooted in the authority and mission of Jesus Christ, providing a firm foundation for the believers' faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jude
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He writes to warn believers about false teachers.

2. Beloved
Refers to the recipients of the letter, the faithful Christians whom Jude addresses with affection and concern.

3. Apostles
The original disciples of Jesus Christ who were sent out to preach the gospel. They are the authoritative source of the teachings Jude urges believers to remember.

4. Lord Jesus Christ
Central figure of the Christian faith, whose teachings and life are the foundation of the apostles' message.

5. False Teachers
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the context of Jude's warning, as he urges believers to remember the apostles' warnings about such individuals.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
Believers are called to actively remember and hold fast to the teachings of the apostles. This remembrance serves as a safeguard against false teachings.

Authority of Apostolic Teaching
The apostles' teachings are foundational and authoritative for Christian doctrine. They provide a standard against which all teachings should be measured.

Vigilance Against False Teachings
Christians must be vigilant and discerning, aware that false teachings can infiltrate the church. This requires a solid grounding in Scripture.

Community and Accountability
The term "beloved" emphasizes the importance of community. Believers should support and remind one another of apostolic teachings.

Faithfulness to Christ's Teachings
The ultimate goal is to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ as delivered by the apostles, ensuring that our faith is rooted in truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we practically "remember" the words of the apostles in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can the church today ensure that it remains faithful to apostolic teachings?

3. What are some modern examples of false teachings, and how can we discern them using Scripture?

4. How does the concept of being "beloved" by God and the community of believers encourage us in our faith journey?

5. How can we encourage one another to remain vigilant and grounded in the truth of the gospel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 20:29-30
Paul warns the Ephesian elders about false teachers who will come after his departure, similar to Jude's warning.

2 Peter 3:2
Peter also reminds believers to recall the words spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through the apostles, paralleling Jude's exhortation.

1 Timothy 4:1
Paul speaks of a time when some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits, echoing the concerns Jude addresses.