Jude 1:17

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

Study Bible

But you, beloved
The phrase "But you, beloved" serves as a direct address to the recipients of Jude's letter, emphasizing a personal and affectionate connection. The Greek word for "beloved" is "agapētoi," which is derived from "agapē," the highest form of love in Christian theology, often associated with divine love. This term underscores the deep, spiritual bond between Jude and his audience, reminding them of their identity as cherished members of the Christian community. In a historical context, this address serves to distinguish the faithful from those who have strayed, reinforcing their commitment to the teachings of Christ.

remember
The command to "remember" is a call to active recollection and mindfulness. The Greek word "mnēmoneuō" implies more than mere recall; it suggests a deliberate and continuous act of keeping something in mind. In the context of Jude's letter, this remembrance is crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual vigilance. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges from false teachings, making the act of remembering apostolic teachings vital for preserving the integrity of the faith.

what was foretold
This phrase points to the prophetic nature of the apostles' teachings. The Greek word "proeirēmenōn" indicates something spoken beforehand, suggesting that the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, provided guidance and warnings about future challenges. This foretelling serves as a testament to the divine inspiration and authority of apostolic teaching, reinforcing the idea that the apostles were conduits of God's revelation to the church.

by the apostles
The term "apostles" refers to the original disciples of Jesus who were commissioned to spread His teachings. The Greek word "apostoloi" means "sent ones," highlighting their role as messengers and authoritative figures in the early church. Historically, the apostles were foundational to the establishment of Christian doctrine and practice, and their teachings were considered the standard against which all other teachings were measured.

of our Lord Jesus Christ
This phrase affirms the centrality of Jesus Christ in the apostles' message. The Greek word "Kyrios" for "Lord" denotes authority and divinity, acknowledging Jesus as the sovereign ruler and divine Son of God. The use of "our" emphasizes a shared faith and allegiance to Jesus, uniting Jude and his readers in their devotion. In a scriptural context, this underscores the continuity of the apostles' message with the teachings of Jesus, affirming that their foretelling was rooted in the authority and mission of Christ Himself.

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.