What does Jude 1:17 mean?

Explanation

In this verse from the Epistle of Jude, the author is addressing the “beloved,” which refers to the Christian community, and is urging them to recall the teachings previously given by the apostles of Jesus Christ.

The "words which were spoken before" likely refers to the instructions, warnings, and prophecies the apostles shared about false teachers and the challenges that believers would face.

The call to remember these teachings implies that they remain relevant and are crucial for the community's spiritual health and steadfastness in the face of heresy and immoral behavior that were infiltrating the church.

Historical Context

The Epistle of Jude is a short letter in the New Testament written by Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.

Most scholars date the letter to the late first century, around 65-80 A.D., a time when early Christian communities were facing internal disputes.

False teachings and teachers were emerging, threatening the integrity and purity of the Christian faith.

Jude's letter was a response to these disturbing trends, reminding believers to stand firm in the faith passed on to them by the apostles of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the authority of the apostolic teachings, which are considered foundational to Christian faith and doctrine.

It highlights the importance of adhering to the teachings and traditions passed down from the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to Christ's ministry and recipients of His divine revelations.

Jude's appeal serves as an affirmation of the continuity of the apostolic witness and its role in safeguarding the church against deviations from the true faith.

Practical Applications

The directive to remember the apostles' words can be applied practically by Christians through regular engagement with Scripture and the teachings of the early church.

It encourages believers to be vigilant, discerning, and grounded in their faith to resist false teachings.

By studying the New Testament and teachings of the early church fathers, Christians can equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to uphold the truths of the faith in their daily lives.

Cross-References

• 2 Peter 3:2: "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:"
• Acts 20:29-30: "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-2: "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the verb "remember" (μνησθῆτε) is in the aorist imperative form, which conveys a strong command or exhortation to recall or keep in mind.

"Words" (ῥήματα) refers to the spoken words or messages.

"Apostles" (ἀποστόλων) indicates those who were sent out with authority, specifically referring to the disciples of Jesus Christ who were commissioned to spread the gospel.

By emphasizing these words, Jude is stressing the importance of the Christian community's need to adhere steadfastly to the authentic teachings of the faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparably, in other religious traditions, there is often an emphasis on remembering and adhering to the teachings of founding figures or prophets.

For example, in Judaism, the importance of recalling the words of the Torah and the Prophets is central.

Similarly, in Islam, there is a focus on recalling the actions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Hadith literature.

Jude's exhortation fits within this broader pattern of religious traditions stressing the remembrance of foundational teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse in question does not directly relate to scientific perspectives but addresses the issue of memory and oral tradition.

From a cognitive science perspective, the process of remembering teachings and traditions is fundamental to maintaining cultural and religious identity over time.

Science shows that collective memory is crucial for group cohesion and that shared beliefs and narratives can have a powerful influence on behavior and community dynamics.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have given considerable attention to the Book of Jude due to its warnings against false teachers and its call for Christians to remain faithful to apostolic teaching.

Commentators generally agree that Jude's primary concern is with preserving the integrity of Christian doctrine against the corrupting influence of heretical ideas.

They often highlight the urgency in Jude's tone, observing that he views the danger from false teachers as imminent and severe.

Such experts might also note that Jude's allusions to other biblical texts and extra-biblical writings suggest a rich intertextual knowledge and a nuanced understanding of early Christian thought.