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Jude 1

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

And of some have compassion, making a difference:

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

What does Jude 1:2 mean?

Explanation

Jude 1:2 is a benediction found at the beginning of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament.

The verse reads, "Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied." In this greeting, Jude expresses his desire for the recipients of his letter to experience an abundance of God's mercy, peace, and love.

The use of the word "multiplied" reinforces the idea of these blessings becoming ever more abundant in the lives of believers.

Literally, Jude is wishing for these spiritual blessings to increase or become more profound.

On a deeper level, this verse conveys the theme that the foundational aspects of Christian life, mercy, peace, and love, are gifts from God that He provides in abundance and that they should grow within the community of faith.

Top Rated Jude Books

Historical Context

The Epistle of Jude is one of the shorter books of the New Testament and is traditionally ascribed to Jude, a brother of James and Jesus (Mark 6:3).

This letter was likely composed in the late first century A.D.

Jude wrote to early Christians, warning them against false teachers and urging them to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3).

The use of a blessing of mercy, peace, and love would have been especially poignant in a time when early Christians faced persecution, false teaching, and moral laxity. These words would have offered comfort and encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse encompasses three key Christian virtues:

Mercy: It is commonly understood in Christian theology as God's compassion and forgiveness towards humanity.

Jude's wish for mercy implies a need for divine forgiveness and a reprieve from judgment. 2. Peace: In Christian thought, peace is often regarded as both an inner spiritual tranquility that comes from God and a harmonious state amongst believers.

Jude's prayer for peace suggests a desire for unity and rest from turmoil. 3. Love: Christian love, or "agape," signifies selfless, sacrificial love that reflects the nature of God.

This love is fundamental in Christian ethics and community.

By praying for these to be multiplied, Jude emphasizes their importance in building a faithful and vibrant Christian life and community.

Practical Applications

Jude 1:2 can be applied to everyday life in various ways:

Seeking an increase in grace: Believers can pray for and strive towards a deeper understanding and embodiment of mercy, peace, and love.
Encouraging others: Just as Jude wished these blessings upon his readers, individuals can intercede for others, hoping for their spiritual growth and well-being.
Fostering community: By promoting mercy, peace, and love, individuals can contribute to a healthy and supportive faith community.

Cross-References

2 Peter 1:2 - "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,"
Galatians 6:16 - "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God."
Ephesians 1:2 - "Grace [be] to you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ."

Language Study

Mercy (ἔλεος - eleos): This Greek word conveys the idea of compassion or pity, particularly as divine clemency.
Peace (εἰρήνη - eirene): This term means harmony or tranquility, derived from the idea of wholeness or well-being.
Love (ἀγάπη - agape): This is the selfless, sacrificial love that is characteristic of God's nature, which Christians are called to emulate.
Multiplied (πληθυνθείη - plethuntheie): An increase or abundance, suggesting continual growth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparative religion, themes of mercy, peace, and love are common.

For example, in Judaism, "chesed" is a concept comparable to Christian mercy.

In Islam, the phrase "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim" (In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate) is similarly a call for divine mercy.

Buddhist teachings emphasize loving-kindness (Mettā) and compassion (Karunā) as central virtues.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse speaks to spiritual blessings rather than scientific principles, current psychology and social science affirm the benefits of compassion, peaceful living, and love for mental and social well-being.

Increased empathy and peaceful interactions are associated with better mental health outcomes and societal function.

commentaries

Interpretations by various biblical scholars and theologians highlight different aspects of Jude 1:2:

Matthew Henry commented on the necessity of divine grace for the multiplication of peace and love, understanding these blessings as coming solely from God through Christ.
John Gill noted that this multiplication of mercy, peace, and love is specific to those who are called, sanctified by God, and preserved in Jesus Christ.
Thomas Aquinas offered insights on the interconnectedness of the three virtues, postulating that peace and love naturally flow from divine mercy.

These commentaries provide a wider perspective on the verse, elucidating the dense theological and spiritual implications of Jude's greeting.

Jude 1

Jude 1

What does Jude 1:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Jude Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Jude 1:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Jude Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?