administrator, Bureaucrats, bureaucrats, checkuser, editor, emailconfirmed, move, Administrators
3,292
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Created page with "{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Jude | subtopics = Jude | subtopics = Jude | opinion_pieces = {{s..."
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Jude |
subtopics = [[Apostle Jude|Jude]] |
subtopics = [[Text:EBD:Jude|Jude]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Jude, Epistle of|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Jude]] |
}}
Read the [[Epistle of Jude|Jude]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Jude 1|1]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Jude 1|1]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Epistle of Jude]]'''
This epistle is addressed to all [[believer]]s in the [[gospel]]. Its design appears to be to guard [[believer]]s against the false teachers who had begun to creep into the [[Christian]] [[church]], and to scatter dangerous tenets, by attempting to lower all [[Christianity]] into a merely nominal belief and outward profession of the [[gospel]]. Having thus denied the obligations of personal [[holiness]], they taught their disciples to live in sinful courses, at the same time flattering them with the [[hope]] of [[eternal life]]. The vile character of these seducers is shown, and their sentence is denounced, and the epistle concludes with warnings, admonitions, and counsels to [[believer]]s.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
The apostle exhorts to stedfastness in the faith.
(1-4)
The danger of being infected by false professors, and the dreadful punishment which shall be inflicted on them and their followers.
(5-7)
An awful description of these seducers and their deplorable end.
(8-16)
Believers cautioned against being surprised at such deceivers arising among them.
(17-23)
The epistle ends with an encouraging doxology, or words of praise.
(24, 25)
'''Verses''' 1-4
[[Christians]] are called out of the world, from the evil spirit and temper of it; called above the world, to higher and better things, to heaven, things unseen and eternal; called from [[sin]] to [[Christ]], from vanity to seriousness, from uncleanness to [[holiness]]; and this according to the [[Divine]] purpose and grace. If sanctified and glorified, all the honour and [[glory]] must be ascribed to [[God]], and to him alone. As it is [[God]] who begins the work of [[grace]] in the souls of men, so it is he who carries it on, and perfects it. Let us not [[trust]] in ourselves, nor in our stock of [[grace]] already received, but in him, and in him alone. The [[mercy]] of [[God]] is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or [[hope]] for; [[mercy]], not only to the miserable, but to the guilty. Next to [[mercy]] is [[peace]], which we have from the sense of having obtained [[mercy]]. From [[peace]] springs love; [[Christ]]'s [[love]] to us, our [[love]] to him, and our brotherly [[love]] to one another. The apostle prays, not that [[Christians]] may be content with a little; but that their souls and societies may be full of these things. None are shut out from [[gospel]] offers and invitations, but those who obstinately and wickedly shut themselves out. But the application is to all [[believer]]s, and only to such. It is to the weak as well as to the strong. Those who have received the doctrine of this common [[salvation]], must contend for it, earnestly, not furiously. Lying for the truth is bad; scolding for it is not better. Those who have received the truth must contend for it, as the apostles did; by suffering with patience and courage for it, not by making others suffer if they will not embrace every notion we call faith, or important. We ought to contend earnestly for the faith, in opposition to those who would corrupt or deprave it; who creep in unawares; who glide in like serpents. And those are the worst of the ungodly, who take encouragement to [[sin]] boldly, because the [[grace]] of [[God]] has abounded, and still abounds so wonderfully, and who are hardened by the extent and fulness of [[gospel]] grace, the design of which is to deliver men from [[sin]], and bring them unto [[God]].
'''Verses''' 5-7
Outward privileges, profession, and apparent conversion, could not secure those from the vengeance of [[God]], who turned aside in unbelief and disobedience. The destruction of the unbelieving [[Israelites]] in the wilderness, shows that none ought to presume on their privileges. They had [[miracle]]s as their daily bread; yet even they perished in unbelief. A great number of the angels were not pleased with the stations [[God]] allotted to them; pride was the main and direct cause or occasion of their fall. The fallen angels are kept to the judgment of the great day; and shall fallen men escape it? Surely not. Consider this in due time. The destruction of Sodom is a loud warning to all, to take heed of, and flee from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, 1Pe 2:11. [[God]] is the same holy, just, pure Being now, as then. Stand in awe, therefore, and [[sin]] not, Ps 4:4. Let us not rest in anything that does not make the soul subject to the obedience of Christ; for nothing but the renewal of our souls to the [[Divine]] image by the [[Holy Spirit]], can keep us from being destroyed among the enemies of [[God]]. Consider this instance of the angels, and see that no dignity or worth of the creature is of avail. How then should man tremble, who drinketh iniquity like water! Job 15:16.
'''Verses''' 8-16
False teachers are dreamers; they greatly defile and grievously wound the soul. These teachers are of a disturbed mind and a seditious spirit; forgetting that the powers that be, are ordained of [[God]], Ro 13:1. As to the contest about the body of [[Moses]], it appears that [[Satan]] wished to make the place of his burial known to the [[Israelites]], in order to tempt them to [[worship]] him, but he was prevented, and vented his rage in desperate blasphemy. This should remind all who dispute never to bring railing charges. Also learn hence, that we ought to defend those whom [[God]] owns. It is hard, if not impossible, to find any enemies to the [[Christian]] [[religion]], who did not, and do not, live in open or secret contradiction to the principles of natural [[religion]]. Such are here compared to brute beasts, though they often boast of themselves as the wisest of mankind. They corrupt themselves in the things most open and plain. The fault lies, not in their understandings, but in their depraved wills, and their disordered appetites and affections. It is a great reproach, though unjust to [[religion]], when those who profess it are opposed to it in [[heart]] and life. The [[Lord]] will remedy this in his time and way; not in men's blind way of plucking up the wheat with the tares. It is sad when men begin in the [[Spirit]], and end in the flesh. Twice dead; they had been once dead in their natural, fallen state; but now they are dead again by the evident proofs of their hypocrisy. Dead trees, why cumber they the ground! Away with them to the fire. Raging waves are a terror to sailing passengers; but when they get into port, the noise and terror are ended. False teachers are to expect the worst punishments in this [[world]] and in that to come. They glare like meteors, or falling stars, and then sink into the blackness of darkness for ever. We have no mention of the prophecy of Enoch in any other part or place of Scripture; yet one plain text of Scripture, proves any point we are to believe. We find from this, that [[Christ]]'s coming to judge was prophesied of, as early as the times before the flood. The [[Lord]] cometh: what a glorious time will that be! Notice how often the word "ungodly" is repeated. Many now do not at all refer to the terms godly, or ungodly, unless it be to mock at even the words; but it is not so in the language taught us by the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]]. Hard speeches of one another, especially if ill-grounded, will certainly come into account at the day of judgment. These evil men and seducers are angry at every thing that happens, and never pleased with their own state and condition. Their will and their fancy, are their only rule and law. Those who please their sinful appetites, are most prone to yield to ungovernable passions. The men of [[God]], from the beginning of the world, have declared the doom denounced on them. Such let us avoid. We are to follow men only as they follow [[Christ]]. (Jud 1:17-23)
'''Verses''' 17-23
Sensual men separate from [[Christ]], and his [[church]], and join themselves to the devil, the world, and the flesh, by ungodly and sinful practices. That is infinitely worse than to separate from any branch of the visible [[church]] on account of opinions, or modes and circumstances of outward government or worship. Sensual men have not the spirit of [[holiness]], which whoever has not, does not belong to [[Christ]]. The grace of [[faith]] is most holy, as it works by love, purifies the heart, and overcomes the world, by which it is distinguished from a false and dead faith. Our [[prayer]]s are most likely to prevail, when we pray in the Holy Ghost, under his guidance and influence, according to the rule of his word, with faith, fervency, and earnestness; this is praying in the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]]. And a believing expectation of [[eternal life]] will arm us against the snares of sin: lively [[faith]] in this blessed [[hope]] will help us to mortify our lusts. We must watch over one another; faithfully, yet prudently reprove each other, and set a good example to all about us. This must be done with compassion, making a difference between the weak and the wilful. Some we must treat with tenderness. Others save with fear; urging the terrors of the [[Lord]]. All endeavours must be joined with decided abhorrence of crimes, and care be taken to avoid whatever led to, or was connected with fellowship with them, in works of darkness, keeping far from what is, or appears to be evil.
'''Verses''' 24, 25
[[God]] is able, and as willing as able, to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory. Not as those who never have been faulty, but as those who, but for [[God]]'s [[mercy]], and a [[Saviour]]'s sufferings and merits, might most justly have been condemned long ago. All sincere [[believer]]s were given him of the Father; and of all so given him he has lost none, nor will lose any one. Now, our faults fill us with fears, doubts, and sorrows; but the [[Redeemer]] has undertaken for his people, that they shall be presented faultless. Where there is no [[sin]], there will be no sorrow; where there is the perfection of [[holiness]], there will be the perfection of joy. Let us more often look up to Him who is able to keep us from falling, to improve as well as maintain the work he has wrought in us, till we shall be presented blameless before the presence of his glory. Then shall our hearts know a [[joy]] beyond what earth can afford; then shall [[God]] also [[rejoice]] over us, and the [[joy]] of our compassionate [[Saviour]] be completed. To Him who has so wisely formed the scheme, and will faithfully and perfectly accomplish it, be [[glory]] and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. [[Text:EBD:Amen|Amen]].
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Epistle of Jude]]
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Jude |
subtopics = [[Apostle Jude|Jude]] |
subtopics = [[Text:EBD:Jude|Jude]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Jude, Epistle of|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Jude]] |
}}
Read the [[Epistle of Jude|Jude]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Jude 1|1]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Jude 1|1]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Epistle of Jude]]'''
This epistle is addressed to all [[believer]]s in the [[gospel]]. Its design appears to be to guard [[believer]]s against the false teachers who had begun to creep into the [[Christian]] [[church]], and to scatter dangerous tenets, by attempting to lower all [[Christianity]] into a merely nominal belief and outward profession of the [[gospel]]. Having thus denied the obligations of personal [[holiness]], they taught their disciples to live in sinful courses, at the same time flattering them with the [[hope]] of [[eternal life]]. The vile character of these seducers is shown, and their sentence is denounced, and the epistle concludes with warnings, admonitions, and counsels to [[believer]]s.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
The apostle exhorts to stedfastness in the faith.
(1-4)
The danger of being infected by false professors, and the dreadful punishment which shall be inflicted on them and their followers.
(5-7)
An awful description of these seducers and their deplorable end.
(8-16)
Believers cautioned against being surprised at such deceivers arising among them.
(17-23)
The epistle ends with an encouraging doxology, or words of praise.
(24, 25)
'''Verses''' 1-4
[[Christians]] are called out of the world, from the evil spirit and temper of it; called above the world, to higher and better things, to heaven, things unseen and eternal; called from [[sin]] to [[Christ]], from vanity to seriousness, from uncleanness to [[holiness]]; and this according to the [[Divine]] purpose and grace. If sanctified and glorified, all the honour and [[glory]] must be ascribed to [[God]], and to him alone. As it is [[God]] who begins the work of [[grace]] in the souls of men, so it is he who carries it on, and perfects it. Let us not [[trust]] in ourselves, nor in our stock of [[grace]] already received, but in him, and in him alone. The [[mercy]] of [[God]] is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or [[hope]] for; [[mercy]], not only to the miserable, but to the guilty. Next to [[mercy]] is [[peace]], which we have from the sense of having obtained [[mercy]]. From [[peace]] springs love; [[Christ]]'s [[love]] to us, our [[love]] to him, and our brotherly [[love]] to one another. The apostle prays, not that [[Christians]] may be content with a little; but that their souls and societies may be full of these things. None are shut out from [[gospel]] offers and invitations, but those who obstinately and wickedly shut themselves out. But the application is to all [[believer]]s, and only to such. It is to the weak as well as to the strong. Those who have received the doctrine of this common [[salvation]], must contend for it, earnestly, not furiously. Lying for the truth is bad; scolding for it is not better. Those who have received the truth must contend for it, as the apostles did; by suffering with patience and courage for it, not by making others suffer if they will not embrace every notion we call faith, or important. We ought to contend earnestly for the faith, in opposition to those who would corrupt or deprave it; who creep in unawares; who glide in like serpents. And those are the worst of the ungodly, who take encouragement to [[sin]] boldly, because the [[grace]] of [[God]] has abounded, and still abounds so wonderfully, and who are hardened by the extent and fulness of [[gospel]] grace, the design of which is to deliver men from [[sin]], and bring them unto [[God]].
'''Verses''' 5-7
Outward privileges, profession, and apparent conversion, could not secure those from the vengeance of [[God]], who turned aside in unbelief and disobedience. The destruction of the unbelieving [[Israelites]] in the wilderness, shows that none ought to presume on their privileges. They had [[miracle]]s as their daily bread; yet even they perished in unbelief. A great number of the angels were not pleased with the stations [[God]] allotted to them; pride was the main and direct cause or occasion of their fall. The fallen angels are kept to the judgment of the great day; and shall fallen men escape it? Surely not. Consider this in due time. The destruction of Sodom is a loud warning to all, to take heed of, and flee from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, 1Pe 2:11. [[God]] is the same holy, just, pure Being now, as then. Stand in awe, therefore, and [[sin]] not, Ps 4:4. Let us not rest in anything that does not make the soul subject to the obedience of Christ; for nothing but the renewal of our souls to the [[Divine]] image by the [[Holy Spirit]], can keep us from being destroyed among the enemies of [[God]]. Consider this instance of the angels, and see that no dignity or worth of the creature is of avail. How then should man tremble, who drinketh iniquity like water! Job 15:16.
'''Verses''' 8-16
False teachers are dreamers; they greatly defile and grievously wound the soul. These teachers are of a disturbed mind and a seditious spirit; forgetting that the powers that be, are ordained of [[God]], Ro 13:1. As to the contest about the body of [[Moses]], it appears that [[Satan]] wished to make the place of his burial known to the [[Israelites]], in order to tempt them to [[worship]] him, but he was prevented, and vented his rage in desperate blasphemy. This should remind all who dispute never to bring railing charges. Also learn hence, that we ought to defend those whom [[God]] owns. It is hard, if not impossible, to find any enemies to the [[Christian]] [[religion]], who did not, and do not, live in open or secret contradiction to the principles of natural [[religion]]. Such are here compared to brute beasts, though they often boast of themselves as the wisest of mankind. They corrupt themselves in the things most open and plain. The fault lies, not in their understandings, but in their depraved wills, and their disordered appetites and affections. It is a great reproach, though unjust to [[religion]], when those who profess it are opposed to it in [[heart]] and life. The [[Lord]] will remedy this in his time and way; not in men's blind way of plucking up the wheat with the tares. It is sad when men begin in the [[Spirit]], and end in the flesh. Twice dead; they had been once dead in their natural, fallen state; but now they are dead again by the evident proofs of their hypocrisy. Dead trees, why cumber they the ground! Away with them to the fire. Raging waves are a terror to sailing passengers; but when they get into port, the noise and terror are ended. False teachers are to expect the worst punishments in this [[world]] and in that to come. They glare like meteors, or falling stars, and then sink into the blackness of darkness for ever. We have no mention of the prophecy of Enoch in any other part or place of Scripture; yet one plain text of Scripture, proves any point we are to believe. We find from this, that [[Christ]]'s coming to judge was prophesied of, as early as the times before the flood. The [[Lord]] cometh: what a glorious time will that be! Notice how often the word "ungodly" is repeated. Many now do not at all refer to the terms godly, or ungodly, unless it be to mock at even the words; but it is not so in the language taught us by the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]]. Hard speeches of one another, especially if ill-grounded, will certainly come into account at the day of judgment. These evil men and seducers are angry at every thing that happens, and never pleased with their own state and condition. Their will and their fancy, are their only rule and law. Those who please their sinful appetites, are most prone to yield to ungovernable passions. The men of [[God]], from the beginning of the world, have declared the doom denounced on them. Such let us avoid. We are to follow men only as they follow [[Christ]]. (Jud 1:17-23)
'''Verses''' 17-23
Sensual men separate from [[Christ]], and his [[church]], and join themselves to the devil, the world, and the flesh, by ungodly and sinful practices. That is infinitely worse than to separate from any branch of the visible [[church]] on account of opinions, or modes and circumstances of outward government or worship. Sensual men have not the spirit of [[holiness]], which whoever has not, does not belong to [[Christ]]. The grace of [[faith]] is most holy, as it works by love, purifies the heart, and overcomes the world, by which it is distinguished from a false and dead faith. Our [[prayer]]s are most likely to prevail, when we pray in the Holy Ghost, under his guidance and influence, according to the rule of his word, with faith, fervency, and earnestness; this is praying in the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]]. And a believing expectation of [[eternal life]] will arm us against the snares of sin: lively [[faith]] in this blessed [[hope]] will help us to mortify our lusts. We must watch over one another; faithfully, yet prudently reprove each other, and set a good example to all about us. This must be done with compassion, making a difference between the weak and the wilful. Some we must treat with tenderness. Others save with fear; urging the terrors of the [[Lord]]. All endeavours must be joined with decided abhorrence of crimes, and care be taken to avoid whatever led to, or was connected with fellowship with them, in works of darkness, keeping far from what is, or appears to be evil.
'''Verses''' 24, 25
[[God]] is able, and as willing as able, to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory. Not as those who never have been faulty, but as those who, but for [[God]]'s [[mercy]], and a [[Saviour]]'s sufferings and merits, might most justly have been condemned long ago. All sincere [[believer]]s were given him of the Father; and of all so given him he has lost none, nor will lose any one. Now, our faults fill us with fears, doubts, and sorrows; but the [[Redeemer]] has undertaken for his people, that they shall be presented faultless. Where there is no [[sin]], there will be no sorrow; where there is the perfection of [[holiness]], there will be the perfection of joy. Let us more often look up to Him who is able to keep us from falling, to improve as well as maintain the work he has wrought in us, till we shall be presented blameless before the presence of his glory. Then shall our hearts know a [[joy]] beyond what earth can afford; then shall [[God]] also [[rejoice]] over us, and the [[joy]] of our compassionate [[Saviour]] be completed. To Him who has so wisely formed the scheme, and will faithfully and perfectly accomplish it, be [[glory]] and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. [[Text:EBD:Amen|Amen]].
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Epistle of Jude]]
