Jude is one of those letters which shows how much can be
written in just a few words. Jude claimed to be the
brother of James and most students of the Bible believe that this is
also the Jude which was brother to Jesus. There have been many pages written
arguing whether this is true or not. Whomever Jude was, we can rest assured
he was an inspired writer of a New Testament epistle or letter. This is
one of the common letters, those which were addressed to Christians in
general instead of a specific person or congregation.
Jude's letter is one of encouragement and warning to the
early Christians to stay faithful. Jude exhorted the
Christians to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered
unto the saints (vs. 3). There was a great need in the first century for
these Christians to stay in the faith. To strive for that faith, to hold
fast to that faith, all of which indicates that this was something more
than just claiming a belief in Jesus or just claiming to be a Christian.
The phrase "earnestly contend" shows that we are to put forth a great effort
to remain faithful and to exhort others to remain faithful, all the while
being able and refuting those who taught error. All too often Christians
do not fall for large error, but are always in danger of falling for what
might be considered
by some a little error. We need to always look into the faith that
has been once delivered to keep us from falling away!
First and Second Peter
by Paul D. Fisher
First and Second Peter are also called general epistles because they are not written to a specific group of Christians, except to the strangers scattered. More controversy surrounds from where the apostle Peter wrote these epistles than to whom. Some claim that Peter was writing from Rome for which we have no scriptural evidence, while others claim that he was writing from Babylon. Just like with Jude the where these epistles were written should take back seat to what is written in them.
In First Peter there seems to be two great themes, that of suffering like Christ and that of hope. There are five reasons listed in First Peter for this hope: because Christians have a great salvation (1:9-12), by following the great example of Christ (2:21-22), because we have a great responsibility (3:13), called by a great name (4:16) and facing a great enemy (5:8-9). Peter, like, the apostle Paul exhorted people to study and know God's word so that they could give an answer for the things that they believed and practiced m their daily lives as well as their religion.
In Second Peter, one finds things written to add
knowledge to the Christian. Knowledge to be able to give an answer (1 Peter
3:15). Peter wrote that there were eight things that should be in the life
of all Christians. All Christians were to have "faith" a firm conviction
based upon hearing the word of God. "Virtue" which properly denotes whatever
procures preeminent estimation for a person or thing; in other words
moral goodness. "Knowledge" a seeking to know, an inquiry investigation
especially of spiritual truths. In the New Testament this word carried
the idea of understanding and applying into one's life the truth of the
gospel.
"Temperance" or self control, putting into practice the truths of God
by controlling the power of the will. "Patience" endurance in trials or
chastisement, perseverance by running the race set before us well.
"Godliness" denotes that piety which characterizes a God like attitude,
which allows us to do things in such a way as to bring God glory and honor.
"Brotherly kindness" the love of the brotherhood, goodness shown to one
another especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. "Charity or love"
this word is the characteristic word of Christianity. It is shown in the
attitude of God toward His Son, the human race and to such as believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ. Love can be known only from the actions which it
prompts. So much more could be written
about these epistles but space does not allow for it. It is my hope
and prayer that you will continue your study of God's holy word!