Certain men crept in unawares

Although his is among the briefest letters in the New Testament, Jude is the only writer to mention Michael as the archangel and Korah. But he is not alone in denouncing ‘libertines and apostates’, as their ‘lasciviousness and denying’ our only Master and Lord Jesus Christ proved conclusively they were, vv. 4, 16, 18. Peter, John, and Paul also condemn the activities of those holding such dangerous and divisive doctrines. Jude does not name these individuals, but leaves his readers in no doubt that these false prophets brought doctrines that were as cancerous as the ‘profane and vain babblings’ Hymenaeus and Philetus peddled, 2 Tim. 2. 16. 17.

Although Jude does not name them, he does describe their cleverly-disguised entrance; the verb translated ‘crept in unawares’ literally means that these ‘men came in by the side’. They ‘crept in’ without being detected as false prophets, at some point when watchfulness was less than adequate. The subtlety, stealth, and insidious tactics employed may have deceived the elders in various assemblies. Certainly, Jude does not apportion blame, as he seeks to address the problems those men had caused. However, he does expect the saints to ‘earnestly contend’ for the faith that has come under attack, v. 3.

Under attack were fundamental matters including ‘the common salvation’ enjoyed by every believer, v. 3. The teaching they had received in the past would have equipped them to face up to the undermining of their faith. Jude asks them to remember, vv. 5, 17. They had learned from the Old Testament that even where there is genuine faith, unbelief can arise, examples of which were seen in the wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan, in the angels now reserved in chains, and in Sodom and Gomorrha. They were also to remember the doctrine that the apostles taught, and their warnings against ungodly, unsaved men - who were not indwelt by the Spirit - purporting to have new light to offer, vv. 17-19.

In a conflict situation, there are always resources the Christian can use: praying in the Holy Spirit, the love of God, and looking for the Lord’s coming, vv. 21, 22. These build up faith.