1. AUTHOR. — Jude, supposed by some to be the Jude named among the twelve apostles; but more probably he was a brother of the Lord, brother of the James who wrote the Epistle by that name, not one of the twelve.

2. DATE. — Cannot be determined with certainty, probably between 70 and 80 A. D.

3. TO WHOM WRITTEN. — Some think to Jews only, but it was probably intended for Christians generally.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — At a time when there was an indication of laxness in doc trine and practice, when there arose those who were adversaries to the truth.

5. LEADING TOPIC. — A severe denunciation of those who were opposing the truth, with the declaration that they would be punished as were others in Old Testament times, and an exhortation to Christians to remain faithful to God.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that Christians should be earnest in contending for the faith as delivered unto them by the apostles, withstanding those who oppose it, who merit the severest punishment.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

(a) Salutation, Ver. 1, 2.

(b) Motive for writing, Ver. 3, 4.

(c) Former sins punished, Ver 5–7.

(d) Wickedness of these false teachers, Ver. 8-16.

(e) Such persons foretold, Ver. 17-19.

(f) Exhortation to firm faith, Ver. 20-23.

(g) Doxology, Ver. 24, 25.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. — Some who were highly favored had been after ward punished; some among the churches were becoming sensual; Christians should be built up with faith as the foundation.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — It is closely related to the Second Epistle of Peter. It gives a practical illustration of the importance of clinging to God's Word and of growing thereby.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The book of Enoch, its date and character; the extent to which New Testament writers quote from each other.