Jude | 2 Peter

The very short book of Jude was written by one of (at least) two men - Judas the apostle (Thaddeus), or Judas the half-brother of Jesus, however which is not known, and each are argued by various scholars.  The subject of this letter is focused on evil persons who creep into churches to bring destruction and division, and there is much of this book that is extremely similar to things that Peter wrote in his second epistle.  It is in this book that Jude gives various historical examples of such evil doers, and he also reveals that Enoch was preaching about the 2nd Coming of Jesus (not the first coming) in the days before the flood of Noah.  We are warned to keep guard against carnal teachings, and people who would bring divisions.

It is believed that Peter wrote his second epistle within a year or so of his death in the late 60s AD.  He wrote it to the same audience as the first, so it is also considered a “general epistle”.

In chapter 1 Peter gives us a great key to being victorious in our Christian walk, where he tells us that the Divine power of Jesus is sufficient for everything we need in life and godliness.  In verses 5-10 he tells us to add the following things to our faith - moral excellence, knowledge (of God), self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and (God’s) love.  He says that if we do these things, we will never stumble!

Like the other apostles, he warns of false prophets and wolves who will come into the church to try and destroy it, teaching many carnal things that neither Christ or His apostles ever taught.  He uses some of the same examples that Jude used, and it’s possible that Jude was quoting from Peter.

He also warns against unbelievers and mockers who will come in the last days, laughing at the idea that Christ will return for His church, or that He will execute judgement on the earth.  They will point to the amount of time that we’ve been waiting, and argue that God does not intervene in the affairs of men, even though He did exactly that when He flooded the whole world and only saved 8 people in Noah’s ark.  The Day of the Lord will come suddenly, and Jesus will execute judgement upon the earth exactly as He has promised.