Jude 1:17

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Context:The Book of Jude is a short letter written by Jude, who identifies himself as the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ. In this letter, Jude addresses false teachers and their destructive influence within the early Christian community.

The Exhortation:The verse begins with the word “But,” indicating a contrast or shift in thought. Jude addresses his readers as “beloved,” expressing his affection and concern for them. He then urges them to remember “the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Importance of Remembering:Jude emphasizes the significance of recalling the teachings and instructions given by the apostles of Jesus Christ. The early apostles, chosen and commissioned by Jesus Himself, were eyewitnesses of His life, death, and resurrection. They received divine inspiration and authority to proclaim the gospel and establish the foundation of the Christian faith. Their words carry weight and hold authority.

Against False Teachers:Jude’s exhortation to remember the apostles’ words serves as a defense against false teachers who were infiltrating the church. These false teachers were distorting the true message of Jesus and leading believers astray with their deceptive doctrines. By reminding the readers of the apostles’ teachings, Jude encourages them to discern and reject the false teachings being propagated.

Application for Today:Jude’s exhortation to remember the apostles’ words remains relevant for believers today. We are called to hold fast to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, as recorded in the New Testament Scriptures. This involves studying the Word of God diligently, familiarizing ourselves with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, and living in accordance with those truths.

Discernment:Remembering the apostles’ words helps us develop discernment to identify and confront false teachings or doctrines that may arise within the church. We can compare any teachings we encounter with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, ensuring that we remain grounded in the truth.

Unity and Fellowship:Remembering the apostles’ words also helps foster unity and fellowship among believers. When we are rooted in the same foundational truths, we can have a common understanding of our faith. It enables us to edify one another, encourage one another, and stand firm together against false teachings.

In conclusion, Jude 1:17 exhorts believers to remember the words of the apostles of Jesus Christ. By doing so, we equip ourselves to discern and confront false teachings, remain grounded in the truth, and foster unity and fellowship within the body of Christ.