Jude 1:17
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Jude 1:17 (KJV)
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. In the preceding verses, Jude has described the character and coming judgment of these ungodly individuals, comparing them to rebellious figures from the past. Verse 17 begins with the word “But,” indicating a deliberate contrast or shift in thought. Jude turns from condemning the false teachers to addressing the faithful believers directly.
Meaning
Jude addresses his readers as “beloved,” expressing his affection and concern for them. This term of endearment distinguishes them from the false teachers and shows Jude’s deep pastoral care. He then urges them to remember “the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This remembering is not a passive recollection but an active, ongoing discipline of calling to mind the authoritative teaching and prophecy delivered by the apostles. The phrase “spoken before” indicates that these apostolic words were given in the past and now serve as a prophetic warning for the present.
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. 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.
Biblical connections
Jude’s exhortation echoes the broader New Testament pattern of holding to the apostles’ teaching as the standard for faith and practice. The apostles’ words, recorded in the New Testament Scriptures, provide the foundation for evaluating current threats and remaining steadfast. This verse establishes the apostles’ teaching as the measure by which believers are to assess any teaching or doctrine that arises within the church.
Application
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. 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.
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. Jude’s purpose in this exhortation is to prepare his readers so that they will not be surprised by the presence of false teachers, since their coming was foretold, and to engage their full attention and obedience to the apostolic message.
Reflection
Jude 1:17 calls believers to vigilance grounded in the faithful transmission of apostolic doctrine. By remembering the words of the apostles, we equip ourselves to discern and confront false teachings, remain grounded in the truth, and foster unity and fellowship within the body of Christ.
