Jude 1:3
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Understanding the context:The book of Jude is a short letter written by Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James. It was written to encourage believers to contend earnestly for the faith in the face of false teachings and ungodly behavior that had infiltrated the church.
The audience:Jude addresses his message to “the beloved,” which refers to the believers in Christ.
Diligently writing about salvation:Jude starts by expressing his original intention to write about the common salvation. This likely refers to the salvation experienced by all believers through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that the core message of the gospel is of utmost importance and should be a priority for believers to understand and share with others.
The necessity of exhortation:Jude explains that he changed his original plan and found it necessary to write a different message to the believers. The reason for this change is not explicitly mentioned, but it implies that there were urgent matters that needed to be addressed.
Contending for the faith:The central exhortation in this verse is for believers to “earnestly contend for the faith.” Here, “the faith” refers to the body of Christian beliefs, teachings, and doctrines that were delivered to the saints (early believers) once and for all.
The importance of contending:The word “contend” implies a strong effort or struggle. Jude emphasizes that believers should not passively accept false teachings or compromise their faith. Instead, they should actively fight for and defend the truths of the gospel, resisting any distortions or corruptions that arise.
The faith once delivered:Jude emphasizes that the faith was delivered “once” to the saints. This indicates that the foundational truths of the Christian faith were handed down by the apostles and prophets and are unchangeable. It is a call to preserve and protect the integrity of the gospel message.
In conclusion, Jude 1:3 reminds believers of their responsibility to earnestly contend for the faith. It encourages them to actively defend the truths of the gospel and resist false teachings that may arise. By studying and understanding the core doctrines of the Christian faith, believers can stand firm and ensure that the message of salvation remains intact for future generations.
