The Strand Study Bible

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JUDE

2136

“Pseudepigrapha” literally means works with a “false title,” or attributed to someone other than the real author… Most of these works were probably of Jewish origin… 1

NOTE – Like many of the other extra-biblical books of the OT, such as, the book of the Wars of the Lord (Num 21:14), the book of Jasher ( Josh 10:13 and II Sam 1:18 ), the book of the annals of Solomon (I Ki 11:41), the book of Nathan the prophet (I Chro 29:29), the book of Gad the seer (I Chro 29:29), the book of Shemeaiah the prophet (II Chro 12:15), the story of the prophet Iddo (II Chro12:15 & 13:22), the book of Jehu (II Chro 20:34), the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia (Esther 10:2), and the epistle to the Laodiceans (Colo 4:16), the 20 plus Pseudepigrapha books (which date from c. 260 BC to AD 280 – Lk 11:51 ), along with the 13-19 Apocrypha books (which date from c. 260 BC to AD 100 – Lk 11:51 ) and some 50 plus Gnostic Gospels (which date from c. AD 150 to 350 – Colo 2:16 and Acts 15:1 ), became books of information, not inspiration ( Psa 12: 6- 7 ). 1:14b This term ( ten thousands ) comes from the Greek word PXULDσ ( murias ), from which we derive our English word “myriad.” It means “ countless , a numberless host .” The King James translators used the term “ ten thousands ” to describe an innumerable host, not a specific number ( Heb 12:22 , Acts 19:19 & 21:20 and Rev 5:11 & 9:16 ). 1:21 Our motive for serving God should not be based on our love for God, but on God’s love for us (the meaning behind: “ Keep yourselves in the love of God ” – II Cor 5:14 ). Motive for why we do what we do for God means everything to God, and will determine what kind of reward we will receive in eternity ( I Sam 15: 1- 15 , Mt 6:1 & 20:1,11 , I Cor 3:13b and Rev 2:4 ). Oswald Chambers in The Love of God notes: “God loves me.” Say it over and over and over, heedless of your feelings that come and go… “Keep yourselves in the love of God,” not “keep on loving God.” None can do that. When once you have understood the truth about your own heart’s sinfulness, think not again of it, but look at the great vast, illimitable magnificence of the love of God. 2 1:22 There are five different Greek words that are translated “ compassion ” in the NT. Each of the words has a different strength. The following is a list of the Greek words, ranging from the weakest to the strongest: 1. HOHHZ ( eleeo ) (Mt 18:33) – meaning, “ to suffer without; to show outward pity .” This is the weakest form of compassion. 2. σXPSDθHZ ( sumpatheo ) (Heb 4:15 & 10:34) – meaning, “ to suffer within .” This is the word from which we derive our word “sympathy.” It is slightly stronger than the word eleeo . 3. PHτULοSDθHZ ( metriopatheo ) (Heb 5:2) – This word is much like sumpatheo , only slightly stronger. 4. οLNτHLUZ ( oikteiro ) (Rom 9:15) – meaning, “ to suffer within to the point of distress .” This word is even stronger than the first three words. 5. σSODJFQL]οPDL ( splanchnizomai ) (Mt 9:36) – meaning, “ not only to suffer within, to the point of distress, but to yearn over that distress .” This word is the strongest of all the Greek words translated as “ compassion .” Interestingly enough, the word Jude used here in verse 22 to describe the kind of compassion that can make a difference is the word eleeo –the weakest form of “ compassion.” Which means even the weakest form of compassion can make a difference. 1:23 God calls on believers to mediate His love for the lost and fallen ( pulling them out of the fire ). THE ADAGE IS TRUE: You don’t always have to make it “on” time, but you do have to make it “in” time… (and it’s the people who care about what God cares for that makes the difference) 1:25a While it is true that “ God our Savior ” (Redeemer) can be a reference to GOD THE FATHER (I Tim 1:1, II Tim 1:8-9, Isa 43:11 & 45:15,21 & Isa 49:26 & 60:16, Hos 13:4 and Isa 43:14 & 44:6 & 47:4 & 49:7 & 63:16), many ancient manuscripts have “through Jesus Christ our Lord” following the word “Savior,” making “ God our Savior ” a reference to CHRIST ( Titus 1:3-4 & 2:13 ). 1:25b This word ( majesty ) is the Greek word PHJDOοσXQH ( megalosune ) and means “ great ( mega ); magnificent .” While it is true that “ majesty ” can be a reference to GOD THE FATHER (Heb 1:1-3 & 8:1), here it is in reference to CHRIST (II Pet 1:16). NOTE – Probably one of the greatest songs ever written concerning the majesty of CHRIST was written by Jack Hayford, pastor of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California. Elmer Towns in God Encounters recounts Pastor Hayford’s writing of Majesty . Hayford notes: Majesty , I thought. It’s the quality of Christ’s royalty and Kingdom glory that not only displays His excellence but which also lifts us by His sheer grace and power, allowing us to identify with and share in His wonder. Majesty, worship His Majesty! Unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise. Majesty, Kingdom authority, Flows from His Throne, unto His own, His anthem raise.

So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus. Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King.

Majesty, worship His Majesty. Jesus who dies, now glorified, King of all kings. 3