The Book of Jude completes our look at the five shortest books of the Bible. The penultimate book of the Bible ranks the fifth shortest book behind Obadiah, Philemon, Third John and Second John. All five on the list are a single chapter, with Jude clocking in at 461 words in its original Greek and Hebrew form and 584 in the King James.
The primary theme of the Book of Jude is a warning against false teachers who use God’s grace to encourage people to indulge in sin. Jude reminds the readers of his general epistle that God has punished his own people who have fallen into sin and deceit. The book references the curse of Cain, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the angels who fell from their exalted status.
False prophets and opportunists have existed since the early days of the church, they exist today and they will continue their deceit until Judgment Day. The Bible and the words of the Apostles are the teachings that we should follow, according to Jude. He reminds us that followers of Christ should pray in the Holy Ghost, maintain their faith through the love of God, and wait for the eternal mercy of Jesus. Jude also encourages true Christians to “contend for the faith” and fight against the false teachers and those who deny Jesus.
Jude 24-25
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
