THE ENEMIES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH _CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Jude 1:1. THE SERVANT.—Better, “a servant.” As he does not call himself an apostle, we cannot, without adequate reason assigned, identify him with the apostle Judas. BROTHER OF JAMES.—Which James is uncertain. Probably the James who... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Jude 1:3. COMMON SALVATION.—It does not immediately appear why he uses this epithet “common.” He may only mean, “this salvation which is a matter of common interest to us all.” The best MSS. read, “of our common salvation”; of those things which pertain to the salvati... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Jude 1:5. In REMEMBRANCE.—That which we have in mind is often well and wisely brought up forcibly before our minds. Jude 1:6. ANGELS, ETC.—There is nothing in the Old Testament to which this can be referred, unless we take “angels” to be a figurative term for the ant... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Jude 1:7. GIVING THEMSELVES OVER.—ἐκπορνεύσασαι; the ἐκ denotes the intensity of their lust, which would be gratified at all hazards. STRANGE FLESH.—Other flesh; _præter naturam;_ Romans 1. ETERNAL FIRE.—As eternal is a spiritual quality, and fire a material substanc... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Jude 1:12. SPOTS.—Lit. σπιλάδες, rocks; Vulg. _maculæ_ (compare 2 Peter 2:13). “Rocks in your love-feast, causing stumbling and shipwreck.” FEEDING THEMSELVES.—Seeking their own interests; getting their satisfaction out of leading you astray, forwarding their own pur... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Jude 1:20.—This gives positive teaching. It answers the question, What can sincere and earnest believers do to guard themselves from the insidious influence of evil men, and imperilling surroundings and influences? The answer in the general is thus given—Faith is stre... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Jude 1:24. ABLE TO KEEP YOU.—Whatever may be said about your self-efforts, the supreme truth is that God can keep, and your supreme hope should rest on the assurance that He is keeping. FALLING.—Better stumbling, or the mistakes that may lead to a fall. OF HIS GLORY.... [ Continue Reading ]