Jude 1:4-7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jude 1:3-7

We have here, I. The design of the apostle in writing this epistle to the lately converted Jews and Gentiles; namely, to establish them in the Christian faith, and a practice and conversation truly consonant and conformable thereunto, and in an open and bold profession thereof, especially in times of notorious opposition, whether by artful seduction or violent and inhuman persecution. But then we must see to it very carefully that it be really the Christian faith that we believe, profess,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Jude 1:4

1:4 For certain men have wormed their way into the Church--long before this they were designated for judgment impious creatures they are--who twist the grace of God into a justification of blatant immorality and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Here is the peril which made Jude lay aside the treatise he was about to write and take up his pen to write this burning letter. The peril came from within the church. Certain men, as the King James Version has it, had crept in... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Jude 1:5-7

1:5-7 It is my purpose to remind you--although you already possess full and final knowledge of all that matters--that, after the Lord had brought the people out of Egypt in safety, he subsequently destroyed those who were unbelieving; and that he has placed under guard in eternal chains in the abyss of darkness, to await the judgment which shall take place on the great day, the angels who did not keep their own rank but left their own proper habitation. Just so Sodom and Gomorrah and the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares ,.... These words contain a reason why the doctrine of faith should be contended for, because of false teachers, who are described as being then upon the spot; the Apostles Peter and Paul had foretold that they would come, but Jude here speaks of them as in being; wherefore present rigour and vigilance were necessary to be used: their names are not mentioned, nor their number, only that there were "certain", or "some men"; which is done to stir up... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jude 1:5

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once know this ,.... The Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version, read, "knew all things"; but rather it is to be restrained by the following instance of, God's vengeance on unbelievers; which with others is produced, to vindicate the divine conduct in the condemnation of the above persons, and to show that that is certain, and may be expected, since God has always dealt thus with such persons; and this they knew by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate ,.... Or "principality"; that holy, honourable, and happy condition, in which they were created; for they were created in perfect holiness and righteousness, stood in the relation of sons to God, and were, for the lustre of their nature, comparable to the morning stars; they were among the thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers; were a superior rank of creatures to men, and who beheld the face, and enjoyed the presence of God; but this... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them ,.... Admah and Zeboiim, for Zoar was spared. This is a third instance of God's vengeance on sinners; and which, like that of the Israelites, and of the angels, was after great favours had been enjoyed: these places were delightfully situated, and very fruitful, as the garden of God; they were under a form of government, had kings over them, and had lately had a very great deliverance from the kings that carried them captive, being... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares - Παρεισεδυσαν· They had got into the Church under specious pretences; and, when in, began to sow their bad seed. Before of old ordained - Οἱ παλαι προγεγραμμενοι Such as were long ago proscribed, and condemned in the most public manner; this is the import of the word προγραφειν in this place, and there are many examples of this use of it in the Greek writers. See Kypke. To this condemnation - To a similar punishment to that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jude 1:5

I will therefore put you in remembrance - That is, how such persons were proscribed, and condemned to bear the punishment due to such crimes. Though ye once knew this - The word ἁπαξ , here translated once, has greatly puzzled many interpreters. It has two meanings in the sacred writings, and indeed in the Greek writers also. It signifies once, one time, as opposed to twice, or several times. Altogether, entirely, perfectly, interpreted by Suidas αντι τον διολου, ὁλοσχερως· ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jude 1:6

The angels which kept not their first estate - Την ἑαυτων αρχην Their own principality. The words may be understood of their having invaded the office or dignity of some others, or of their having by some means forfeited their own. This is spoken of those generally termed the fallen angels; but from what they fell, or from what cause or for what crime, we know not. It is generally thought to have been pride; but this is mere conjecture. One thing is certain; the angels who fell must have... read more

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