A.T. Robertson Commentary Jude 1

Servant (δουλος). Precisely as James (James 1:1), only James added κυριου (Lord).

Brother of James (αδελφος Ιακωβου). Thus Jude identifies himself. But not the "Judas of James" (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13).

To them that are called (τοισ--κλητοις). But this translation (treating κλητοις as a substantive like Ro 1:6; 1 Corinthians 1:24) is by no means certain as two participles come in between τοις and κλητοις. Κλητοις may be in the predicate position (being called), not attributive. But see 1 Peter 1:1.

Beloved in God the Father (εν θεω πατρ ηγαπημενοις). Perfect passive participle of αγαπαω, but no precise parallel to this use of εν with αγαπαω.

Kept for Jesus Christ (Ιησου Χριστω τετηρημενοις). Perfect passive participle again with dative, unless it is the instrumental, "kept by Jesus Christ," a quite possible interpretation.

Be multiplied (πληθυνθειη). First aorist passive optative of πληθυνω as in 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:2.

Beloved (αγαπητο). As in 3 John 1:2.

All diligence (πασαν σπουδην). As in 2 Peter 1:5.

Of our common salvation (περ της κοινης ημων σωτηριας). See this use of κοινος (common to all) in Tit 1:4 with πιστις, while in 2 Peter 1:1 we have ισοτιμον πιστιν, which see.

I was constrained (αναγκην εσχον). "I had necessity" like Lu 14:18; Hebrews 7:27.

To contend earnestly (επαγωνιζεσθα). Late and rare (in Plutarch, inscriptions) compound, here only in N.T. A little additional (επ) striving to the already strong αγωνιζεσθα (αγων contest). Cf. 1 Timothy 6:12 αγωνιζου τον καλον αγωνα.

For the faith (τηι--πιστε). Dative of advantage. Here not in the original sense of trust, but rather of the thing believed as in verse 20; Galatians 1:23; 3:23; Php 1:27.

Once for all delivered (απαξ παραδοθειση). First aorist passive participle feminine dative singular of παραδιδωμ, for which see 2 Peter 2:21. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Timothy 6:20.

Are crept in (παρεισεδυησαν). Second aorist passive indicative of παρεισδυω (-νω), late (Hippocrates, Plutarch, etc.) compound of παρα (beside) and εις (in) and δυω to sink or plunge, so to slip in secretly as if by a side door, here only in N.T.

Set forth (προγεγραμμενο). Perfect passive participle of προγραφω, to write of beforehand, for which verb see Ga 3:1; Romans 15:4.

Unto this condemnation (εις τουτο το κριμα). See 2 Peter 2:3 for κριμα and εκπαλα. Παλα here apparently alludes to verses 14,15 (Enoch).

Ungodly men (ασεβεις). Keynote of the Epistle (Mayor), in 15 again as in 2 Peter 2:5; 3:7.

Turning (μετατιθεντες). Present active participle of μετατιθημ, to change, for which verb see Ga 1:6. For the change of "grace" (χαριτα) into "lasciviousness (εις ασελγειαν) see 1 Peter 2:16; 4:3; 2 Peter 2:19; 3:16.

Our only Master and Lord (τον μονον δεσποτην κα κυριον ημων). For the force of the one article for one person see on 2 Peter 1:1. For δεσποτην of Christ see 2 Peter 2:1.

Denying (αρνουμενο). So 2 Peter 2:1. See also Mt 10:33; 1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:22.

To put you in remembrance (υπομνησα). See 2 Peter 1:12 υπομιμνησκειν (present active infinitive there, first aorist active infinitive here).

Though ye know all things once for all (ειδοτας απαξ παντα). Concessive perfect (sense of present) active participle as in 2 Peter 1:12, but without καιπερ.

The Lord (κυριος). Some MSS. add Ιησους. The use of κυριος here is usually understood to mean the Lord Jesus Christ, as Clement of Alex. (Adumbr. p. 133) explains, Exodus 23:20, by ο μυστικος εκεινος αγγελος Ιησους (that mystical angel Jesus). For the mystic reference to Christ see 1 Corinthians 10:4,9; Hebrews 11:26. Some MSS. here add θεος instead of Ιησους.

Afterward (το δευτερον). Adverbial accusative, "the second time." After having saved the people out of Egypt.

Destroyed (απωλεσεν). First aorist active indicative of απολλυμ, old verb, to destroy.

Them that believed not (τους μη πιστευσαντας). First aorist active articular participle of πιστευω. The reference is to Nu 14:27-37, when all the people rescued from Egypt perished except Caleb and Joshua. This first example by Jude is not in II Peter, but is discussed in 1 Corinthians 10:5–11; Hebrews 3:4–18:2.