Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Jude 1:2

"Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied." — Jude 1:2 (ASV)

“Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance” is typical of the greeting, or prayer, that stood at the head of ancient letters. Jude omits the word “grace,” which is used in the salutations of practically all other NT letters. Perhaps his reference to these three words is a way of showing facets of God’s grace to humankind. All three describe what God does for us. “Mercy” is his compassion, “peace” is his gift of quiet confidence in the work of Jesus, and “love” is his generosity in granting us his favors and meeting our needs.