Read & explore together
A Greeting from Jude
These opening words of Jude are brief, yet they clearly identify the writer, describe the readers, and express the kind of blessing he wants for them. The greeting helps us notice both humility and assurance.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage stands at the beginning of Jude’s letter. He introduces himself as the sender, names the people receiving the letter, and then gives a blessing. The wording centres on Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the readers’ identity as people whom God has acted toward.
Jude 1:1–2Main takeaway
Jude opens by identifying himself humbly and by reminding believers that they are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Jude introduces himselfJude begins with his name, then calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James.
Explanation
Jude begins with his name, then calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James. The word servant shows humility and belonging. Instead of starting with status or achievement, Jude places himself under Jesus Christ and identifies himself in relation to him.
02The readers are calledJude writes to those who are called. In this greeting, that means the readers are not described first by their own efforts, but by God’s action toward them.
Explanation
Jude writes to those who are called. In this greeting, that means the readers are not described first by their own efforts, but by God’s action toward them. Jude’s opening words focus attention on their identity as people who have been addressed and claimed by God.
03Sanctified and keptJude says the readers are sanctified by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. Sanctified speaks of being set apart in relation to God the Father.
Explanation
Jude says the readers are sanctified by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. Sanctified speaks of being set apart in relation to God the Father. Kept for Jesus Christ shows care, preservation, and belonging that looks toward Jesus Christ.
04A blessing of mercy, peace, and loveJude follows his address with a blessing: may mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Explanation
Jude follows his address with a blessing: may mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. He is not only greeting the readers politely. He expresses a desire that these gifts would increase among them richly, so the letter begins with words of kindness, calm, and faithful care.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Why might it matter that Jude calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ before naming any other connection?
Look closely at the order of Jude’s words and notice that servant of Jesus Christ comes before brother of James.
02What three descriptions does Jude give for the readers, and what do they show about their identity?
List the three phrases in verse 1 and observe that each one points to God’s action toward them.
03What does Jude want multiplied to his readers?
Use the exact words of verse 2 and notice that this is expressed as a blessing.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Jude 1:1–2
1Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
2May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.