Jude spared no ammo when comparing false teachers who infected local churches to bad characters in the history of the scriptures.

First, the false teachers have taken the way of Cain. The first person born into this world, he murdered his brother over sacrificial jealously. These false teachers killed the souls of others through their errors.

Next, the false teachers rushed for profit into Balaam’s error. Taking payment to curse the nation of Israel, Balaam heads a long line of religious leaders—no shortage of which we find today—who fleece the flock for personal gain. In the same tradition, these false teachers hoped to fill their pockets with cash.

Finally, the false teachers have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. If you remember, Korah led a rebellion against Moses in the wilderness, and as his punishment, the earth opened its mouth and swallowed him and everything belonging to him (Numbers 16:32). According to Jude, these false teachers face the same journey to the center of the earth.

Strong condemnation for those leading sincere believers to false beliefs about the Lord, and on to misguided practices in their faith. Note to self—be careful in what I teach.

Jude’s final words reveal how to respond and persevere under the onslaught of distorted teaching. Pray in the Holy Spirit…keep yourself in God’s love…be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 20-23). Even as bad teaching swirled, Jude encouraged mercy and dependence on the Lord among the faithful.

Keep the faith.

Jude in week twenty-eight of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Marc Szeglat