Judah

Greeting to the Called

JUDAH, the bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James: to the called, made holy in God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ;

2 May mercy and peace and love, be multiplied to you.

Contend for the Faith

3 ¶ Beloved, I gave all diligence to write to you concerning our common salvation. It was necessary for me to write and beseech you: that you earnestly contend for the faith which was once, and for all time, delivered to the holy people.

4 For certain men crept in unnoticed, of whom it was written long ago concerning their condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Master, God; and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 ¶ Now, I wish to remind you, though you once knew this: the fact, that the Lord having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

6 And the Angels which did not keep their first domain, but left their own dwelling: He has reserved in everlasting chains, under darkness for the judgment of that great day.

7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrha and the cities around them, themselves in like manner: engaged in all kinds of sexual immorality, and the going after of strange flesh: are subject to the punishment of eternal fire; existing openly as an example.

Woe to Them

8 ¶ Likewise also, these dreamers defile the flesh, despise lordship (authority), and blaspheme dignities.

9 Yet Michael the Archangel, when contending with the devil and disputing about the body of Moses; dared not bring upon him judgement or blaspheme, rather said: The Lord rebuke you.

10 But these, blaspheme whatever they do not understand; but on the other hand, whatever they do know instinctively, as unreasoning animals: in these things they corrupt themselves.

11 ¶ Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Kain; and in the error of Balaam poured themselves out for reward; and, just as in the rebellion of Korah will be destroyed.

12 These people are unseen dangers in your fellowship meals when they feast with you, leading themselves without fear; clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;

13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming up in their own shameful deeds; wandering stars, whom are reserved to the gloom of darkness forever.

14 ¶ And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying: Behold, the Lord comes with tens of thousands of His holy ones,

15 Executing judgment upon all, and convicting all the ungodly among them of all their godless deeds, in which they lived against god; and, on account of all their harsh words, which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.

16 These are grumblers, fault finders, going after their own desires; and their mouths speak boastful words, flattering people to gain advantage.

17 ¶ But you beloved, remember the words which were spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 How that, they told you there will be mockers in the last time, who walk according to their own ungodly desires.

19 These are those who cause divisions, worldly, not having the Spirit.

Build Yourselves up in the Faith

20 ¶ But you beloved, in your most holy faith, build yourselves up, praying in the Holy Spirit,

21 Guarding yourselves by the love of God, awaiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ into eternal life.

22 And on some who are contending, have compassion;

23 And others, save by fear, seizing them out of the fire; hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

24 ¶ Now, to Him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory in exceeding joy,

25 To God alone who is wise, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and authority, both now and in all ages. Amen.