Subscribe: https://youtube.com/StJohnDC?sub_confirmation=1
The General Epistles of Saints James, Peter, John, and Jude, Part 13: Jude
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)
April 16, 2024

Topics include:
(1) Introduction to the Epistle of St. Jude: St. Jude was a son of St. Joseph the Betrothed and brother of St. James. The purpose of the epistle was most likely to counter Gnostic heretics who were attempting to infiltrate the Church of God and lead believers astray into their sects. They regarded the flesh as unimportant, and so plunged into licentiousness; 
(2) There has always been a struggle for the integrity of the faith, once for all delivered to the saints, against heresy. This faith is not just doctrine but the Apostolic deposit, a spiritual vision and the knowledge of God; 
(3) Discussion of the various Old Testament examples given of unfaithfulness and its connection with fleshly lusts. Also, the pride of standing against all authority, as opposed to the Archangel Michael's example in the story of the "Assumption of Moses". 
(4) These heretics were sensual people, not having the Spirit, rejecting all authority in their boastful ignorance, driven by their own selfish agendas, and sowing division in the Church because of their unbelief. There is no tolerance of fornication in the Church of God.