2. Mercy. This form of salutation occurs nowhere else in the , but there are somewhat similar greetings in 1 Peter 1:2. Compare Paul’s usual form in most of his letters ( Rom. 1:7; 2 Cor. 1:2; etc.). Jude, like Peter, wishes his readers to gain increasing supplies of the heavenly gifts ( on 2 Peter 1:2).
Beloved. This is a common form of address in the general epistles ( 1 Peter 4:12; 2 Peter 3:1; 1 John 3:2; etc.).
Diligence. spoudÄ (see on Rom. 12:8, 11; on 2 Peter 1:5). Jude shares with the readers the actual situation that obtained when he came to write the letter.
The common salvation. Textual evidence favors ( 10) the reading “our common salvation,” that is, the salvation we share in common. It was Jude’s original intention to write a general pastoral letter, but it appears that disturbing news reached him concerning the disruptive activities of “ungodly men” ( 4) and led him to abandon his original design in favor of a vigorous attack on the troublemakers and an earnest exhortation to the believers.
It was needful. Literally, “I had necessity,” implying a sudden urgency that led Jude to change his plan and prevented him from preparing his intended epistle in a leisurely manner.
Exhort. parakaleÅÂ (see on Matt. 5:4).
Earnestly contend. epagÅÂnizomai, a strengthened form of the verb agÅÂnizomai (see on Luke 13:24).
The faith. That is, the complete body of Christian teaching (see on Acts 6:7; Rom. 1:5).
Once delivered. Rather, “once for all delivered.” For comment on “delivered” see on 2 Peter 2:21.
Saints. See on Rom. 1:7. Jude wanted his readers to hold fast to the original form of Christian doctrine as it had been delivered to the church by Jesus and apostles.