2. Morally perverted (v. 4) 11. Malcontents (v. 16)
JUDE—NOTE ON 16 grumblers. See note on v. 5. The word, found only here in the NT, is used in the lxx to describe the murmurings of Israel against God (Ex. 16:7–7; Num. 14:27, 29; 1 Cor. 10:10). malcontents. They gave vent to dissatisfaction with God's will and way, as was the case with Israel, Sodom, the fallen angels, Cain, Korah, and Balaam (cf. Jude 5–11). following . . . own sinful desires. See notes on 2 Pet. 2:10, 18; 3:3. This is a common phrase used to describe the unconverted (Jude 18; 2 Tim. 4:3). Apostates are especially driven by a desire for sinful self-satisfaction. loud-mouthed boasters. See note on 2 Pet. 2:18. They speak pompously and even magnificently, but with empty, lifeless words of no spiritual value. Their message has external attractiveness, but is void of the powerful substance of divine truth. showing favoritism. They tell people what they want to hear for their own profit (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3–4), rather than proclaiming the truth of God's word for the auditors' benefit. Cf. Ps. 5:9; 12:2–3; Prov. 26:28; 29:5; Rom. 3:13; 16:18.
JUDE—NOTE ON 17–18 See notes on 2 Pet. 3:1–7.
JUDE—NOTE ON 17 predictions of the apostles. The apostles had warned the coming generation about apostates, so that they would be prepared and not be taken by surprise (cf. Acts 20:28–31; 1 Tim. 4:1–2; 2 Tim. 3:1–2; 4:1–2; 2 Pet. 2:1–3:4; 1 John 2:18; 2 John 7–11). God's word is designed to warn and protect (Acts 20:31; 1 Cor. 4:14); as Jude 18 indicates, there had been continually repeated warnings.
JUDE—NOTE ON 18 last time. Lit., at the chronological end of the current epoch or season (cf. 2 Tim. 3:1). This term refers to the time of Messiah from his first coming until his second (see notes on 2 Tim. 3:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 John 2:18). These characteristics will prevail until Christ returns. scoffers. See note on 2 Pet. 3:3. These are the mockers at God's future plans who pretend to know the truth but deny that judgment will ever come. following . . . ungodly passions. See note on Jude 16.
Profile of an Apostate
Profile of an Apostate 1. Ungodly (v. 4) 10. Grumblers (v. 16) 2. Morally perverted (v. 4) 11. Malcontents (v. 16) 3. Deny Christ (v. 4) 12. Self seeking (v. 16) 4. Defile the flesh (v. 8) 13. Arrogant speakers (v. 16)