3 needful. The word “needful” connotes a sense of urgency. Jude had been planning to write a straightforward exposition of the doctrines associated with the “common salvation”—that is, the great salvation held in common by all who had been “sanctified,” “preserved,” and “called” (Jude 1). Instead, however, the Holy Spirit constrained and compelled him to write in defense of the faith which even then was under intense Satanic attack.

3 earnestly contend. Used only this once in the New Testament, “earnestly contend” is from the Greek epagonizomai. It was used of athletes intensely agonizing in the grueling training for a coming contest. Jude thus graphically stresses the urgency of defending the faith. Note also Philippians 1:7, 17; I Timothy 6:19-20; II Timothy 4:1-4; Titus 1:9; I Peter 3:15. The defense of the gospel is no indifferent matter, to be left to a few specialists, but one to which all believers should be trained and committed.

3 the faith. “The faith” is not in reference to the simple trust we place in Christ in salvation, but to the entire body of Christian truth as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.

3 once delivered. That is, the faith that was delivered once-for-all to the saints (that is, to all true believers) for guarding and keeping safe. As Paul wrote Timothy: “Keep [that is ‘guard’] that which is committed to thy trust” (I Timothy 6:20).

4 crept in unawares. These are the “tares” that the devil has sown among the “good seed” (Matthew 13:38-39), teachers who use the terminology of the faith, but distort and undermine the plain teachings of Scriptures.

4 before of old ordained. “Before ordained” (Greek prographo) means literally “written about beforehand,” or “prophesied.” This was done “of old,” possibly referring even to the antediluvian prophecies of Enoch (Jude 14-15). Note also II Peter 2:1-3.

4 lasciviousness. “Lasciviousness” could also be translated “wantonness.” These teachers would not be the legalistic Judaizers, who rejected the doctrine of grace, but rather the antinomians, who abused it, turning the great truth of Christian liberty into license. By undermining the Scriptures, especially the foundational doctrines of creation and consummation, they would encourage compromise with pagan pantheism and all the carnality which accompanies it. This danger is every bit as real today as it was in Jude’s day.