Jude 1:18
They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It’s easy to just see "mockers" here, but Jude highlights that these individuals are driven by "their own ungodly passions" – not just any desires, but ones that are fundamentally at odds with God's very nature. This isn't just about being rebellious; it's about a deep-seated rejection of divine principles that fuels their destructive behavior.
Jude is reminding his readers of warnings given by the apostles, urging them to remember what was foretold about the end times. He specifically recalls prophecies that spoke of divisive individuals arising, people driven by their own sinful desires who would scoff at godly truth and lead others astray. This sets the stage for his urgent plea to contend for the faith and stay grounded in God's love.
Jude reminds his readers that warnings about certain people were given long ago. Who are these 'mockers,' and why does Jude bring them up?
A Prophetic Word
Jude isn't presenting a new problem; he's reminding believers of a prophecy already shared by the apostles. The phrase "they told you" points to a tradition of teaching about the future. These weren't just random predictions; they were part of the apostolic message about what to expect as the end times drew nearer.
Who Are the Mockers?
These individuals are described as following "their own ungodly passions." This isn't just about disagreement or criticism; it's about a lifestyle driven by rebellion against God. They don't just disagree with godly ways; they actively mock them because their hearts are set on self-serving desires that are contrary to God's nature. They live according to "lusts of ungodliness," a powerful phrase indicating desires that are fundamentally impious and rebellious.
What makes these 'mockers' tick? It's not intellectual debate, but something far more personal and destructive.
The Heart of the Matter
The core issue with these mockers is their internal compass: "their own ungodly passions." The Greek word translated here points to intense desires, often in a negative sense. These aren't just passing fancies; they are deep-seated inclinations that lead people away from God.
A Lifestyle of Rebellion
Jude uses the phrase "walk after" their passions. This signifies a lifestyle, a pattern of behavior. They don't just have these desires; they live according to them. This active pursuit of ungodliness, rather than seeking God, is what characterizes them. It's a rejection of God's way in favor of their own corrupted desires. This leads to a life that is not just imperfect, but fundamentally opposed to God's nature – hence, 'ungodly'.
Understand the original words
eschatos chronos · Greek Noun phrase
The final era of human history, inaugurated by the coming of Christ and extending until His second advent, characterized by both the spread of the Gospel and the rise of apostasy.
empaiktēs · Greek Noun
Those who mock or deride religious truth, specifically those who reject the Gospel and treat divine matters with contempt or scorn.
asebēs · Greek Adjective
A lifestyle characterized by a lack of reverence for God, living as though He does not exist or does not matter, and acting in opposition to His revealed commands.
Jude is reminding his readers of apostolic teaching, particularly drawing parallels with Peter's letter, about the persistent threat of false teachers who are characterized by their ungodly desires and mock the truth. These warnings were given in anticipation of both the end of the age and the ongoing challenges within the church.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Early Church Facing False Teachers
During the first century, the early Christian church faced internal challenges from individuals introducing false doctrines and living immoral lives, which apostles like Peter and Jude addressed in their writings.
c. AD 62-64
Peter's Second Epistle
The Apostle Peter wrote his second letter, warning believers about false teachers who would arise, specifically mentioning "scoffers" in the "last days" who would follow their own desires.
c. AD 65-70
Jude Writes His Epistle
Jude, the brother of Jesus, penned his short but powerful letter to believers, echoing Peter's warnings about the infiltration of godless people within the church, who twist grace into sensuality.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple marked a significant end to the Old Covenant era, a time many early Christians understood as part of the 'last days' before Christ's return.
This passage directly parallels Jude's warning, describing 'scoffers' in the 'last days' who follow their own desires, highlighting the specific prophetic nature of Jude's message.
1 Timothy 4:1It speaks of people in later times who will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, which aligns with the idea of 'ungodly passions' leading people astray.
2 Timothy 3:1-5This passage describes 'difficult times' when people will be lovers of self, money, and pleasure rather than God, living in immorality and rejecting truth, mirroring the character of those Jude warns against.
Matthew 7:15-20Jesus warns about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves, showing that discerning destructive spiritual influences is a long-standing concern in Scripture.
gillJude 1:18: "How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."
How that they told you that there should be mockers in the last time,.... See Gill on 2 Peter 3:3 .
pooleJude 1:18: "How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."
Told you; whether in their preaching or writing. Ungodly lusts; Greek, lusts of ungodliness; a Hebraism; the vilest lusts.
It’s easy to just see "mockers" here, but Jude highlights that these individuals are driven by "their own ungodly passions" – not just any desires, but ones that are fundamentally at odds with God's very nature. This isn't just about being rebellious; it's about a deep-seated rejection of divine principles that fuels their destructive behavior.
Jude is reminding his readers of warnings given by the apostles, urging them to remember what was foretold about the end times. He specifically recalls prophecies that spoke of divisive individuals arising, people driven by their own sinful desires who would scoff at godly truth and lead others astray. This sets the stage for his urgent plea to contend for the faith and stay grounded in God's love.
Jude is reminding his readers of warnings given by the apostles, urging them to remember what was foretold about the end times. He specifically recalls prophecies that spoke of divisive individuals arising, people driven by their own sinful desires who would scoff at godly truth and lead others astray. This sets the stage for his urgent plea to contend for the faith and stay grounded in God's love.
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"They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”" — It’s easy to just see "mockers" here, but Jude highlights that these individuals are driven by "their own ungodly passions" – not just any desires, but ones that are fundamentally at odds with God's…
