Book of Jude, verse 17

NASB

(New American Standard Bible)

But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ,

NLT

(New Living Translation)

But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted.

In verses 3 through 16, Jude has given us a detailed description of those leaders who are false teachers, worming their way into the Church. He tells us to beware of apostasy, and what it will look like. The warning serves us today just as it did when Jude wrote it. In verse 17, Jude turns the page of cautions, and reminds us to remain faithful. Here's what stood out to me:

You may want to dig in and draw your own conclusions

by reading some commentaries at Biblegateway.com or BlueLetterBible.org.

• But you, beloved - Jude is again addressing those using ἀγαπητός agapētós, the Greek word for love dearly. Jude is speaking directly to Christians, those who know in their hearts the benevolence of God, who sent His son to die for them. He used this same word in verse one. 

• remember the words spoken beforehand - Jude is calling us to recognize these apostates, so we won't misstep in our faith. He is pointing to the past, so we might move faithfully forward when we are faced with the adversity that will come.

• by the apostles - Jude acknowledges the men who walked with Jesus and pointed us to Him. He reminds us to heed the words they spoke, foreshadowing what is to come. SIDENOTE:  Just by the way he words this sentence, I think Jude is including himself as one of the apostles. Not much to infer here, just a thought I had as reading this verse.

In verse 18 we will learn more of what the apostles foretold of the Church regarding apostasy. In order to make this relatable to us, we have to remember our faith will be tested. Sometimes this is by others.  We have to stay in His Word, fully knowing the Truth, so we have it (and Him) to cling to when our feet are in the faith-fire. 
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You never know how strong your faith is until it is tested.

 Rely on Him to see you through.

What stood out most to you in this verse?