Jude 1:17

Jude 1:17, in plain English

But you—remember what the apostles of Jesus told you would happen in the last days.

Why it's here

Jude shifts now. He's been describing the problem and the judgment; now he turns to his actual audience. 'You, beloved'—he's separating his readers from the false teachers. You have something they don't: the teaching of the apostles. You were warned. You know what to expect. This isn't catching you off guard if you remember what you were taught. He's not giving you new information; he's reminding you of what you already know but might have forgotten in the pressure.

Who's speaking

Jude, turning directly to encourage his readers.

Where it sits in the story

The apostles passed on warnings about the end times and the danger of false teachers. Now, in the present moment, those warnings are proving true—and Jude is helping his readers connect the dots.

The scholarly reading

But you, beloved, must remember the teaching the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed to you beforehand.

Language and setting

The pivotal 'But you' (hymeis de) marks the transition from judgment of heretics to exhortation of the faithful. The phrase 'foretold' (proeipan) suggests the apostles anticipated precisely these developments—heretical teaching was not unanticipated but recognized as an element of the eschatological program. The address 'beloved' (agapetoi) reinforces communal identity and divine favor, contrasting sharply with the heretics' condemnation. Jude now shifts from prophetic denunciation to pastoral encouragement, reminding his audience of apostolic precedent for their present struggle.

Voice

Jude, pivoting to consolation and encouragement

Significance

The apostolic word becomes the community's defense: they stand on transmitted tradition, not novelty. Their faithfulness represents continuity with the apostolic mission, while the heretics represent rupture and innovation.

15to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.”

16These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.

17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ

18when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”

19These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.

Read all of Jude 1 — Jude intended to write about salvation. Instead, he writes about danger — false teachers who have crept in unnoticed. His response is urgent.