Jude 1:18

Jude 1:18, in plain English

The apostles said: in the last times, scoffers will come who follow their own ungodly desires and mock the faith.

Why it's here

This is what the apostles predicted. They told you it would happen—people would come who reject God's ways, follow their passions, and scoff at what's holy. The false teachers Jude is describing are exactly what you were warned about. Peter said something similar; Paul warned about it too. Jude is saying: this isn't a surprise attack; the apostles called this in advance. You have their testimony to stand on.

Who's speaking

Jude, quoting what the apostles taught.

Where it sits in the story

Throughout the New Testament, the apostles warn about the coming of false teachers in the last days. Jude is confirming that reality is matching the prophecy.

The scholarly reading

The apostles foretold that in the final times mockers would arise following their own ungodly desires.

Language and setting

This teaching parallels 2 Peter 3:3 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3, suggesting a common early Christian understanding of end-times challenges. The 'scoffers' (empaiktes)—literally those who mock—employ ridicule to delegitimize traditional teaching. The phrase 'in the last times' (en eschatais hēmerais) establishes these heretics as eschatological phenomena, not aberrations but predictable elements of salvation history's final chapter. Their following of 'ungodly desires' suggests their teaching systematically subverts ethical constraint under the guise of eschatological freedom.

Voice

Jude, paraphrasing apostolic teaching

Significance

The false teachers are recognized not as unprecedented threats but as predicted manifestations of the eschaton. This recognition paradoxically provides comfort: the community's struggle is neither anomalous nor unforeseen but participates in the ultimate conflict between grace and rebellion.

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.

20But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy 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.