How does Jude 1:14 connect with Enoch's prophecy about the Lord's coming? Text at a Glance “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: ‘Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones.’ ” (Jude 1:14) Who Was Enoch? • Seventh generation from Adam (Genesis 5:21-24) • “Walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24)—a life marked by close fellowship and unbroken faith. • His prophetic words pre-date the Flood, revealing that God’s plan for judgment and redemption has been consistent from the very beginning. What Did Enoch See? • The Lord’s personal return. • “Myriads of His holy ones” accompanying Him—heavenly armies of angels (cf. Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17). • A focus on judgment: verse 15 continues, “to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly…” (Jude 1:15). • This is not a vague hope but a literal, future event Enoch foresaw. How Jude Applies the Prophecy • Jude combats false teachers infiltrating the church (vv. 4-13). • By citing Enoch, he shows that these ungodly people were foreseen long ago; their judgment is certain. • Jude treats Enoch’s prophecy as authoritative Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, underscoring its reliability. Where Else Do We Hear This Theme? • Old Testament previews – Deuteronomy 33:2: “The LORD came from Sinai… He came with myriads of holy ones.” – Daniel 7:10: “Thousands upon thousands attended Him.” • Words of Jesus – Matthew 25:31: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him…” • Apostolic teaching – 1 Thessalonians 3:13: “at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8: “the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.” • Final fulfillment – Revelation 19:11-16: the Rider on the white horse, followed by “the armies of heaven… dressed in fine linen, white and pure.” Why It Matters Today • Confidence: God’s plan has been declared since the dawn of human history; nothing will derail it. • Clarity: The Lord’s return involves real, visible judgment—not merely a spiritual idea. • Comfort: Believers share Enoch’s hope of walking with God and being gathered to Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). • Conviction: Persistent ungodliness will be answered; grace is never a license to sin (Jude 1:4). Key Takeaways • Jude 1:14 records an ancient prophecy that speaks with fresh relevance: the Lord is coming. • Enoch’s words align perfectly with the broader biblical testimony, proving Scripture’s unity. • The certainty of Christ’s return motivates holy living and steadfast faith today. |
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