The Judas We Never Knew: A Study on the Life and Letter of Jude

by Jerome Van Kuiken

Jude (a.k.a. Judas) and the biblical letter that bears his name have been sidelined for centuries. But his personal history teaches us about the complicated relationship between faith and family and between Judaism and Christianity. His letter’s backstory inspires confidence that it is a trustworthy addition to the Bible. His letter’s teachings about Jesus, spirituality, sexuality, community, and the afterlife have plenty of contemporary relevance. This book explores all these topics and more in a fast-paced conversational style that connects with popular culture and history—from football to fantasy films and from John Wesley to Beyoncé! Each chapter ends with discussion questions, making this book perfect for individual or group study.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2023

Reviews

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, out of the 11 or so full commentaries I've read on Jude (and who knows how many 1 page commentaries I read), my favorite one. It's concise, delves into the meaning of the text, and makes it very clear how this epistle applies to our lives today in addition to a much needed attention given to Jude. Both as a historical figure, great saint of the Church, and as an epistle given to the whole Church for our instruction, correction, and training us in righteousness (2 Tim 3.16).

And it talks about mermaids, sex robots, and a man who went from being a member of the KKK to pastoring an Asian-American church by the transformative power of God's grace. This book, for anyone wanting to study Jude, should be at the top of their list.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good modern commentary on the book of Jude in the New Testament. It is an easy read, but gives a good overview and detailed historic and cultural analysis of Jude, the half-brother of Jesus. Most interesting is the applicability of this scripture to heresies and apostates influencing the church in the west. My only caveat is the author’s explicit intention of using modern cultural references to illustrate the scripture. This is both a strength and weakness because he relies on the reader to know these illustrations in context. Even with that caveat, it is a good read and an excellent addition to one’s scriptural understanding. It is not overly intellectual, but is solid in the interpretation of Jude.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Seedbed library and the way their resources give you a good concise introduction to various topics in theological and biblical studies. This book was no exception. Admittedly, I don't know that I have ever taken especial note of the book of Jude or thought about it's themes of authorship, but Van Kuiken certain makes a good case for the revisiting this text or considering it for the first time. It certainly is a timely read in an era when the church is facing so much theological drift from within it's own house. How am I to respond? I was challenged and convicted by this read, and I am sure I will return to this book again.