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"Likewise, also these dreamers defile the flesh..."

Text: Jude 8

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM AT HAND

Jude went on to focus on the problem at hand. He dealt with the problem forthrightly.

“Likewise, also these dreamers defile the flesh,
reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.”

Jude 8

1. “Likewise”

a) Jude had in mind the examples he had cited in the earlier verses.

b) The false teachers were similar to the people he had cited.

2. “Also these dreamers”

a) Why did Jude call them “dreamers”?

b) These people emphasized that they had dreams.

c) Many suppose that God had given them these dreams.

d) This Jude called them “dreamers” sarcastically.

3. “Defile the flesh”

a) The word in the Greek text suggests “corruption”.

b) This word is sometimes used to describe a person who has been ceremonially defiled.

c) In this context here it is a reference to defilement through sexual immorality with homosexuality in mind.

4. “Reject authority”

a) We need to ask what the word “authority” means.

i) The usual word for authority is “exousia”.

ii) The word here is “kuriosta”.

iii) They may be used as synonyms.

iv) But in this context the inclination is to describe not human authority but angelic authority.

b) The idea of rejection

i) To set aside.

ii) To refuse to accept the authority of higher beings (like angels).

c) “And speak evil of dignitaries”

i) In their brashness they speak against more higher powers.

ii) Their arrogance caused them to despise even powerful angelic beings.