Jude 1:18

They told you. Whether Jude here alludes to 2 Peter 3:3 or to some other inspired source is not certain. Some hold that Jude and Peter both quote from some earlier, then well-known prophecy. Others see Jude’s words as an almost literal quotation from 2 Peter 3:3 advancing these reasons in support of their view: (1) Jude declares he is reminding his readers of “the words which were spoken before the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 17). (2) He then quotes a prophecy that is found only in 2 Peter 3:3. (3) Peter, on the other hand, while referring to both OT and NT instruction (see on 2 Peter 3:2), does not claim to be quoting but rather delivers a statement of his own that is reliable because it is based upon past inspired instruction and in harmony with it (see on v. 3). Some regard this as evidence for the priority of 2 Peter (see pp. 701, 702).

However this may be, Jude reminds his readers of the apostolic prediction of “mockers in the last time,” who, he declares (v. 4), have already crept into the church unawares. John similarly reminds those to whom he wrote of the warning that had been given concerning antichrist (1 John 2:18), and then adds: “Now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (cf. 1 John 4:3; see Additional Note on Rom. 13).

Verbal differences between Jude 18 and the corresponding verse in 2 Peter will be noted in the comment that follows, but the sense is identical in the two passages (for comments see on 2 Peter 3:3).

There should be. Peter says, “there shall come” (2 Peter 3:3).

Mockers. Or, “scoffers,” as in 2 Peter 3:3.

Last time. Peter says, “last days” (2 Peter 3:3).

Who should walk. Or, “walking,” as in 2 Peter 3:3.

After their own ungodly lusts. Or, “according to their own lusts of ungodliness,” that is, under the direction of lusts that arise from their irreligious practices. Peter speaks only of “their own lusts” and does not refer to their source of their nature.