Jude is written in the form of a Hellenistic letter. It includes the name of the author, identification of recipients, an opening greeting, a body, and doxology. The closing of the letter is unusual since it does not have a normal farewell wish.¹ However, this is not entirely without precedent since other letters also end with doxologies (Romans 16:25–27; 2 Peter 3:18).

The purpose of Jude’s letter is stated quite clearly in Jude 1:3–4. He wants to challenge Christian believers to resolutely oppose all teachings and habits of life that profess to be Christian but deny the essence of the faith.² As such his letter can be classed as a letter of exhortation and encouragement.³