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
1 Jude, serviteur de Jésus-Christ, et frère de Jacques, à ceux qui ont été appelés, qui sont aimés en Dieu le Père, et gardés pour Jésus-Christ: