Jude 1:18 — “They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jude is reminding his readers of what the apostles had warned them about. He is quoting their message: “In the last times there will be scoffers.”
A scoffer is someone who mocks or makes fun of the truth. These are people who laugh at God’s Word, reject His authority, and live however they want. They don’t take spiritual things seriously because they are focused on their own ungodly desires—their own sinful cravings and selfish goals.
Jude is pointing out that the arrival of these scoffers should not surprise believers. It’s not a new problem.
It’s something God had already said would happen in the last times—the period between Jesus’ first coming and His return.
Historical Context
In the early church, false teachers and scoffers were already causing problems.
Many of them mocked the idea of Jesus returning, laughed at the idea of God’s judgment, and lived immoral, selfish lives.
The apostles—Peter, Paul, John, and others—warned repeatedly that such people would rise up in the last times.
Jude is reminding the church that they had been warned about this long ago, so they would not be shocked or discouraged when it happened.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches three key truths:
- God’s Word is reliable. What the apostles said would happen was already coming true in Jude’s time.
- Rebellion against God often shows up in scoffing and mocking. People reject God not only by what they do but by how they speak.
- The root problem is sinful desire. Scoffers don’t mock because they lack evidence; they mock because they want to live however they please.
It also reminds us that we are living in the “last times”—the period of history leading up to Jesus’ return.
Literary Analysis
Jude’s wording here is simple but direct.
He quotes the apostles’ warning almost like a headline—“In the last times there will be scoffers.”
The verse has a rhythm: first the prediction (scoffers will come) and then the reason (they follow their ungodly desires).
This verse connects closely to the previous one (verse 17), where Jude told the believers to remember what the apostles had said. Here, he tells them what they said.
Cross-References
Several Scriptures warn about scoffers and false teachers:
- 2 Peter 3:3-4 — “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.”
- 1 Timothy 4:1-2 — Some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits.
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5 — Describes people in the last days who love themselves and reject God.
- Psalm 1:1 — Warns against walking in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of mockers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a clear reminder that mocking and rejecting God’s truth will continue until Jesus returns.
We shouldn’t be surprised when people ridicule the Bible, deny Jesus, or dismiss God’s commands.
It’s exactly what God said would happen.
This verse also challenges believers to guard their own hearts. It’s easy to let scoffing attitudes or selfish desires creep in.
Instead, Christians are called to live humbly, believing God’s Word, and resisting the pull of ungodly desires.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He warns His people ahead of time.
He doesn’t want His people to be discouraged, confused, or caught off guard when others mock their faith.
This verse is part of God’s care and protection.
He is reminding His people that the mockers’ behavior is not new or surprising—it has been predicted, and it will not last forever.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points forward to Jesus Christ’s return.
The scoffers laugh and mock because they think judgment will never come—but Jesus has promised that He will come back to judge the living and the dead.
In Matthew 24:37-39, Jesus compared the last days to the days of Noah, when people were eating, drinking, and mocking right up until the flood came.
For those who trust in Jesus, this verse is a reminder to stay faithful and watchful, knowing that Jesus will return just as He promised.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think people scoff at God’s truth instead of taking it seriously?
- How can you guard your heart against being influenced by scoffers or mockers?
- What sinful desires might tempt people to reject or ignore God’s authority?
- How does remembering the apostles’ warnings help you stay strong in your faith?
- How does God’s warning in this verse show His love and care for His people?