The brief New Testament letter attributed to Jude references an extrabiblical work, specifically drawing upon traditions and prophecies found within a collection of ancient Jewish religious texts. This intertestamental literature, attributed to a figure from the antediluvian period, contains a wide range of theological and cosmological material, including discussions of fallen angels, judgment, and the Messianic kingdom.
The inclusion of material sourced from this ancient writing provides valuable insight into the literary and theological milieu of the first century. It highlights the acceptance and influence of certain Second Temple Jewish traditions within some segments of the early Christian community. Furthermore, it offers a glimpse into the interpretive strategies employed by early Christian writers, who freely engaged with a variety of texts beyond the Hebrew Bible in formulating their beliefs.
