Writer and Readers

1  By custom, Hellenistic letters began with a threefold formula: (a) the name of the sender; (b) the name of the recipient; and (c) an opening salutation. Greek writers followed the pattern “(a) to (b): greetings.” A NT example is the letter of Claudius Lysias to Felix (Acts 23:26). Jewish letters were introduced slightly differently. The opening sentence gave the names of writer and recipient. A second sentence invoked a blessing upon the reader.

The three elements of (a) author, (b) addressee, (c) greeting are clearly seen at the beginning of most of the NT letters—as here: (a) Jude; (b) to those who have been called; (c) mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance (Jude 1–2).

The writer introduces himself by name (Jude), by status (a servant of Jesus Christ), and by rel…