A metaphor is a direct comparison between two objects. You might say, for example: He is a night owl! We know the man is not an actual owl; he only acts like one, staying awake when everyone else is asleep. In verses 12 and 13, Jude uses metaphors to describe a group of ungodly people who have infiltrated the local church. They are causing harm within the community of believers.

First, he calls these people blemishes or “spots” at their love feasts (v. 12). These love feasts were gatherings of the local church to share a meal centered around the Lord’s Supper. This feast was for believers, not these impostors. They were shepherds who feed only themselves. They were self-centered and self-serving leaders who wanted to consume the flock.

Jude says these individuals are “clouds without rain, blown along by the wind” (v. 12). They promise great things but don’t deliver. These types of people move on to the next ministry after they have consumed enough and before it’s time to deliver on their empty promises.

They are “autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead” (v. 12). Fruit trees are expected to bear fruit during the harvest season. But in this instance harvest comes and goes, with no produce to be enjoyed. In fact, not only do the trees not produce, but their roots have been upended; they are twice dead. “They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame” (v. 13). These individuals are accountable to no one, with their shameless deeds on display for all to see. “They are wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness of eternal punishment is promised” (v. 13). They are “false prophets” who misuse and manipulate people to gain what they want. There is no fear of God in their hearts.

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