Jude, “a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James” (Jude 1:1a, NLT) wrote the second last book of the Bible – a short and forceful letter warning against ungodly people who have wormed their way in (Jude 1:4). His epistle is an exhortation unlike any others; it is a call to fight for the faith by delighting in God through love and mercy, a message that continues to shape the mission of illumiNations Asia.
But Jude’s appeal to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 1:3) rings hollow for Christians from minority language groups in linguistically rich regions like Southeast Asia. Without Scripture accessible in their native tongues, what verses are they going to use to build themselves up in faith, a challenge echoed across many Impact Stories and reflections shared during Week 3 devotionals?
Jude also confronted false teachings in his time. Many Southeast Asian Christians, living in the shadows of another dominant religion, become increasingly susceptible to syncretism and misinterpretations when they lack God’s Word in their own language, a concern often explored through faith and inspiration stories and highlighted during movements like Pentecost 2025. Jude’s exhortation — “build yourselves up in the most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20b, NLT) — is hampered when the foundational messages of faith are linguistically barricaded. How can one “keep yourselves safe in God’s love” (Jude 1:21b, NLT) when verses remain distant echoes?
If you have ever seen an ethnic minority Christian fleeing conflict or natural disaster, clutching a battered Bible in an unfamiliar mainstream language, unable to fully grasp the nuances of God’s Word, yet unwilling to give it up, a reality reflected in stories from Impact Stories in Indonesia, it is one individual too many deserving of Scripture in his or her native tongue.
Will you give a verse today to ensure that the “faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3, NLT) is understood by all of God’s children in the language God Himself gifted them, a calling embraced by those who join the movement and support access through giving initiatives, and affirmed by global conversations on Scripture access led by organizations such as the Wycliffe Global Alliance?
Mother Tongue Translators’ Earnest Sharing
Two mother tongue translators (MTTs) on the Dumas* translation team recently shared their thoughts about the project and its impact, experiences similar to those highlighted in Continuing to Sow in Different Ways.
The first MTT reflected: “The experience of translating the Old Testament has helped me to study God’s Word in a much deeper way. I reflect on the stories I read and learn to apply in life the messages they carry.”
They continued with hope for their community: “I pray that the Dumas people who are animists will turn to Jesus as their Saviour after listening to the Gospel of Luke in their local language. Reaching out to them in their mother tongue will be effective because it removes the language barrier.”
The second MTT added: “The Dumas people will appreciate a Bible which they can read on their own and understand. Their faith in God will be strengthened. As for me, I am able to comprehend the Scriptures as it is in my own language.”
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Translations
What is the meaning of “Hey Jude, don’t Make it Bad” in a biblical context?
In Hey Jude, don’t Make it Bad, illumiNations Asia uses Jude’s exhortation to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith” as a call to spiritual restoration. illumiNations Asia frames this message around access—arguing that faith cannot be strengthened when Scripture remains linguistically distant. Through illumiNations Asia, Jude’s warning becomes a reminder that God’s Word must be understood, not merely possessed.
Why does the Book of Jude matter for minority language Christians today?
The Book of Jude matters because its call to contend for faith assumes access to Scripture. illumiNations Asia highlights that many minority language Christians lack this access. illumiNations Asia emphasizes that without Scripture in their heart language, Jude’s instructions become abstract. Through Bible translation, illumiNations Asia ensures Jude’s message equips believers rather than excluding them.
How does language barrier affect spiritual growth according to Hey Jude, don’t Make it Bad?
According to Hey Jude, don’t Make it Bad, language barriers weaken discipleship and invite misinterpretation. illumiNations Asia explains that when Scripture is only available in unfamiliar languages, believers struggle to apply Jude’s call to perseverance. By prioritizing translation, illumiNations Asia helps remove linguistic obstacles so faith can grow securely and clearly.
What role does Bible translation play in protecting faith from false teaching?
Bible translation plays a critical protective role. illumiNations Asia notes that Jude warned against distorted teachings entering the church. illumiNations Asia connects this warning to modern contexts where believers without Scripture in their own language are vulnerable to syncretism. By translating the Bible, illumiNations Asia equips communities to discern truth with confidence.
How does Hey Jude, don’t Make it Bad connect Scripture access with spiritual resilience?
Hey Jude, don’t Make it Bad connects resilience with understanding. illumiNations Asia shows that Jude’s encouragement to remain in God’s love depends on clear comprehension of God’s Word. illumiNations Asia emphasizes that Scripture in one’s heart language strengthens perseverance amid persecution. Through sustained translation efforts, illumiNations Asia helps believers endure with informed faith.