We’re continuing our look at the book of Jude. He’s been writing about false teachers. So far he has used the examples of Cain and Balaam. Now Jude move on to another Old Testament problem.
…they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
Jude 11 NIV
The first thing we need to do is understand the background of Korah and his rebellion. Korah and Moses were cousins, so you might have expected them to be close. But that’s not the case.
As it happens so often in families, there was a great deal of competition and jealousy on Korah’s part. At some point he began to amass a following who felt the Korah was the better leader. You can read the whole story in Numbers, chapter 16.
Here’s the problem that we even see today in many churches. God calls and appoints leaders based upon His own criteria. So often that doesn’t involve outward ability, but inward character.
…“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7b NIV
Eventually Korah surrounded himself with over 250 others who openly opposed Moses and Aaron. Their argument was that the whole congregation of Israel is holy. So, Moses and Aaron shouldn’t put themselves over the people.
Unfortunately these men were working with a false assumption. Moses and Aaron did not put themselves over Israel. God Himself was the One who placed them in authority.
The end of this rebellion was quick and decisive. The ground opened up under these men and swallowed them alive.
This is what Jude is referencing in his writings. It’s a problem that’s all too commonplace in the modern church.
I believe it’s a result of this generation’s misconceptions of the church. In many places churches are established and structured according to an American business model. They come complete with CEO, CFO, and governing board members.
Please understand – that’s not how God establishes His church. The true church is a theocracy with Christ, Himself as the Head. He calls and appoints leaders as He sees fit.
Too often there are those in the congregation who feel that they know better than the pastor or leaders God has placed in ministry. They end up trying to get people to join their ranks and agree with them. They’re trying to establish their own little kingdoms.
This is what Jude is referring to here. What these rebellious individuals forget is that God hates such rebellion to His established authority. Even James warns us about this.
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6 NIV
We even see this in the early days of the apostles. When they were called before the rulers of Israel, these leaders wanted to stop their preaching. However, a wise teacher named Gamaliel stood up and spoke this truth. He told the assembly to not attack them.
“But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:39 NIV
I believe we have to be very careful not to join with those who are in rebellion against God-given leadership.
Question: What is your attitude toward leaders you disagree with?
© 2026 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 