Who Led Israel Out of Egypt? A Textual and Theological Study of Jude 5

This research paper by James Midwinter, submitted to Dr. Michael Kruger for NT522 – Hebrews to Revelation at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, investigates the textual and theological implications of Jude 5, where some manuscripts identify “Jesus” rather than “the Lord” as the one who led Israel out of Egypt. Midwinter analyzes early witnesses such as P72, Codex Sinaiticus, and Codex Alexandrinus, showing that the earliest and most reliable evidence supports “Jesus” as the original reading.

Through careful analysis of scribal tendencies and patristic citations, Midwinter argues that later copyists likely replaced “Jesus” with “Lord” to avoid perceived anachronism. He explains that Jude’s identification of Jesus with the divine Redeemer of the Exodus fits within a broader New Testament pattern of applying Old Testament Yahweh texts to Christ. The study further explores the theological significance of this reading for understanding the continuity of divine action across the Testaments.

The paper concludes that “Jesus” in Jude 5 provides strong biblical evidence for the Son’s eternal participation in redemptive history. By leading Israel out of Egypt, the preexistent Christ is revealed as the active Lord of salvation from the Old Covenant to the New, demonstrating that the gospel’s roots extend deep into Israel’s story of deliverance.

Course and semester: NT522 Hebrews to Revelation — Fall 2015