commentary on the book of james

Commentary on the Book of James James 1 1James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. James takes the familiar identity of a bond-servant in his greeting, evidencing his humility and obedience to His Lord Jesus Christ. This James is the brother of Jude and

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What does the Bible say about the Book of James?

The books of James Rachels. I have a lot of objections to James Rachels, although there are some that I agree. In God and Morality Are Incompatible, James Rachels argues that one cannot have an individual moral compass if they worship a God.

What is the summary of the Book of James?

James 5:16b: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”. Brief Summary: The Book of James outlines the faith walk through genuine religion (1:1-27), genuine faith (2:1-3:12) and genuine wisdom (3:13-5:20). This book contains a remarkable parallel to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.

What books of the Bible were written by James?

• (1) Addressed to the 12 scattered tribes, it was written when the church was still primarily Jewish;
• (2) Its many allusions to Christ’s teachings, but independence from the Gospels, favor a very early date;
• (3) Its emphasis on the Lord’s return (while omitting other doctrines concerning Christ), also implies an early date;.

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Should the Book of James be in the Bible?

Should the Book of James Be in the Bible? The book of James in the New Testament is a controversial book, and there are those who believe that it should not have been included in the Canon of Scripture. One of the main controversies is justification by works, and the argument that James presents irreconcilable contradictions with Paul's writings on the subject of justification.

What is the main message of the book of James?

Framing his letter within an overall theme of patient perseverance during trials and temptations, James writes in order to encourage his readers to live consistently with what they have learned in Christ. He condemns various sins, including pride, hypocrisy, favouritism, and slander.

What are the two main influences on the book of James?

Written by Jesus' half brother Jacob (often translated as James), the book of James shares sage wisdom for all followers of Jesus. The book is heavily influenced by Proverbs and frequently quotes Jesus' famous teaching the Sermon on the Mount.

What can we learn from James?

James warned about the damage that can be done by the words we speak. He taught that by governing our tongue with wisdom, we can grow toward perfection. Our words and conduct should reflect peace and devotion to God. James cautioned against envying and seeking for superiority over others.

Why was James so important to Jesus?

He communicates the knowledge passed to him by Jesus, telling them of the things Jesus had told him. James was told that he was an “illuminator and a redeemer of those who are mine” and then of he will be taken and judged just as Jesus before him had been.

Who is James talking to in the book of James?

James the Apostle, abbreviation James, New Testament writing addressed to the early Christian churches (“to the twelve tribes in the dispersion”) and attributed to James, a Christian Jew, whose identity is disputed.

What is the full meaning of James?

supplanterJames is a classic, traditional and Biblical name (Saint James, of course, was one of Jesus' 12 apostles) meaning "supplanter" or "replacer." It's derived from the Latin Jacomus which also means "may God protect."

What is the teaching of James?

James, in his epistle, admonished Christians who genuinely believe in Jesus Christ to reflect their belief and faith in their lifestyle. This means that Christians in their daily life should practice the gospel of Jesus Christ and the word of God which is love, honesty, forgiveness, humility, faithfulness and charity.

Why is the book of James relevant today?

The relevance of the book of James is found in its call for ethical living based on the Christian gos- pel. It is true that James emphasizes the ethical obligations rather than the theological basis of the Christian faith. He is not indifferent to theology; he assumes it.

What is faith in the book of James?

True faith means our hearts have been changed, and a changed heart is demonstrated through action. Faith with no demonstrable action is no real faith at all. It's dead, James tells us, like a body without a spirit.

What significance is James in the Bible?

He was the chief spokesman for the Jerusalem church at the Council of Jerusalem regarding Paul's mission to the Gentiles (Acts 15:13) and final visit to Jerusalem (Acts 21:18). Later tradition records that James was called “the Just” and was noted for his fulfillment of Jewish law.

What did Jesus say about James?

Jesus said to them, 'Where you are, you are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into existence'. The Gospel of Thomas confirms the account of Paul in 1 Corinthians regarding the risen Jesus' appearance to James.

Who are the 2 James in Acts 12?

In the lists of the twelve apostles in the synoptic Gospels, there are two apostles called James, who are differentiated there by their fathers: James, son of Zebedee, and James, son of Alphaeus. Long-standing tradition identifies James, the son of Alphaeus, as James the Less.

Why is the Book of James important?

Living For God: Studies in the Book of James. The whole Bible has a purpose, because the Spirit inspired the writing of each book. The purpose of James has vexed Christians throughout the centuries, yet its overarching purpose is to encourage, to warn, and to teach—all practical—and stresses the content of Christian living more than creed.

What is the letter of James?

The Letter of James is a practical and pastoral book. James’ down-to-earth advice instructs believers on how to live wisely and with integrity. James tells Christians to endure whatever difficulties might come their way, with the knowledge that God will use their struggles to help them mature as Christians.

What are the letters of the New Testament?

Through a detailed examination of the historical shaping and final canonical shape of seven oft-neglected New Testament letters James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude , this text introduces readers to the historical, literary, and theological integrity of this indispensable apostolic witness. While most modern scholars interpret biblical texts against the diversity of their individual historical points of composition, Robert Wall and David Nienhuis make the case that a theological approach to the Bible as Scripture is better served by attending to issues that occasioned these texts’ historical point of canonization—those key moments in the ancient Church’s life when apostolic writings were grouped together into collections designed to maximize the Spirit’s communication of the apostolic rule of faith to believers everywhere.

What is Peter Davids's study of the New Testament?

Peter Davids offers a comprehensive study of the General or Catholic Epistles of James, 1–2 Peter, and Jude, which are often insufficiently covered in more general New Testament introductions, theologies, and surveys.

What is the social setting of the Epistle of James?

In recent years, the apostle James and his epistle have received renewed attention, and Edgar’s contribution to the revival examines the way in which James and his addressees are depicted within the social world of emerging Christianity.

What are the Catholic Epistles?

After an overview of the Catholic Epistles in general, students will explore issues such as authorship and audience in James, as well as themes such as perfection/wholeness, faith, works and justification. First and Second Peter are covered next with a focus on submission, suffering, and responding to false teachers. The course concludes with a look at Jude and the letters of John.

What is the most challenging New Testament book?

One of the most challenging New Testament books, James presents many historical, theological, and textual problems. Ralph Martin tackles each one in order and with scholarly precision. He provides detailed textual notes, places the epistle historically, and engages the theological controversies raised by this often maligned epistle.

What does the book of James look like?

The book of James looks a bit like the Old Testament book of Proverbs dressed up in New Testament clothes. Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, encouraging God’s people to act like God’s people.

Who singled out James as the pillar of the church?

Peter singled him out among the other Christians there following Peter ’s miraculous release from prison ( Acts 12:17 ). James made the deciding speech at the Jerusalem Council (15:13–22), and Paul called James one of the pillars of the church ( Galatians 2:9 ).

What did James call himself in the opening of his letter?

In the opening of his letter, James called himself a bond-servant of God, an appropriate name given the practical, servant-oriented emphasis of the book. Throughout the book, James contended that faith produces authentic deeds. In other words, if those who call themselves God’s people truly belong to Him, their lives will produce deeds or fruit.

Who was the chief leader of the church in Jerusalem?

As one of the chief leaders in the church at Jerusalem, James wrote from that city prior to the meeting of the Jerusalem Council, which Luke recorded in Acts 15. At that council, James , along with Peter and Paul, affirmed the decision to take the gospel message to the Gentiles.

Was James the brother of Jesus?

While James did not specifically identify himself as to which “James” he was ( James 1:1 ), the author is widely thought to be James the half-brother of Jesus. James was not a follower of Jesus during the Savior’s time on earth ( Mark 3:21–35; John 7:5) but eventually became an apostle in the vein of Paul, as one who had seen and believed ...

Was James writing to a Jewish audience?

Such a significant event as the Jerusalem Council warranted comment from James, as he was writing to a Jewish Christian audience. But James made no mention of Gentile Christians at all, making an early date for the letter most likely. In fact, it was likely the first New Testament book written.

Where is James mentioned in the Bible?

But James son of Alphaeus is mentioned for the last time in Acts 1:13. James mentioned in Luke 6:15 and Acts 1 :13 and father or brother of Jude is not known otherwise. Of the four different James in the NT most researchers consider the brother of our Lord Jesus to have been the author of the epistle (compare Mark 6:3 ).

What is the epistle of James?

As the prophet Jonah in the OT is an exception because he addressed the heathen so is the epistle of James a speciality in the NT because God in His grace addresses His earthly people.

What is the teaching of justification in James?

a) Justification in James. James' teaching of justification is only apparently in contraction to Paul's teaching in the epistles to the Romans and Galatians. With this however Martin Luther especially had a problem.

What does James say about the brethren?

1:2; 2:1; 3:1; 4:11; 5:7) he thinks of the believers amongst them who own the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory.

What does Paul say about justification?

But as Paul in Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1 and Galatians 2:16 speaks of justification by faith he speaks of the relationship between man and God . No man can be justified by good works or by works of the Law before God. As sinner man is not able to fulfil one single good work before God.

How many times does the Bible say "faith works"?

Of total 108 verses 54 contain an imperative. These admonitions refer to the correct behaviour in trials of faith, in speaking, in respect to our neighbour and the world and in sufferings. Faith (which appears 16 times) and works (15 times) are the main thought going through the whole epistle.

What does James say about the twelve tribes?

The salutation of James reads: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." There has been a lot of speculation over the expression "twelve tribes". Some think James speaks of the whole people of Israel whereas others think of the whole Christianity as spiritual Israel. On the one hand a pure Jewish-Israelite document would have no room in the NT on the other hand the relations to Judaism in this epistle are so strong that it cannot be an epistle seeking to address the Christians as a whole as most of them, by the end of the apostolic time already, came out of heathenism. Chapter 2:2 mentions the synagogue as place of gathering (New Translation) and the Law is mentioned several times (chapter 2:9; 4:11). Also Abraham is called "our father" (chapter 2:21). How do we explain this?

What is the summary of the Book of James?

This summary of the book of James provides information about the title, author (s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of James.

What did James write about trials and oppression?

This would account for James's references to trials and oppression, his intimate knowledge of the readers and the authoritative nature of the letter. As leader of the Jerusalem church, James wrote as pastor to instruct and encourage his dispersed people in the face of their difficulties (see essay, p. 2539).

What are the seven books of James called?

The book of James has most often been placed in a group with 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3John and Jude. The seven books, as a group, are often called the general epistles. This titlecomes from the fact that they all are written to the church in general ora wide section of thechurch, instead of to a church in a specific city.

What did James say about the law?

James seemingly anticipated their response. Perhaps they would say they were onlyfollowing the law, fit for kings, which said they should love their neighbor as themselves(Leviticus 19:18). James said it wouldbe fine if they really practiced that law. He just did notwant them to do so to the exclusion of one class of people. The law also forbade prejudice(Deuteronomy 16:19-20). Woods says "you commit sin" literally translated is you "work sin."They apparently did not just slip into sin but intentionally practiced it (James 2:8-9).

What did James encourage the church to do?

James encouraged those in the first century church to keep on confessing their sins to oneanother and to keep on praying one for another. Asimilar concept is found in 1 John 1:7 wherethe apostle of love urged his readers to keep on walking in the light so they could have thecontinual cleansing of the Lord's blood. Note that no one is set above another in the church. Allare enjoined to confess to one another. All should desire the healing power of God's and thebrethren's forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24). When one who does the Lord's will petitions him, Godpromises such a prayer has much power (James 5:16).

What should a Christian do when physical and mental problems bear down upon him anddepression sets in?

On the other hand, if we arejoyful and full of good spirits we ought to let it be known through songs of praise. A Christianought to be as ready to thank God for the good as he is to plead with him to relieve the bad (James5:13).

What does James say about glorying?

James said some lived as though their plans in no way depended upon God and they wereproud of it. Woods says the word translated "boasting" here is not used in any form in any otherverse in the New Testament except for 1 John 2:16. There, John describes one aspect of the loveof the world as the "pride of life," which is the same word. Some types of glorying are good. Forinstance, it is good to glory in the second coming of our Lord. It is good to be proud of ourbrethren. It is especially good to glory in the cross of our crucified Lord (1 Thessalonians2:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; Galatians 6:14). But glorying in self-sufficiency is sinful (James4:16).

What does James 4:4 mean?

The first four verses of James 4 deal with worldly desire that is contrary to God's working.Verse 5 continues the thought by referring to a statement which is repeated in principle severaltimes in the Old Testament. It is the plain teaching of scripture as a whole that man driven byfleshly desire covets with a selfish desire what others have (Ecclesiastes 4:4; Proverbs 27:4). Ofcourse, God is going to punish those exhibiting such an attitude (Genesis 6:5-7; Job 5:12-13).Fleshly desires lead one in a direction contrary to God's will, or spiritual desire. They will causeone to work those things which will result in eternal judgment (Galatians 5:16-21; Romans 8:4-8;Isaiah 63:8-16).

What does James say about spiritual maturity?

Having said that patient endurance of trials will lead to spiritual maturity, James seems toanticipate his readers' thoughts. Some would probably wonder how they could approach theirtrials with joy. They would feel that a greater wisdomthan they possessed was required to havethat joy. James says they should ask God for such wisdom, because he is a generous providerwho will not reproach us for asking (James 1:5). Jesus told the listeners assembled on the mount,"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Foreveryone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened"(Matthew 7:7-11). The "wisdom" for which we should ask is the ability to rightly practice God'sword in the opportunities life presents (3:13-18).

Who is James in the Bible?

Verse 1 James was the half-brother of the *Lord Jesus. Their mother was Mary but Joseph was the father of James. After Jesus came back from the dead, James trusted in him. He soon became a leader in the church in *Jerusalem.

What did Peter say to James and the brothers?

So, he went to the home where the Christians were praying. He said to them, ‘Go and tell this to James and the brothers’ (Acts 12:17). James had become one of the leaders in the church in *Jerusalem.

What does the Bible say about judge?

v11 My Christian brothers and sisters, do not say bad things about one another. If you speak against another person you are *judging him or her. When you do this, you speak against the law. And you *judge it as well. If you *judge the law you do not obey it. You have made yourself its judge. v12 It is God who gave the law. And it is God who says what we should do. Therefore, only God can be the judge. He alone is able to save us or to destroy us. Who do you think you are, to *judge someone else?

What was James's honor?

To James it was an honour to make himself a slave, and to belong to God and to the *Lord Jesus. The *Scripture calls some of the great people in *Israel’s history slaves or servants of God. [See for example Abraham (Genesis 26:24), Moses (Joshua 1:1), David (Psalm 36:1).]

What happened to the poor in the Bible?

The poor suffered at the hands of the rich. James says that the rich have heaped up wealth in the last days. The last days are the period of time between the first coming and the second coming of Jesus. The days in which we live are the last days. At the end of these last days, there will be the judgement.

Who was the Roman ruler who came after the feast of James?

Albinus ~ a *Roman ruler. He came after *Festus and after James, the *Lord’s brother, died. altar ~ the special table on which to offer gifts to God. Ananus II ~ the chief priest of the *Jews who was responsible for the death of James the *Lord’s brother.

Who are the half brothers of Jesus?

The Bible tells us the names of the other sons of Mary, the half-brothers of Jesus (Mark 6:3). They are James, *Joses, *Judas and *Simon. There were also sisters but we do not know how many. By this time, it seems that Joseph had died. We believe this because there is no mention of him in Mark 6.

Who is James in the Bible?

James, the author of this epistle was the half-brother of the Lord, the head (Bishop) of the church in Jerusalem in the apostolic age. At first unbelieving, he was led to faith in Christ probably by an appearance of the risen Lord. From the first organization of the church at Jerusalem James appears as its head. Paul, for example, reported to James and Peter at Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18, 19). James was not an Apostle. He took the leading part in the council at Jerusalem, and was highly respected by the whole Church (Acts 15:13).

What does James emphasize in the epistle?

James emphasizes that good works are necessary to show or demonstrate one’s faith. There is a conflict among scholars that James’ emphasis on works is contradictory to Paul’s emphasis on salvation by faith alone. Martin Luther, for example, called the epistle an, “epistle of straw.” The two ideas, however, are not contradictory, but complementary. James does not teach that good works are necessary to earn salvation – only that if a person is born again, there will naturally be some good works as a consequence. For example, an apple tree produces apples. An orange tree produces oranges, not prunes. Likewise, if a person is a born again Christian, there will be evidence somewhere in the person’s life.

What is the appropriate response to the Word of God?

1. James teaches us what an appropriate response to the Word of God is. The first thing is to actually respond to the Bible. Some people go to church faithfully, give their tithe and don’t hang out with sinners. They believe they are fine Christians. Those activities are fine; however, if we don’t “do” the principles in the Bible, we have deceived ourselves. If we have faith, then it must be turned into action – not setting on the sidelines just studying the Bible, or constantly reaching for a “breakthrough” experience in our lives.

What does James warn us about?

James warns us that anger will keep us from effective Christian service. It will not, “achieve the righteousness of God.” The Christian must be quick to hear and receive the Word of God, and carefully consider the temptations or other matters of life in light of the word. It is to our advantage to be careful when we speak and make decisions in the face of trials .

What does James 1:9-12 mean?

James proceeds to encourage the poor believers who were persecuted by the wealthy people (James 1:9-12), or felt inferior to the upper classes because of their low status in life. This encouragement is brought by reminding the readers where true riches, status, and position come from. He tells the readers to change their priorities.

Why does James say that when people pray, God does not grant them what they ask?

The world is given greater emphasis by James. He says that when worldly people pray, God does not grant them what they ask, because their motives are wrong. They ask so as to promote themselves by the standards and values of the world . However, in reality, they are asking God to promote His enemies agenda. We cannot align ourselves as friends of the world, and please God. They are antagonists against each other. In fact, we line up ourselves in the battle lines against God. Friendship with the world makes us an enemy of God.

What is the Epistle about?

The Epistle is addressed to "the twelve tribes which are in the dispersion." These were Jewish Christians that lived within and outside of Palestine. It deals with conditions that were generally prevailing at that time, a time of persecution, poverty, discouragement, temptation and conditions resulting from them. Those persecuted were impatient and doubting and envious of the rich. Philip Schaff, in his history of the Christian Church (Vol. 1, p. 270), writes in a footnote, “most Christians were poor and oppressed by rich Jews.”

Who Wrote The Book?

Where Are We?

Why Is James So Important?

• The book of James looks a bit like the Old Testament book of Proverbs dressed up in New Testament clothes. Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, encouraging God’s people to act like God’s people. The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life ...

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