James bluntly answers his own question by stating, so faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead james 2. A verse by verse consideration of the letter of james. James takes the familiar identity of a bondservant in his greeting, evidencing his humility and obedience to his lord jesus christ. The book of james 20 questions by lisonyasloan last updated. Paul says concerning the yoke and bondage of the law.
And continueth therein not like him who forgot it, and went away. It includes some short stories and excerpted parts of novels. The book of james has many wonderful insights and practical information for christian living. The character by which our author desires to be known.
James 1 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. Different bible translations of the letter of james and other bible study resources are available. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. Scot mcknight here explains the letter of james both in its own context and as it may be seen in light of ancient judaism, the graecoroman world, and emerging earliest christianity. In other words, if those who call themselves gods people truly belong to him, their lives will produce deeds or fruit. Why we need the book of james in the new testament canon.
The suffering state of christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed. To james it was an honour to make himself a slave, and to belong to god and to the lord jesus. Verses 212 we now come to consider the matter of this epistle. Oesterley thought that for the most part this epistle is a collection of independent sayings. He that does not, is not free, but a slave to sin, and a criminal before god, james 2. Macarthur has utilized james 2 in the gospel according to the apostles as. An introduction and exposition of james i sermon by. An inspired letter of the christian greek scriptures. Commentary on the book of james relevant bible teaching. James 1, new international version niv the bible app. Robertson, rudolf stier, thomas manton, and james moffatt, this collection is youre connection to historical interpretation, observation, translation, contextual history, and. Verse 1 we have here the inscription of this epistle, which consists of three principal parts. Indeed, you would not have found the book of james included among the new.
The founders press study guide commentaries offer solid exegesis, clear explanation, and practical insights into eight new testament books. Thomas manton james geneva series commentaries, 1968. James the son of zebedee and brother of john matt 4. You can find the best commentary on james for you using the tools on the right side. Commentary on the book of james by matthew henry new. James 1 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. The book of james is a website dedicated to the study of the epistle letter of james in the new testament. We have few references to it in the earliest stages. Southwestern baptist theological seminary distinguished professor of new testament. In many ways, the book of james has not had an easy journey into the new testament canon. Classic commentaries and studies on the epistle of james 26.
James, whose real name was jacob, was either the brother, step. In this paragraph we have the following things to be observed. James, a servant of god, and of the lord jesus christ. Of the 108 verses in the book of james there are 54 imperatives. Apr 10, 2015 the book of james has many wonderful insights and practical information for christian living. Festus, the roman ruler in the country of the jews, died in ad 62. Hes got some important things to tell themmainly that there will be tough times, but that its all good. It is believed that this book was created solely as a supplementary reader for the texas and maybe other. The scripture calls some of the great people in israels history slaves or servants of god. Pastoral book information this highly original commentary on james by respected new testament scholar douglas moo combines penetrating scholarship with the simplicity of style and pastoral tone characteristic of james itself. Professor of biblical studies the masters college the letter of james has played an important role in the expository and polemical ministry of john macarthur.
The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 4 the greeting 1. James as new testament wisdom literature pepperdine digital. The macarthur new testament commentary series comes from the experience, wisdom, and insight of one of the most trusted ministry leaders and bible scholars of our day. James chapter 1 barnes notes on the new testament on. How to apply to god under troubles, and how to behave in prosperous and in adverse circumstances. As a guide to christian behavior, the letter deals with themes of universal importance, among which are the nature of god and man, the evils of lust and pride, the virtues of faith. The short epistle covers a number of subjects, but one that occurs frequently is sin. Commentary on the book of james james 1 1james, a bondservant of god and of the lord jesus christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad. From the viewpoint of its literary form, james is a letter only in the most conventional.
Sloan baylor university, waco, tx 76798 to do research on the book of james is to weary of reading luthers dictum about its being a right strawy epistle. But james made no mention of gentile christians at all, making an early date for the letter most likely. James, like all of the general epistles except hebrews, is named after its author verse 1. What is less well known or talked about, is that luther also praised the book of james in the same preface. There are several men named james mentioned in the new testament, but reliable tradition assigns this book to the one called james the just, the halfbrother of jesus matthew. James, like them, lived to serve god and the people of god. Is it from the very earliest stratum of the church the jewish christians who looked to jesus brother james as their leader, even before the gentile mission or a later, second or thirdgeneration group who struggled to keep the faith amid stress and persecution. James 1 commentary john calvins commentaries on the bible. Jesus came from a large, close knit family consisting of several brothers and sisters. Even though frazier missed a few printings of will james books that have since turned up, this book is an invaluable guide to the collector and bookseller. This summary of the book of james provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of james. James 1 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by john calvin, helps you experience his lasting impact on christian theology and thought. James 1 commentary james burton coffman commentaries on.
The book of james is something of an enigma in nt literature. Study the bible online using commentary on james and more. James 1 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the church of christ, presents a verse level look at the bible. Each volume was written to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, dealing thoroughly with every key phrase and word in the scripture without being unnecessarily technical. There was a period of 3 or 4 months before the new ruler, albinus, came to take his place. This book was completely assembled by scribners editor alice dalgliesh from stories and pictures previously published in 7 other will james books. James intro to james biblica the international bible society.
The letter of james the new international commentary on the. Up to that time, you would not have found the book where it is today in any english translation. Hes a member of jesus inner circle, and hes writing this letter to jewishchristians all throughout the roman empire. The epistle was probably written before the gentile congregations became common. Previous index next the epistle of james chapter one objectives in studying the chapter 1 to appreciate the value of enduring trials 2 to understand how sin develops, from temptation to death separation from god 3 to note the importance of being doers of the word, and practitioners of religion that is pure and undefiled before god summary following a. The book of james has been compared with the wisdom literature of the ot, particularly the book of proverbs, because of its direct, pungent statements on wise living.
He has offered bible students a thoughtprovoking and compelling examination of this wonderfully unsettling book. The author of this letter could not have been the apostle james, who died too early a. The author of the epistle of james, a letter distinguished for its passionate commitment to jewish christianity, has been dubbed the amos of the new covenant. It is a practical exhortation which still recognises the twelve tribes and the connection of the christian jews. Commentary on james commentary on the new testament. Classic commentaries and studies on the epistle of james offers some of the most significant classic studies on the book of james since the time of the reformation. The book of james calls on the messianic community to live wisely. In the opening of his letter, james called himself a bondservant of god, an appropriate name given the practical, servantoriented emphasis of the book. From beginning to end, the book is shaped for pastors, teachers, and scholars. Top 5 commentaries on the book of james ligonier ministries. James 1 bible commentary wesleys explanatory notes.
The book of james is recognized as one of the most practical books of the bible. Robertson, rudolf stier, thomas manton, and james moffatt, this collection is youre connection to historical interpretation, observation, translation. The letter of james the epistle of james, or simply james, is one of the 21 epistles didactic letters in the new testament. The book of james has been compared with the wisdom literature of the ot, particularly the book of proverbs, because of its direct, pungent statements on. No commentary drives home the significance of these instructions better than dr. James the father of the apostle named judas not iscariot luke 6. Davids the epistle of james new international greek testament commentary, 1982. His most recent book is titled why does it have to hurt.
Other men mentioned in the bible named james include. Paul has carried the sentiment out farther, and shows that tribulation produces other effects than patience. Douglas moo the letter of james pillar new testament commentary, 2000. As well as the colour section, there are over 200 selected bw drawings by will james which were used to illustrate his 24 western books. Thus, like these and other books of moral teaching, the book ofjames is loosely organized, tying together related ethical teach ings by use of. James 1 commentary james burton coffman commentaries on the. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 2 introduction to james background of the book the epistle of james is one of the general epistles, including 1 and 2 peter, 1, 2 and 3 john, and jude. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible.
Book of james overview insight for living ministries. The letter of james the new international commentary on. In fact, it was likely the first new testament book written. Perseverance, wisdom, and spiritual growth james 1. The epistle of james is not addressed to the assembly, and does not take the ground of apostolic authority over the persons to whom it is sent. James only asks that patience may have its perfect work, supposing that every christian grace is implied in. Throughout the book, james contended that faith produces authentic deeds. Verse by verse commentary on the book of james epistle of james. Darby, from synopsis of the books of the bible the epistle of james is not addressed to the assembly, and does not take the ground of apostolic authority over the persons to whom it is sent. It is highly probable that this letter was written in the vicinity of his ministry in jerusalem as the leader of the church. The meaning of christian suffering, and he is working on a commentary on james for the baker exegetical commentary on the new testament. Apr 02, 2014 the great protestant reformer, martin luther, infamously referred to the book of james as an epistle of straw in his preface to the german new testament. These concise resources are the perfect marriage of study guide and commentary, offering scholarly exposition in an easily digestible form.
That remark not only tells us more about luther than it does the book of james, but it has influenced the interpretation of this epistle since the time of the. Southwestern baptist theological seminary distinguished professor of new testament curtis vaughan works section by. A number of years in the making, interacting with the best and most recent works on james, and written for readers at all levels, this volume will quickly become a standard commentary on james. It is an unfortunate fact that whole denominations have arisen and deceived millions through a false salvation teaching that comes from misunderstanding a handful of passages in the book of james. It is one of the socalled general letters because, like first and second peter, first john, and jude but unlike most of the apostle pauls letters, it was not addressed to any specific congregation or person.
James combines the wisdom of his brother jesus with the book of proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to god. Classic commentaries and studies on the epistle of james. In the book of james, the author writes to his fellow jewish brethren who are suffering. Introduction prior to 1539, if one had said, turn with me to the first chapter of the book of james, there would have been a great rustling of pages in the congregation, with many puzzled looks. Jul 20, 2006 in fact the book of james contains no specific references to times or dates, however if james the brother of jesus wrote this letter, we know that he had strong ties to church in jerusalem. James commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. James here guards us against misunderstanding what st. This new testament book is the proverbs and amos of the old testament. An introduction and exposition of james i a indepth look at james chapter one encouraging the reader to view the book of james in full context. Read james commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. It combines theological depth with exegetical detail, while elucidating critical problems without losing focus on the whole of the book. Finding jesus in the book of james banner of truth usa. Though he was a primeminister in christs kingdom, yet he styles himself only a servant. These letters were sent out as circular epistles to be passed around and read in several locations.