THE EPISTLE OF JAMES 2
THE EPISTLE OF JAMES 2
(CP Jas 3:1-18). The emphasis in V1-12 here is on the dangers of the tongue – its use and abuse. This is a grim warning to all Christians against aspiring too hastily to be a teacher of God’s Word, or of occupying any position of authority in the Church where they are responsible for instructing others. Teachers will be held more accountable for everything they say (CP 3:1-12 with 1:19; 3:13; 4:11). See also author’s comments on Jas 3:1-2, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament, and his study Christian - Keep your Tongue from Evil and your Lips from Speaking Guile and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 3). In V13-18 next in Jas 3, James highlights the difference between true and false Religion. He teaches that wise and understanding Christians give practical proof of their wisdom by their conduct and the humility with which they do the work of God’s Word. As we learned earlier in this study on Jas 1:2-8, God’s wisdom does not involve a high degree of intelligence or vast knowledge, but the skill of living Godly lives in Christ. If Christians always seek God’s wisdom, they will be set free from the need to compare themselves with others, and from desiring the things they have (CP V13-18 and 1:5-8 with Ro 12:3; Ga 5:26; Php 2:3). See also author’s comments on Jas 3:17-18, and all related cross-reference Scriptures referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament.
(CP Jas 4:1-17). In V1-10 here the emphasis is on worldliness and pride in the New Testament Church. V1-4 carry a dire warning to Christians against fraternising with the corrupt world system which panders to self-gratifying pleasures and lusts. The word ‘kill’ (KJV), in V2, is used figuratively of the anger, jealousy and rivalry Christians caught up in evil desires exhibit toward each other when they no longer love one another as they should (CP 1:1-4 and 1Jn 2:15-17 with Col 3:1-10; 1Jn 4:7-8). In Jas 4:5-10 James highlights how man’s spirit lusts to envy but through the Grace given to them by God Christians can overcome their sins if they humble themselves and draw near to God (CP V5-10 with Ga 5:13-21). See also author’s comments on Jas 4:1-4, 4:5, 4:7-10 and Ga 5:13, 5:16, 5:17, 5:19-21, Col 3:1-10, 1Jn 2:15-17 and 4:7-21 and all cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament. In Jas 4:11-12 James admonishes Christians not to speak falsely of other Christians, for whoever does so sets themselves up as their judge and condemns them. Christians who judge others put themselves above God and are in grave danger of forfeiting their salvation (CP V11-12 with Mt 7:1-5; Lu 6:37 and Ro 14:4). In V13-17 James rebukes Christians for their boasting. He stresses the transitory nature of life (CP V13-17 with Lu 12:15-21). See also author’s comments on Mt 7:1-5, Lu 6:36-38, 12:16-21, Ro 14:1-9, Jas 4:11-12 and 4:13-16, and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament.
(CP Jas 5:1-20). V1-6 here is probably the most scathing denunciation of rich people and their treatment of the poor, in Scripture. It is rarely preached on in the contemporary Church. James’ words are blunt and unsparing. He sternly rebukes the rich for their selfish, uncaring disregard of others and their self-indulgent life styles, and while this is directed to wealthy unbelievers, it is also a reminder call to Christians regarding their responsibilities and obligations to others less fortunate than themselves, especially other Christians (CP Jas 5:1-6 with Ga 6:10 and 1Jn 3:16). See also author’s comments on Jas 5:1-6, Ga 6:10 and 1Jn 3:16-18, and all related cross-reference scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament. In Jas 5:7-11 the emphasis is on patience in affliction. James exhorts Christians to remain steadfast under provocation in view of the fact that Christ is coming again to take them back to Heaven with Him. He reminds them of the steadfastness of Job under affliction in the Old Testament (CP V7-11 with 1Pe 1:6-9; 4:12-17 and 5:8-11). See also author’s comments on Jas 5:7-8, 1Pe 1:7, 4:7-11, 4:17 and 5:8-11 and all related cross-reference Scriptures referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer study of the New Testament.
James next, in V12, stresses the point that Christians are not to attest to the veracity of what they say by swearing an oath. As Christians, they must not embellish the truth in any way. What they say must be a simple statement of fact. They must mean what they say and say what they mean (CP Jas 5:12 and Mt 5:33-37 with Mt 23:16-17 and 12:35-37). See also author’s comments on Jas 5:12 and Mt 12:36-37 and all related cross-reference Scriptures referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament, and his study, Christian - Keep your Tongue from Evil and your Lips from Speaking Guile in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 3). The emphasis in the closing verses – V13-20 – of James’ Epistle, is on Prayer and the healing of sick Christians (See also author’s comments on Jas 5:14-15, 5:16-18 and 5:19-20, and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament).
James, the writer of this Epistle, who at the beginning of the Epistle introduced himself as servant of both God and the Lord Jesus Christ, was also one of Jesus’ four half-brothers – Judas, who wrote the ‘Epistle of Jude’ was another (CP Jas 1:1 with Mt 13:55; Mk 6:1-3; Ga 1:19; Jude 1). See also author’s comments on Jas 1:1, Mt 1:18-21, 12:46-47 and Jude 1, and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament.
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