The Epsitle of James: a Commentary

the Epistle of
James the
Apostle

a commentary

by Ian Lyall
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THE EPISTLE OF JAMES
THE APOSTLE:
a commentary
by
Ian Lyall
Copyright © Ian Lyall, June 2007
Published by Lulu
ISBN:
Scripture quotations (unless otherwise stated)
are from HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Copyright © 1973,1978 and 1984 by International Bible
Society
Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton, publishers
a member of the Hodder Headline Group
All rights reserved. 'NIV' is a registered Trademark of the
International Bible Society
UK Trademark no 1448790
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The Epistle of James
INTRODUCTION
DATE The Epistle of James probably has an early date. The
social and ecclesial structures evident in its pages suggest: in the
first instance pre-the Fall of Jerusalem; in the second, combined
with the absence of any Judaeo/Gentile split probably much
earlier Beyond that it is difficult to be certain, but a date around
AD 50 is quite feasible.
AUTHOR The author is clearly a Jew, and also one fully
acquainted with Jesus' words (the Sermon on the Mount
especially abound within its pages). The fact that he introduces
himself simply as 'James' indicates that he was a well-known
figure-head of the early church.
There can be only two contenders, i.e. James the brother of
John, Son of Zebedee or James, brother of Jesus. The former
was martyred in AD 44. In addition both Peter and Paul introduce
themselves as 'apostles' which James, son of Zebedee would be
expected to do. 'James' however calls himself simply 'a servant
of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ' Maybe the Lord's brother
felt this a fitting title. Although James opposed Jesus during his
earthly ministry (John 7:2-8) he later:
-was visited by the risen Lord (1 Cor 15:7)
-was a 'pillar of the church' (Gal 2:9)
An additional point of interest is that the writer of Jude could
introduce himself as 'a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of
James'. When the Lord's brothers are listed in Matt 13:55
mention is made first of James (presumably the eldest), later of
'Jude'
RECIPIENTS James, a Jew, was almost certainly writing to a
Jewish audience. This is the probable meaning behind his initial
salutation 'to the twelve tribes scattered..'(1:1) In 5:14 he uses a
peculiarly Jewish ascription for the Lord: Kurios Sabaoth. He is
also writing to Christians (notice 'brother' in e.g. 2:1;5:7-8)
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CHARACTERISTICS Luther, the great initiator of the
Reformation called 'James' an epistle of straw'. What Luther laid
great emphasis on was 'justification by faith alone'. he must have
realised that what James wrote about 'Faith and Deeds' in 2:14-
26 was in fundamental opposition.
No: one may suspect Luther criticised 'James' for a lack of the
high theology of Paul. james emphasis is more a vital
Christianity. It has a moral, even prophetic emphasis- one writer
called James the 'Christian Amos'. There must be growth in the
Christian life; a characteristic life style; there must be holiness.
For James, as for any other epistle writer. birth is fundamental
to the Christian life (1:13-19a), but there must also be growth
(1:19b-25). James' epistle has been likened to a set of sermon
notes. In 1:26-27 he lists the three fundamental pointers to
Christian growth
-a controlled tongue (v26)
-care for the needy (v27a)
-personal purity (v27b)
The rest of the epistle is really a development of these three
points: the tongue in 3:1-12; care for the needy (Ch 2) and
personal purity (3:13-5:6). He concludes in 5:7-20 by pointing to
the need for patience, prayer and care in the church.
James' style is harsh and dogmatic:he uses phrases such as
'don't be deceived,'you foolish man!','you adulterous people','now
listen! '. No wonder James is unpopular! People like to go to Paul,
and his profound insights into Christ and his work in our lives, for
John, with his emphasis on agape. Like Luther, many would
relegate James as second-rate Scripture. Yet it comes with the
full weight of God-inspired word. It may be practical: we need
that.. It is full of 'wisdom from above: James gives us a much-
needed reminder that our faith must be one that works.
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Chapter One
1To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your
faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its
work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking
anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and
not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the
sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not
think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a
double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride
in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take
pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a
wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and
withers the plant; its blossom falls and its