Reference: James, The General Epistle of
Fausets
Called by Eusebius (H. E. 2:23; A.D. 330) the first of the catholic (universal) epistles, i.e. addressed to the church in general; not, as Paul's letters, to particular churches or individuals. In the oldest manuscripts except the Sinaiticus manuscript they stand before Paul's epistles. Two were "universally acknowledged" (homologoumena, Eusebius): 1 Peter and 1 John. All are found in every existing manuscript of the whole New Testament. The epistle of James, being addressed to the scattered Israelites, naturally was for a time less known. Origen, who lived between A.D. 185 and 254, first expressly mentions it (Commentary on John, Joh 1:19). Clement of Rome quotes from it a century earlier (1 Ep. to Cor. 10: Jas 2:21-23). The Shepherd of Hermas soon after quotes Jas 4:7. Irenaeus (Haer. 4:16, section 2). refers to Jas 2:23.
The old Syriac version has it and the Epistle to Hebrew alone of the books which were "disputed" (antilegomena, Euseb. 3:2) yet "acknowledged by the majority" (Euseb.). No Latin father of the first three centuries quotes it. It is specified as canonical both in the East and West in the councils of Hippo and Carthage, A.D. 397. Known only partially at first, it subsequently obtained a wider circulation; and the proofs becoming established of its having been recognized in apostolic churches, which had men endowed with the discernment of spirits to discriminate inspired utterances from uninspired (1Co 14:37), it was universally accepted. The Old Testament Apocrypha is a different case; the Jewish church had no doubt about it, they knew it to be not inspired. Luther's objection ("an epistle of straw, destitute of evangelical character") was due to his thinking that James 2 was opposed to Paul's doctrine of justification by faith not works.
The two viewing justification from distinct standpoints harmonize and mutually complement each other's definitions. By "works" James means love, which is the spirit of true "works" such as God accepts; for he compares "works" to "the spirit," "faith" to "the body." In Jas 2:26, "as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also," if mere outward deeds were meant, "works" would answer to "the body," "faith" to "the spirit." His reversing this proves he means by "faith" the form of faith without the working reality. Such "faith" apart from (Greek chooris) the spirit of faith, which is LOVE (and love evidences itself in works) is dead; precisely the doctrine of Paul also: 1Co 13:2; Ga 5:6, "faith which worketh by love" (its spirit). So also Jas 2:17; "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone"; presumed faith, if it have not works, is dead, being by itself (Greek for "alone"), i.e. severed from its spirit, love; just as the body would be "dead" if severed from the spirit.
Paul speaks of faith in its justifying the sinner before God; James in its justifying the believer evidentially before men. Ver. 18, show me (evidence to me) thy faith without thy works, but thou canst not, whereas "I will show thee my faith by my works." Abraham was justified by faith before God the moment he believed God's promise (Ge 15:6). He showed his faith, and so was justified evidentially before men, by his offering Isaac 40 years afterward. The tree shows its life by fruits, but is alive before either leaves or fruits appear. (See FAITH) In Jas 2:23 James recognizes, like Paul, that Abraham's "faith was imputed unto him for righteousness." James meets the Jews' false notion that their possession of the law, though they disobeyed it, and their descent from Abraham and notional belief apart from obedience, would justify (an error which Paul also combats, Ro 2:17-25; compare Jas 1:22).
James in Jas 1:3; 4:1,12, accords with Ro 5:3; 6:13; 7:23; 14:4. Coincidence with the Sermon on the Mount. James's specialty was so to preach the gospel as not to disparage the law which the Jews so reverenced. As Paul's epistles unfold the doctrines flowing from the death and resurrection of Christ, so James's epistle unfolds His teaching during His life, and is a commentary on the Sermon on the Mount. Both represent the law as fulfilled in love; the language corresponds: Jas 1:2 with Mt 5:12; Jas 1:4 with Mt 5:48; Jas 1:5; 5:15 with Mt 7:7-11; Jas 2:13 with Mt 5:7; 6:14-15; Jas 2:10 with Mt 5:19; Jas 4:4 with Mt 6:24; Jas 4:11 with Mt 7:1-2; Jas 5:2 with Mt 6:19.
He teaches the same gospel righteousness which the sermon on the mount inculcates as the highest realization of the law. His character as "the just," or legally righteous, disposed him to this coincidence (Jas 1:20; 2:10; 3:18 with Mt 5:20), and fitted him for both presiding over a church zealous of the law, and winning Jewish converts, combining as he did in himself Old Testament righteousness with evangelical faith, Jas 2:8 with Mt 5:44,48.
Practice, not profession, is the test of acceptance (Jas 2:17; 4:17 with Mt 7:21-23). Sins of tongue, lightly as the world regards them, seriously violate the law of love (Jas 1:26; 3:2-18 with Mt 5:22). So swearing: Jas 5:12 with Mt 5:33-37. Object: Persons addressed. The absence of the apostolic benediction favors the view that the epistle, besides directly teaching the believing, indirectly aims at the unbelieving Israelites also. To those he commends humility, patience, prayer; to these he addresses awful warnings (Jas 5:7-11; 4:9; 5:1-6). The object is:
(1) To warn against prevalent Jewish sins: formalism as contrasted with true religious "service" (threskeia, cult); the very ritual "services" of the gospel consist in mercy and holiness (compare Jas 1:27 with Mt 23:23; Mic 6:7-8); in undesigned coincidence with James's own decision against mere ritualism at the council, as recorded in the independent history (Ac 15:13-21); against fanaticism which, under the garb of religious zeal, was rending Jerusalem (Jas 1:20); fatalism (Jas 1:13); mean crouching to the rich (Jas 2:2); evil speaking (Jas 3:3-12; 4:11); partisanship (Jas 3:14); boasting (Jas 2:5; 4:16); oppression (Jas 5:4).
(2) To teach Christians patience in trial (Jas 1:2), in good works (Jas 1:22-25), under provocation (Jas 3:17), under oppression (Jas 5:7), under persecution (Jas 5:10). The motive for patience is the Lord's speedy coming to right all wrong (Jas 5:8, Meyrick in Smith's Dictionary). In Jas 5:14 James writes, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church"; not some one, as Rome interprets it, to justify her extreme unction. The elders praying for him represent the whole church, "anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." This sign accompanied miraculous healings wrought by Christ's apostles. To use the sign now, when the reality of miraculous healing is gone, is unmeaning superstition.
Other apostolic usages are discontinued as no longer expedient (1Co 11:4-15; 16:20), so unction of the sick: Rome anoints to heal the soul where life is despaired of; James's unction was to heal the body where life is to be preserved. Oil as sign of divine grace was appropriate in healing. Inspiration. In Ac 15:28 he joins with the other apostles, elders, and brethren, in writing," it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us," etc. Peter, the apostle of the circumcision, tacitly confirms the inspiration of the first president of the Jerusalem church, with whose Jewish sympathies he had much in common, by incorporating with his own inspired writings ten passages from James (compare Jas 1:1 with 1Pe 1:1; Jas 1:2 with 1Pe 1:6; 4:12-13; Jas 1:11 with 1Pe 1:24; Jas 1:18 with 1Pe 1:3; Jas 2:7 with 1Pe 4:14; Jas 3:13 with 1Pe 2:12; Jas 4:1 with 1Pe 2:11; Jas 4:6 with 1Pe 5:5-6; Jas 4:7 with 1Pe 5:6,9; Jas 4:10 with 1Pe 5:6; Jas 5:20 with 1Pe 4:8).
The style. Its pure Greek shows it was meant not only for the Jerusalem Jews but for the Hellenists, i.e. Greek-speaking Jews. The style is curt and sententious, gnome succeeding gnome. A Hebraic character prevails, as the poetic parallelisms show (Jas 3:1-12). The Jewish term "synagogue" (Jas 2:2. margin) is applied to the Christian "assembly." The images are covert arguments from analogy, combining logic with poetical vividness. Eloquence, terse and persuasive, characterizes this epistle. Its palp
See Verses Found in Dictionary
He believed in Jehovah. Jehovah considered Abram's faith as his righteousness.
Will Jehovah be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for my sin? He told you, O lowly man, what is good and what Jehovah requires of you. You should display justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God!
Blessed are the merciful and compassionate, for they will receive mercy and compassion.
Rejoice, and be filled with joy, for great is your reward in heaven. The prophets, who came before you, were also persecuted.
Whoever disobeys even the least of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand whoever obeys and teaches others to obey the Law will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. I also tell you, your righteousness must be greater than the scribes and Pharisees or you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Now I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother [without cause] shall be guilty before the court. Whoever speaks to his brother with words of contempt shall receive condemnation before the Sanhedrin [Supreme Court]. Curse your brother and you will be guilty enough to be destroyed by fire, with the burning trash, at the Valley of Hinnom, outside of Jerusalem (Greek: Gehenna).
You were also told that you should keep a promise (oath). Always keep your promises (vows) to Jehovah. I tell you, offer no promises at all, not by heaven, because it is God's throne. read more. Not by earth, for it is the footstool under His feet. Not by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not promise by your head, for you cannot even control the hair on your head. Let your answer be 'Yes' or 'No.' Anything more than this is from the evil one.
I say love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
Be perfect (mature), even as your Father in heaven is perfect (mature). (Leviticus 19:2)
Be perfect (mature), even as your Father in heaven is perfect (mature). (Leviticus 19:2)
If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. If you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Do not accumulate large amounts of wealth on earth. This is where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal.
You cannot serve two masters. You will hate one and love the other. You will be loyal to one master and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (wealth) (material possessions).
Stop judging, so that you will not be judged. As you judge, so you will be judged. As you measure, it will be measured to you.
Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened for you. Everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds, and everyone who knocks will have it opened. read more. Who among you, who would give his son a stone when he asks him for bread? Who will give him a serpent when he asks for a fish? Even though you are a sinner, you know how to give good gifts to your children. Think how much more your Father in heaven gives good things to those who ask him!
Not everyone who calls me Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. He who does the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' read more. I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of evil.'
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith. You should do both and leave nothing undone.
John gave his witness even as Jewish authorities sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem. They asked him: Who are you?
When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. read more. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day.
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.
If you are a Jew in name and are resting on the law and taking glory in God, you know his will. You approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law. read more. And you have confidence that you are a leader of the blind, a light to those in darkness. You are an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and of truth in the law. You then who teach another, do you teach yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal? You who say man should not commit adultery do you commit adultery? You who abhors idols do you rob temples? You who boast in the law do you by transgression of the law dishonor God? The name of God is blasphemed on your account among the nations, just as it is written. (Ezekiel 36:20, 21) Circumcision is a benefit if you obey the law. But if you are a transgressor of the law your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our tribulations knowing that tribulation produces endurance.
Also do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness. Present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness for God.
However I see a different law at work in my body. This law fights against the law that my mind approves of. It makes me a prisoner to the law of sin that is at work in my body.
Who are you to judge another man's servant? He stands or falls before his own master. Yes, he will be made to stand for God can make him stand.
Every man who prays or prophesies having his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head. She is the same as if she had her head shaved. read more. For if the woman were not covered, let her also be shaved. But if it is a shame for a woman to have her head shaved, let her be covered. For a man should not cover his head, for he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not from the woman; but the woman is from the man. Neither was man created for woman but woman for man. That is why the woman should have a sign of authority on her head because of the angels. However in the Lord, both men and women exist together. Not one without the other. For as woman is from man, even so is man also from woman. But all things are from God! Judge in yourselves. Is it proper that women pray to God uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you, that, if men have long hair, it is a shame? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her for her hair is given her for a covering.
If I have the gift of prophesy, and know all secrets and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
He also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. The ministry of death was written and engraved on stones. Glory came with it so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly upon the face of Moses. And this glory was passing away. read more. How shall the ministry of the Spirit not be with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory then the ministry of righteousness would exceed in glory. Even what was glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the greater glory. If that which passes away was with glory, that which remains is even more glorious. Since we have such a hope we use great boldness of speech. We are not like Moses, who put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look steadily on the end of that which was passing away: Their minds were blinded. Until this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It is not revealed to them that Christ voided it. But to this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their heart. When one turns to God, the veil is taken away. Now God is the Spirit and where the Spirit of God is, there is liberty (freedom). We all, with unveiled face, behold as in a mirror the glory of God and are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, exactly as from God's Spirit.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision means anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.
This letter is from James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes that are scattered. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials. Know that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance). read more. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God. He gives to all generously and without reproach and it will be given to him.
The sun rises with scorching heat and withers the grass. The flower falls off and its beauty perishes. So also the rich man will fade away in his pursuits.
Let no man say when he is tempted: God tempts me. God cannot be tempted with evil, and he tempts (entices) (tests) (trys) no one.
Using his own will, he gave us birth through the word of truth. This way we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
The anger of man does not promote the righteousness of God.
The anger of man does not promote the righteousness of God.
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, who deceive themselves.
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror. read more. He sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what manner of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continues, being not a hearer who forgets but a doer who works, this man will be blessed in what he does. If any man thinks he is religious, while he does not control his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain (worthless) (useless). Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for the fatherless persons and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.
A man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes and a poor man in shabby clothes comes into your synagogue.
A man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes and a poor man in shabby clothes comes into your synagogue.
Listen, my dearly beloved brothers! Did God choose poor people in the world to be rich in faith and to receive the kingdom he promised to those who love him?
Do they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called? When you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture: You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well.
Whoever obeys the whole law and yet stumbles in one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
Whoever obeys the whole law and yet stumbles in one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
For judgment is without mercy to him who shows no mercy. And mercy triumphs over judgment.
Even so, faith without works is dead. It is alone and by itself!
Even so, faith without works is dead. It is alone and by itself!
Was Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith acted with his works, and works made faith perfect (complete). read more. The scripture was fulfilled which says: Abraham believed Jehovah and it was reckoned (imputed) (considered) (credited) to him for righteousness. He was called Jehovah's friend (Genesis 15:6) ( Isaiah 41:8).
The scripture was fulfilled which says: Abraham believed Jehovah and it was reckoned (imputed) (considered) (credited) to him for righteousness. He was called Jehovah's friend (Genesis 15:6) ( Isaiah 41:8).
The scripture was fulfilled which says: Abraham believed Jehovah and it was reckoned (imputed) (considered) (credited) to him for righteousness. He was called Jehovah's friend (Genesis 15:6) ( Isaiah 41:8).
Just as the body without the spirit is dead; even so faith without works is dead.
Many of you should not be teachers, my brothers. You know that we will receive a heavier (stricter) judgment. We all stumble in many things. If any do not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to restrain (control) the whole body.
We all stumble in many things. If any do not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to restrain (control) the whole body. We put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us. We guide their whole bodies.
We put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us. We guide their whole bodies.
We put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us. We guide their whole bodies. Look at ships. They are large and are driven by rough winds. Yet a very small rudder can control them, wherever the captain wills.
Look at ships. They are large and are driven by rough winds. Yet a very small rudder can control them, wherever the captain wills.
Look at ships. They are large and are driven by rough winds. Yet a very small rudder can control them, wherever the captain wills. The tongue also is a little member. It boasts great things. Consider how great a forest fire a small fire kindles!
The tongue also is a little member. It boasts great things. Consider how great a forest fire a small fire kindles!
The tongue also is a little member. It boasts great things. Consider how great a forest fire a small fire kindles! The tongue is like fire, the place of iniquity among our members. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of our life. It is set ablaze like the ever-burning fires in the Valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna: symbolic of total destruction).
The tongue is like fire, the place of iniquity among our members. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of our life. It is set ablaze like the ever-burning fires in the Valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna: symbolic of total destruction).
The tongue is like fire, the place of iniquity among our members. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of our life. It is set ablaze like the ever-burning fires in the Valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna: symbolic of total destruction). Every kind of beast and bird, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.
Every kind of beast and bird, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.
Every kind of beast and bird, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil. It is full of deadly poison.
But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil. It is full of deadly poison.
But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil. It is full of deadly poison. We bless Jehovah, the Father, with it. (Psalm 34:1) Then we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God.
We bless Jehovah, the Father, with it. (Psalm 34:1) Then we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God.
We bless Jehovah, the Father, with it. (Psalm 34:1) Then we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth! My brothers, these things should not be.
Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth! My brothers, these things should not be.
Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth! My brothers, these things should not be. Does the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter?
Does the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter?
Does the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet.
Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet.
Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are from meekness because of wisdom.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are from meekness because of wisdom. If you have bitter jealousy (envy) and greedy ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and lie against the truth.
If you have bitter jealousy (envy) and greedy ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and lie against the truth. This wisdom is not a wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish. read more. For where jealousy and selfishness are, there is confusion and every evil deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable (yielding), full of mercy and good fruits, without discord (partiality), without hypocrisy.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable (yielding), full of mercy and good fruits, without discord (partiality), without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
What causes wars and fighting among you? Is the cause of fighting your sensual lusts for pleasure that battle within you?
What causes wars and fighting among you? Is the cause of fighting your sensual lusts for pleasure that battle within you?
Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity (hatred) (hostility) toward God? Whoever would be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
But he gives more grace. The scripture said, God resists the proud, but gives grace (loving-kindness) to the humble. Be subject to God! Resist [Satan] the Devil and he will flee from you.
Be subject to God! Resist [Satan] the Devil and he will flee from you.
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the presence of God, and he will exalt you. read more. Brothers, do not speak against each other. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
Brothers, do not speak against each other. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. Only one is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you that you judge your neighbor?
You glory in your conceit. Such glory is evil. He that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.
Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver are rusted. Their corrosion will be for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire. You stored up your treasure in the last days. read more. Behold, the wages of the laborers who harvested your fields, which are held back by you, cry out: and the cries of them that reaped have entered into the ears of Jehovah of Hosts.
Behold, the wages of the laborers who harvested your fields, which are held back by you, cry out: and the cries of them that reaped have entered into the ears of Jehovah of Hosts. You lived in luxury on the earth, and take your pleasure; you nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. read more. You have condemned, and you have killed the righteous one. He does not resist you. Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and late rains.
Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and late rains. You also be patient. Make your hearts firm, for the coming of the Lord is near.
You also be patient. Make your hearts firm, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain (utter a deep sigh) against one another, that you not be judged. Behold, the judge is standing at the door. read more. Brothers, accept the example of suffering and patience by the prophets who spoke in the name of God.
Brothers, accept the example of suffering and patience by the prophets who spoke in the name of God. As you know, those who have endured are called blessed. You have heard of the patience (perseverance) (endurance) of Job, and have seen the outcome Jehovah provided, how he was very tender with his affection and mercy. (Psalm 103:8) read more. Above all things, my brothers do not swear by heaven, or by earth, or by any other oath. Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No. That way you will not fall under judgment.
Is any among you sick? Let him call the elders of the congregation. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of God. The prayer of faith will save the sick person. God will raise him up; and if he committed sins, it will be forgiven him.
let him know, that he who turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save a person from death, and cover a multitude of sins.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are temporary residents scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
You greatly rejoice in this, though you have been grieved with various trials for a little while.
All people are like grass. All their glory is like the blossom of a flower. The grass withers and the flower drops off.
Beloved, I request that you as aliens and strangers abstain from fleshly lust (desires), which causes conflict in you. Maintain fine behavior among the nations. That way when they speak badly about you, they may see your good works and glorify God in the day of visitation (inspection).
Above all things have intense love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Beloved ones do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, for it comes upon you like a test, as though some strange thing were happening to you. As much as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. read more. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the older men. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and serve one another. God resists the proud, but gives loving kindness to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time.
Stand firm in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brothers in the world.
Smith
James, The General Epistle of.
The author of this epistle was in all probability James the son of Alphaeus, and our Lord's brother It was written from Jerusalem, which St. James does not seem to have ever left. It was probably written about A.D. 62, during the interval between Paul's two imprisonments. Its main object is not to teach doctrine, but to improve morality. St. James is the moral teacher of the New Testament. He wrote for the Jewish Christians, whether in Jerusalem or abroad, to warn them against the sins to which as Jews they were most liable, and to console and exhort them under the sufferings to which as Christians they were most exposed.