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Book of james context
Exegetical study of james 2
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The Epistle of James has an enduring message for the entirety of the Church and for each individual believer. James challenges its readers to live a life pleasing to God. The message of James 2 is vital for Christians to take root into one’s life. In James 2, there are two controversial topics addressed. James 2 addresses how to live out one’s faith by bringing forth action. The previous chapter addresses a phrase in James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves”, which correlates with James Ch. 2:14-26. Being doers of the word and not hearers only is simply the only suitable response to the word of God. One would not be able to be a doer of the word if he does not fulfill the royal law of love (James 2:1-13) or if his faith does not include works (James 2:14-26) (Hodges 59). James Ch. 2: 1-26 relates to James as a whole by addressing sin, judgment and focusing on living out one’s faith.
The commonly accepted author for the Book of James is James the Just, the Lord’s brother. James practiced strict adherence to Jewish tradition although he did not require it of others. James was called the “Just” because of his extraordinary equality and wisdom. James was also known as “Camel Knees” because of the calluses on his knees from long hours of prayer. The authoritative style of the author fits the portrayal of James that is depicted in Acts (Acts 15:13-21; 21:18). The high moral standards conveyed throughout this epistle seem to reflect the character of James the Just as described by 2nd century writers (Hodges 7-9).
In James 1:1, the author allocates his intended audience as the “twelve tribes in the dispersion”. This leads many to believe that the audience for James’ letter was certainly ...
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James 2 brought forth a great message to Jewish Christians outside Palestine, as well as, Christians today. God’s word is extremely powerful and can relate to many generations. James powerful teaching on faith and the proscription of partiality is a crucial lesson to be learned by all. It is vital that Christians bear fruit in all they do giving glory to the Lord. James 2 shows Christians the need to be consistently pursing God and acting on their faith.
Works Cited
ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008. Print.
Hodges, Zane Clark., Arthur L. Farstad, and Robert N. Wilkin. The Epistle of James: Proven
Character through Testing : a Verse by Verse Commentary. Irving, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 1994. Print.
Moo, Douglas J. The Letter of James. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2000. Print.
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition Bible. Eds. Dom Bernand Orchard, Rev. R. V. Fuller. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1966. Print.
James states that the human nature can be only concluded through the profound judgment as it were. He expresses his opinion as openly “No” on the individuality of human nature and on the lives of men whether they share an identical religious element. The reason that he has mentioned is that he does not see how can it be possible for human with different nature and different culture can share exactly same duties and power. Every person has his own views and believes when we are taking such a strong topic into account. Everyone has their unique way of dealing. Religion can be dealt in two ways either it can be
...yne A. The HarperCollins Study Bible New Revised Standard Edition . New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1993. 1645-1722. Print.
McEwen, Fred B. “Henry James.” Literary Reference Center. Salem Press, Jan. 2010. Web. 7 Apr. 2014. .
First of all, the audience James was writing was almost certainly Jewish. This can be inferred because he addresses the “twelve tribes in dispersion” (1:1). Therefore, controversy over whether to be circumcised would not have been a relevant issue. Also, instead of the theological arguments of Galatians, the Book of James is filled with commands and directions for how to live out their faith in areas such as perseverance, controlling the tongue, caring for widows and orphans, and not showing partiality. This was needed for James’s audience because they did not view works as a necessary result of faith. In 1:22, James tells them, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” They had been exposed to God’s truth, but had misguidedly believed that was enough, instead of letting it affect how they lived their lives. Also, James questions whether a believer without any evidence in the form of works could have ever truly been justified by faith. Demons have knowledge of Christ, but they do not have saving faith (3:19). Abraham is, once again, given as an example of true faith. In Galatians, Paul gives him as an example of someone who was justified by faith because he believed God’s promises. James points out that Abraham’s faith caused him to follow God in deed, even to the point of almost sacrificing his only son. True faith results in
Silva, Moisés. Philippians. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.
New Testament. Vol. 2. Edited by Gerhard Kittel. Translated by Geoffrey W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1964.
The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1957.
The letter of Ephesians is the tenth book in the New Testament, its authorship is attributed to Paul after his conversion from a persecutor of Christians to apostle. The legitimacy of his authorship is still debated by scholars. Harold Hoehner in his book “Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary,” lists a number of reasons why many scholars reject Paul as the author. But, for the purposes of this exegetical Paul is considered the author of the letter.
Baptist Publication Society, 1886). Clarke, Adam; ed. ; pp. 63-63. Clarke's Commentary (New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 2003). no date. Criswell, W. A. & Co., W. A. Expository Notes on the Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids: Zondervan).
New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997. Osborne, Grant R. Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002.
Kohlenberger, III, John R. and Barker, Kenneth L., eds. Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary: An Abridgement of the Expositors Bible Commentary. Chicago: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994.
Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version. New York: American Bible Society, 1995. Print. (BS195 .C66 1995)
The book of James masterfully exposes the root of sin and reveals the path out of it. And now he calls upon people to take that path. Notice how this is accomplished. He reminds them of the futility of their current lifestyle choices. Revealing the worthlessness of riches motivates them to glory in the right things. Instead of rejoicing in riches, he wants them to rejoice in righteousness.
James 1:26 says “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” According to the letter this is wrong, but it isn’t. Without Christians imagine what the world would be like today. God wants us all to live the life of a Christian. We represent God by following him and showing his love and our love to others.