In the last issue of The Tidings, we printed the introduction to the epistle of James. We are now beginning a verse by verse commentary which will be helpful to all who want to make a real study of this wonderful little book.
James 1
v. 1 “James” — the half-brother of the Lord Jesus. See introductory section under “Author”.
“The twelve tribes . . scattered abroad” –the letter is particularly directed to Jewish Christians.
In the years immediately following the ascension of Christ, many ecclesias were established in the area of Palestine, Syria and Asia Minor which consisted entirely of converted Jews, cf. Acts 8:1,4; 9:19,31; 11:19.
Even after Paul commenced his missionary campaigns, many of the new ecclesias had a majority of Jews in their congregations, Acts 14:1; 17:10, 11.
The Endurance Of Trial Bear Trials Joyfully
v. 2 “My brethren”—in this letter the phrase refers to Christian Jews who were James’ spiritual brethren, 1:18; 2:1.
“When ye fall into divers temptation” –the temptations (trials) referred to here were those of persecution and hardships occasionally experienced on account of the Truth, confirm 1:3-12; 2:6; 5:6,7.
“Count it all joy”—the trial itself is not joyous—it is grievous, and the scriptures readily state as much, Heb. 12:2,11: I Peter 1:6. Whence then comes the joy? The joy comes when we realize that trials develop our character, if they are properly endured, thus preparing us that we might share in the eternal glories of the kingdom.
Tribulations produce hope, Rom. 5:3,4, patience James 1:3 and righteousness Heb. 12:11; the proper enduring of them strengthens our hold on our eternal reward, Matt. 5:10-12, a reward so wonderful that “the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared” with it, Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17. Once realizing these benefits of trial, we can better understand why James says to “count it all joy” when ye fall into them.
These principles apply to trials of sickness, family difficulty, financial hardship and loss of popularity as well as to direct physical persecution.
v. 3 “knowing this–-as we have done in the preceding note, James explains how one can rejoice in the midst of tribulation—by realizing that “the trying of your faith worketh patience . . . and when (one) is tried, he shall receive the crown of life” (Vs. 3,12).
By thus seeing the goal beyond the pain, we can endure trial with a fervent steadfast hope and even with a deep, eternal sense of joy.
“The trying . . .––in the Bible, faith is sometimes compared to gold with the same need for a refining process to remove the impurities, I Peter 1:7. That is the idea behind James’ use of “trying” in the verse. Note: “trying” here and “trial” in I Peter 1:7 are both from the same Greek word.
“Patience–-Greek HUPOMONE “endurance, constancy” (Strong’s). This word does not refer to being patient with the annoying ways of another; but it has reference to ‘spiritual staying power’ in the midst of long term difficulties. Compare its use in Rom. 2:7 “patient continuance”, 2 Thess. 3:5 ‘patient waiting”, Heb. 10:36.
v. 4 “Let steadfastness have its full effect“ (RSV) — we can hinder God’s attempt to improve our characters by not letting those attributes developed in trial have their full effect on our lives.
“Perfect and entire, wanting nothing–– at first glance this phrase seems too idealistic; however it describes a spiritually developed person who is wholehearted in his devotion to God. -Perfect” here means spiritually ‘mature’ (which is one meaning of the Greek, Liddell-Scott). For “wanting nothing” compare Luke 18:22 where “lackest’ is from the same Greek word. If we are properly affected by trials (Heb. 12:-11) and endure them faithfully, such experiences will contribute immeasurably to the development of a character such as James describes here—spiritually mature and complete, lacking no essential of godliness. (Note I John 1:8, such a person would still sin, but would not do so willingly for his sincere desire would be to serve God with his entire being.)
Ask God for the Necessary Wisdom
v. 5 “If any of you lack wisdom“ — “If we are indeed to ‘count it all joy’ when we fall into divers trials, then it is clear we need to look upon human experience from the divine standpoint, to see it in its eternal rather than in its temporal aspect; and that calls for a measure of divine insight and wisdom.” (N. Smart, p. 44). The source from which such wisdom comes is God Himself and it is He we must ask to supply that which is lacking in us.
“Liberally” — this is the only occurrence of the Greek APLOS; but it is a word closely related to that rendered “single” in Matt. 6:22. In other words, God is consistent in wholehearted unreserved giving to all who approach Him properly.
“Upbraideth nor —God does not help us only after first criticizing us for our weakness. He knows our frame and remembers that we are dust so “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him” Psa. 103:13,14. Therefore He provides the help we need without belittling our efforts or heaping reproach on our heads.
“It shall be given him“ —an absolute assurance that God will answer our prayer as we seek the wisdom needed to effectively endure trial.
But Do Not Be Double Minded In Your Asking
v. 6 With no doubting“ (RSV) — at first this may seem an unreasonable stipulation to make; who is not bothered by some doubts as to whether or not God will answer a specific prayer? Yet in this case the promise is absolute—”it shall be given him . . . ” The attitude desired is that which faithful Abraham displayed — “He staggered (same Greek as translated “wavering” here) not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith . . . being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Rom. 4:20,21.
So then, it may seem unlikely that we should ever have the depth of spiritual wisdom to endure trial properly. Yet our confidence must not be related to our own weakness but to God’s strength and to His mercy that what He has promised He can and will perform. If this be our faith and we seek help not doubting His promise, He will so strengthen us.
There is another aspect to “not doubting” that should also be noted. In the present context, it is possible James has in mind the person who is uncertain he really wants to obediently endure the tribulation. J. B. Phillips paraphrases the passage: “But he must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts as to whether he really wants God’s help or not.” We all know the feeling: we are torn between God and the flesh; we ask for help, but half heartedly, because we would just as soon give in to the flesh. From the verses that follow (8-11 ), it is evident James sees this double-minded attitude among some of his readers and vigorously warns against it.
“Like a ware of the sea“– the figure expresses the restlessness and instability of a disciple who is torn between faith and doubt, between God and the flesh.
v. 7 “Let not that man . . .” God is cheerfully willing to help but only if approached by one of sincere faith who has an earnest desire to obey. cf. Matt. 21:21,22.
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