James 1:1-2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:2

Count it all joy - The word πειρασμος , which we translate temptation, signifies affliction, persecution, or trial of any kind; and in this sense it is used here, not intending diabolic suggestion, or what is generally understood by the word temptation. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:1

Verse 1 1To the twelve tribes. When the ten tribes were banished, the Assyrian king placed them in different parts. Afterwards, as it usually happens in the revolutions of kingdoms (such as then took place,) it is very probable that they moved here and there in all directions. And the Jews had been scattered almost unto all quarters of the world. He then wrote and exhorted all those whom he could not personally address, because they had been scattered far and wide. But that he speaks not of the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:2

Verse 2 2All joy. The first exhortation is, to bear trials with a cheerful mind. And it was especially necessary at that time to comfort the Jews, almost overwhelmed as they were with troubles. For the very name of the nation was so infamous, that they were hated and despised by all people wherever they went; and their condition as Christians rendered them still more miserable, because they held their own nation as their most inveterate enemies. At the same time, this consolation was not so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:1

SALUTATION . James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. (On the person who thus describes himself, see the Introduction) It is noteworthy that he keeps entirely out of sight his natural relationship to our Lord, and styles himself simply "a bond-servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ." That, and that alone, gave him a right to speak and a claim to be heard. δοῦλος is similarly used by St. Paul in Romans 1:1 ; Philippians 1:1 ; Titus 1:1 by St. Peter in 2 Peter... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:1

The writer and his work. Our business to identify writer, trace life and character, consider special aim in Epistle, and note its main characteristics. (See especially Plumptre) I. IDENTIFY WRITER . Four men of this name come before us in New Testament: So far as writer's description of himself goes, he might have been any one of the four. Therefore evidence must be sought elsewhere. As to James the son of Zebedee, never seriously maintained till lately, and on grounds by no... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:1-4

A joyful salutation for a time of adversity. James, in the opening sentence of his letter, "wisheth joy" to the Christian Jews who were scattered over the Roman world (verse 1). He knew that they were environed with adversity; they suffered from the persecution of the heathen, and from the upbraidings of their unbelieving countrymen. Yet his loving, sympathetic heart wishes them joy even in all time of their tribulation. I. THE CHRISTIAN SHOULD REJOICE AMIDST TRIALS .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2

My brethren . A favorite expression with St. James, occurring no less than fifteen times in the compass of this short Epistle. Count it all joy , etc.; cf. 1 Peter 1:6 , "Wherein ye greatly rejoice , though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold temptations , that the proof of your faith ( τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως ) … might be found unto praise," etc. The coincidence is too close to be accidental, although the shade of meaning... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2-4

The value of temptation. Considered as an opportunity , it is a cause for joy. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2-4

Temptation as cause for joy. What a reversal of the ordinary view, which regards trial and temptation as an unwelcome visitation! Prosperity is the blessing of the old covenant, adversity is the blessing of the new. Temptations should be regarded, not only as probations , i.e. as testing what we are, but as designed also for moral discipline and improvement. The character that has never been tried may be innocent, but it is liable to be crushed. It is lacking in the strength and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2-4

The strange paradox. He has given them "greeting" ( James 1:1 ), or, literally, wished them "joy." Was this a hitter irony? For in what condition were they? Persecuted, as Jews and especially as Christian Jews; oppressed, the poorer by the richer; and all, in the common heritage of human woe, afflicted in a hundred ways. And does he wish "joy" to these? Yes, even so. And, as though surmising the question, he goes on to insist yet more emphatically on the "greeting" which he has given.... read more

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