James 1:2

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:2-11

A. The Value of Trials 1:2-11The writer pointed out the value of trials to encourage his readers to adopt a positive attitude toward these experiences, to endure them, and to view them as God’s tools. God uses trials to shape believers into people that will glorify Himself. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:2-27

II. TRIALS AND TRUE RELIGION 1:2-27James began his letter, which is in many ways a lecture, by dealing with the problem of trials that all believers encounter. Jews who became Christians in the early history of the church experienced much antagonism and persecution from their unbelieving fellow Jews, as is clear in the Book of Acts. All Christians who take a stand for the Lord continue to have to deal with such trials. Thus James’ inspired advice is perennially relevant. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:1-27

The Power of Faith Under Temptation1. Servant] better, ’slave.’ The word does not suggest any degradation, but only absolute surrender to the Master. St. James’s humility prevents the mention of the earthly relationship. Scattered abroad] RV ’of the Dispersion.’ Jews were found (sometimes in great numbers) in all the cities of the Roman empire. They kept up their connexion with the mother-country by going up to the great Jewish feasts. Greeting] better, ’joy be with you.’ This form of... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - James 1:2

(2) Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.—Better, Account it all joy whenever ye fall into divers temptations—i.e., trials; but even with this more exact rendering of the text, how can we, poor frail creatures of earth, it may well be asked, feel any joy under such? Do we not pray in our Saviour’s words, “Lead us not into temptation”? (See Matthew 6:13, and Note there.) Yet a little consideration will open out the teaching of Holy Scripture very plainly. The Apostle here is... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - James 1:2-27

(2-27) Immediately after the salutation, and with more or less a play upon the word which we translate “greeting” (“rejoice,” James 1:1; “count it all joy,” James 1:2) there follow appeals on behalf of patience, endurance. and meekness. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - James 1:1-27

James 1:3 It sometimes seems a little strange how, after having earnestly prayed to be delivered from temptation, and having given ourselves with shut eyes into God's hand, from that time every thought, every outward influence, every acknowledged law of life, seems to lead us on from strength to strength. Mrs. Gaskell, in Ruth (ch. XXIII.). Never expect thy flesh should truly expound the meaning of the rod. It will call love, hatred; and say, God is destroying, when He is saving. It is the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - James 1:2

Chapter 4THE PERSONS ADDRESSED IN THE EPISTLE: THE JEWS OF THE DISPERSION."James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting." - James 1:2THESE words appear to be both simple and plain. At first sight there would seem to be not much room for any serious difference of opinion as to their meaning. The writer of the letter writes as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ," i.e., as a Christian, "to the twelve tribes which are... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - James 1:2-4

Chapter 5THE RELATION OF THIS EPISTLE TO THE WRITINGS OF ST. PAUL AND OF ST. PETER - THE DATE OF THE EPISTLE - THE DOCTRINE OF JOY IN TEMPTATION.James 1:2-4THIS passage at once raises the question of the relation of this Epistle to other writings in the New Testament. Did the writer of it know any of the writings of St. Paul or of St. Peter? It is contended in some quarters that the similarity of thought and expression in several passages is so great as to prove such knowledge, and it is argued... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - James 1:1-27

Analysis and Annotations I. TRIALS AND THE EXERCISE OF FAITH CHAPTER 1 1. Trials and the power of faith (James 1:1-4 ) 2. The resources of faith (James 1:5-8 ) 3. The realization of faith (James 1:9-11 ) 4. The conquest of faith (James 1:12-15 ) 5. The result of faith (James 1:16-27 ) James 1:1-4 The first verse is the introduction. The writer is James, but he does not add, as he might have done, “the brother of the Lord.” It would have identified his person at once, and being the... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - James 1:2

1:2 {1} My brethren, {c} count it all joy {2} when ye fall into divers temptations;(1) The first place or part concerning comfort in afflictions, in which we should not be cast down and be faint hearted, but rather rejoice and be glad.(c) Seeing their condition was miserable because of the scattering abroad, he does well to begin as he does.(2) The first argument, because our faith is tried through afflictions: which ought to be most pure, for so it suits us. read more

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