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L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:1-27

This chapter has a very close relationship to the Old Testament, for all is seen in connection with God; and Christ is not yet spoken of as the center and essence of all blessing and of all direction for the people of God. Chapter 2 introduces this. James writes simply as a bondservant, not as an apostle communicating the mind of God. For he emphasizes conduct, not doctrine. It may be questioned as to how all twelve tribes might be contacted for the distribution of this message (specially... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - James 1:1-27

INSTRUCTION CONCERNING TRIALS “Temptations,” in James 1:2 , is in the sense of trials (see Revised Version margin). Why should they be received with joy (James 1:3 )? In what spiritual condition will such a reception and use of trial result (James 1:4 )? What will effectually aid in that direction (James 1:5 ; James 1:8 )? Along what lines of trial were they being exercised (James 1:9 ; James 1:11 )? Notice that the poor man is to find comfort in his truly high estate in Christ, while the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - James 1:1-27

God's Gifts James 1:0 James is always thought to be a very stern man. We think of him as never smiling, never bending in familiar and companionable intercourse, but always standing upon a crag of granite, and telling men what they ought to do; and telling men their duty in a voice that indicates no disposition to be trifled with. We have done wrong by some of these men. They are not so stern when we come to know them. It would be impossible for a preacher of Christ to be stern in any sense... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Observe, that it is the brethren to whom the Apostle speaks, That is, brethren in Christ, partakers of the heavenly calling. Carnal men can never rejoice in temptations, or trials; for the sorrow of the world, worketh death. But there is great cause for joy, when the... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - James 1:3-4

The trying of your faith worketh patience. St. Paul seems to assert the reverse: (Romans v. 3.) when he says, patience worketh a trial. They are easily reconciled. Here St. James teacheth us, that patience is occasionally obtained, and strengthened by sufferings, the meaning of St. Paul is, that patience worketh, sheweth itself, and is found perfect in the sight of God by trials. (Witham) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - James 1:1-11

1-11 Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - James 1:1-99

James 1 THE EPISTLE is not written to any particular assembly of believers, nor even to the whole church of God. It is addressed rather to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,” and it is this which accounts for its unusual character. Let us attempt to seize the view-point from ‘which James speaks before we consider any of its details. Although the Gospel began at Jerusalem and there won its earliest triumphs, the Christians of that city were slower than others in entering into the... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - James 1:2-7

Temptation and prayer: v. 2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, v. 3. knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. v. 4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. v. 5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. v. 6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - James 1:1-11

THE EPISTLE GENERAL OF JAMES 1___________I. INTRODUCTIONTHE SALUTATION OF THE SERVANT OF GOD AND OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE TWELVE TRIBES IN THE DISPERSION. REFERENCE TO THE VARIEGATED TEMPTATIONS TO WHICH THEY ARE EXPOSED, AND TO THE JOYFUL DESIGN OF THE SAME: THEIR CONSUMMATIONJames 1:1-111James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,2 greeting.3 2My brethren, count4 it all joy when ye fall into 3divers temptations.5 Knowing this,... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - James 1:1-11

Steadfast Faith James 1:1-11 This Epistle is marked by the austere features of the Jerusalem church, which refused to be affected by that wider contact with the Gentile world, by which the life and teachings of St. Paul were so powerfully influenced. “Brother to Jesus” was the designation that James might have used, but he preferred the more modest title of bond-servant . The slaves of such a king are nobles! The times were full of severe testing. Each believer had to face ignominy, loss... read more

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