1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the {o} Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither {p}shadow of turning.(o) From him who is the fountain and author of all goodness.(p) He goes on in the metaphor: for the sun by his many and various kinds of turning, makes hours, days, months, years, light and darkness. read more
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
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
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
Do not err, my beloved brethren. (17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (19) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (21) Wherefore lay apart all... read more
Do not err, nor deceive yourselves by yielding to temptation; beg God his supporting grace, for every good gift is from him. (Witham) read more
12-18 It is not every man who suffers, that is blessed; but he who with patience and constancy goes through all difficulties in the way of duty. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own fault. The tried Christian shall be a crowned one. The crown of life is promised to all who have the love of God reigning in their hearts. Every soul that truly loves God, shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above, where love is made perfect. The commands of God,... read more
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
God's Fatherhood and the Obligations of Sonship. God's fatherhood and the acceptance of His Word: v. 16. Do not err, my beloved brethren. v. 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. v. 18. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures. v. 19. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,... read more
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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