James 1:2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - James 1:2-12

We now come to consider the matter of this epistle. In this paragraph we have the following things to be observed:? I. The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed. 1. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians, even of those who have the most reason to think and hope well of themselves. Such as have a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 1:2-4

1:2-4 My brothers, reckon it all joy whenever you become involved in all kinds of testings, for you are well aware that the testing of your faith produces unswerving constancy. And let constancy go on to work out its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, deficient in nothing. James never suggested to his readers that Christianity would be for them an easy way. He warns them that they would find themselves involved in what the King James Version calls divers temptations. The... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 1:2-4

James describes this process of testing by the word dokimion ( Greek #1383 ). It is an interesting word. It is the word for sterling coinage, for money which is genuine and unalloyed. The aim of testing is to purge us of all impurity. If we meet this testing in the right way, it will produce unswerving constancy (or steadfastness as the Revised Standard Version translates it). The word is hupomone ( Greek #5281 ), which the King James Version translates as patience; but patience is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 1:2

My brethren ,.... Not only according to the flesh, he being a Jew as they were; but in a spiritual sense, they being born again of the same grace, belonging to the same family and household of faith, and having the same Father, and being all the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus: count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations ; not the temptations of Satan, or temptations to sin; for these cannot be matter of joy, but grief; these are fiery darts, and give a great deal of... read more

Adam Clarke

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 1:2

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 1:1-4

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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - James 1:2-12

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 1:2-4

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 1:2-4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 1:2

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

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

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2-4

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:2-4

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