These standards transcend time as they apply to us today. James addresses the ethical standards of the early church and gives us insight into many of the issues the church faced. Some have likened this book to Proverbs because of the wisdom it contains. He uses vivid illustrations to convey answers to practical instruction. He tempers his commands with deep compassion as he calls his readers, “my friends,” numerous times. James, as a pastor, wrote this letter to instruct and encourage them while they faced these trials. The dispersion refers to the scattered Jewish believers throughout the region who were experiencing poverty and persecution. James, considered to be a well-known leader in the Jerusalem church, refrained from elaboration on his identity in the opening statement. James identifies himself as, “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” writing to the “twelve tribes in the dispersion.” Although there are four ‘James’ mentioned in the New Testament, most scholars agree that James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote this book.
Next, let’s look at who wrote this verse and why. We share in his holiness and righteousness, but also in the trials that bring suffering. In Jesus we have eternal life, access to our Father, and atonement for our sins. Our future glory awaits us when we face our trials and sufferings with joy. So our trials can be the impetus for joy in our lives because we know that hope is our reward ( Romans 5:3-4). Perseverance is the unswerving, deliberate, and loyal attitude towards faith in the face of suffering. Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. In Aramaic, “consider” means, “to lead the way” or “to lead before the mind.” This shows us that our mind is an active participant in our faith. James writes of the outward serving faith, while Paul writes of the inner saving faith.īoth men reveal the power of faith to transform how we interact with others-regardless of our circumstances or trials. In five, practical, power-packed chapters James calls his readers to holiness in living.
James 1:2 echoes John 16:33: trials come our way, but we’re called to respond to them with courage and joy.
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