The author identifies himself as james, a servant of god and of the lord jesus christ who is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. Traditionally, the epistle has been attributed to james the brother of jesus. Zebedee the father of the disciples james and john. Read james 1 commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. The chapter also presents a unique aspect of christian ethics. What is the book of james about in the bible new testament. James, like all of the general epistles except hebrews, is named after its author verse 1. Our goal is to provide easyto understand discussion of the scriptures, without relying on jargon or slogans. Rather than simply not harming others, the bible actually obligates us to actively do what is right. The book of james is a website dedicated to the study of the epistle letter of james in the new testament.
Commentary on the book of james by matthew henry new. These small group studies of james contain outlines, crossreferences, bible study discussion questions, and applications. There are at least fifteen allusions to the sermon on the mount in james. He shows that the whole law is to be fulfilled, and that mercy should be followed, as well as. The book of james is probably the oldest book of the new testament, written perhaps as early as a. As you read this chapter of james keep the following questions in mind. The understanding the bible commentary series, published by baker, is a rebranding of the the new international biblical commentary, formerly published by hendrickson, which was a rebranding of the good news commentary series, formerly by published by harpercollins. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading james zondervan exegetical commentary on the new testament series book 16. Gnc commentaries were first published in the 1980s. There are a number of helpful commentaries on the book of james, and the. James 1 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole.
This site is a comprehensive study of the book of james. Understanding the bible commentary series ubc 36 vols. This council met in ad 49, meaning james likely wrote his letter in ad 4548. Understanding the book of james in the bible epistle of james. The author is identified only as james, and there are four men so named in the new testament. Allow yourself several lines between each question. Hence, james demands that faith must demonstrate itself as real. James, with its devotion to direct, pungent statements on wise living, is reminiscent of the book of proverbs. Through clear exposition and application questions, gilbert helps us rightly understand the book of james, which was written to fortify the connection between genuine faith and heartfelt obedience. We pray that this book of james bible study blesses you and inspires you to become more like the man james admired most, the lord jesus christ. An online bible commentary you can understand welcome to, the free online bible study site. Some think that this epistle was written in response to an overzealous. Each volume in the understanding the bible commentary series breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers.
Home group study book of james practical advice on living. Different bible translations of the letter of james and other bible study resources are available. James 1 commentary james burton coffman commentaries on the. For james, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless james 2.
Whether you are just beginning to read scripture or have been studying the bible daily, commentaries offer greater understanding with background information on authorship, history, setting. Understanding the book of james devotional reading plan. The epistle of james was written to help us understand and. In addition, it gives personal help, teaching notes, and sermon ideas that will address needs, answer questions, and provide insight for applying gods word to life today.
In the logos edition, each scripture passage links to your favorite translation, and the series is easy to study side by side with your other commentaries. The epistle of james was probably written by the halfbrother of jesus. Matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete james james 2. Therefore, the theme of james is not merely faith and works, but faith that works. They are a bit on the expensive side for a single book commentary more than id be willing to pay. Knowing that this james was the halfbrother of jesus makes his selfintroduction all the more significant. The epistle of james has had a controversial history. Overview bible commentaries read and study from over. This study will take a close look at how our faith is worked out in everyday life by understanding the principles of godly wisdom. Learn how to deal with trials and temptations, understanding that enduring adversity ultimately brings joy.
This book of james bible study lesson explores the three themes of the book. The life application bible commentary series provides versebyverse explanation, background, and application for every verse in the new testament. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 2 introduction to james background of the book the epistle of james is one of the general epistles, including 1 and 2 peter, 1, 2 and 3. In language and themes that sound similar to jesuss sermon on the. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 2 introduction to james background of the book the epistle of james is one of the general epistles, including 1. Easy english bible with free commentaries and studies. Learn to extend mercy, not harsh judgment, to others. The bible commentary and notes series hosted on is designed to help pastors and bible teachers study the bible in its proper historical and literary context.
Free online library of bible commentaries to help you understand the old and new testament. Study james 2 using matthew henrys bible commentary concise to better understand scripture with full outline and verse meaning. How to study the book of james in the bible synonym. Home group study book of james practical advice on living the life lesson one james 1. How can we identify the rich in the epistle of james. Click the commentary tab or pulldown menu for a full selection of commentaries over any bible passage you are researching. They present a careful sectionbysection exposition of the biblical books with key terms and phrase. Douglas moo is one of the top conservative new testament scholars alive today. God gives this wisdom so that they can choose to do what is right. James 1 pastor brent freeman november 4, 2014 more info. What can studying the book of james teach us about faith. Iakobos, the epistle of james, or simply james, is one of the 21 epistles didactic letters in the new testament. You will also find options for commentaries on james that help pastors, teachers, and readers with application of the bible, commentaries that approach the scripture versebyverse, classic christian commentaries, and much more. In this chapter the apostle condemns a sinful regarding of the rich, and despising the poor, which he imputes to partiality and injustice, and shows it to be an acting contrary to god, who has chosen the poor, and whose interest is often persecuted, and his name blasphemed, by the rich.
James is one of the most fascinating and controversial books of the bible. Useful guides to help you study the bible by yourself or in a small group. The book addresses a variety of topics important to growing your faith and teaches that you not only need to read the word of god and know what it says, but you also need to act on it. In this comprehensive biblical commentary, joyce meyer offers you practical insights for studying the book of james, with room for personal reflections that will. It is a letter written by james, the brother of jesus, most likely to the jewish christians outside of palestine. Normally id recommend these books as it helps with a basic understanding of gods word. As james says, it is sin to know the right thing to do, and choose not to do it james 4. For personal study, i suggest you start at the beginning of a chapter or book. Best james commentaries updated for 2020 best bible. Each packet in this series contains important background information on a specific biblical booksuch as authorship, date, setting, and book outlinesas well as indepth versebyverse commentary on each.
Its influenced by proverbs and frequently quotes jesus sermon on the mount. He has written one of the best commentaries on romans, and now one of the best commentaries on james. In the first three chapters he is going to speak of the verification of genuine faith and give us some of the ways god tests faith. Guidelines for understanding and proclaiming the book of job. For a broader view look at the comments in the right column. Study james 1 using matthew henrys bible commentary concise to better understand scripture with full outline and verse meaning.
These letters were sent out as circular epistles to be passed around and read in several locations. James the halfbrother of jesus wrote it approximately 4849 a. Read james 2 commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. Here, you can find book by book, chapterbychapter, and versebyverse commentary on the entire bible eventually. Written by wellknown and popular theologians, bible commentaries aid in the study of scripture by providing explanation and interpretation of biblical text.
Some understand this of the dispersion upon the persecution of stephen, acts. That way, we can grow in faith and maturity so we can apply our christian character and conduct in how we are to others. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The correct interpretation of the book of james has the ability to radically transform the heart and actions of a believer. The hesitancy of people to ask for or to seek prayer from the leadership of the church in such circumstances is a true mystery. New testament offers pastors, students, and laypeople commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship. Recommended sites bible info questions with answers in major world languages.
The first provides an overview of the three themes. Study guide for james 1 by david guzik blue letter bible. An integrated digital bible study library including complete notes from the niv study bible and the nkjv macarthur study bible. The book of james is possibly the earliest writing found in the new testament canon. The understanding the bible commentary series offers pastors, students, and laypeople commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship. Realize that words are important and must be used for good, not evil. Visit our library of inductive bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the bible you can use in your small group. Study the bible online using commentary on james 1 and more. It has a practical emphasis, stressing not theoretical knowledge, but godly behavior. A mcnab the new bible commentary ivf r v g tasker james the tyndale new.
It was likely written after paul began to bring the gospel to the gentiles but before he and james met at the jerusalem council cf. Understanding that this letter was written by someone who knew jesus personally to people who were already christians should inform your understanding and reading of this letter. Throughout the book, james contended that faith produces authentic deeds. James 1 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the church of christ, presents a verse level look at the bible. The understanding the bible commentary series helps readers navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the bible. Genuine faith will manifest itself in righteous acts that come out of a pure heart. As fellow christians, we could all learn a lot about james by simply reading the book of james. Written by jesus half brother jacob, the book of james shares sage wisdom for all the churches and followers of jesus. It alludes to jesus twice, as the lord jesus christ and as our wonderful lord jesus christ james 1. In another place he wrote of the book of james, i think highly of the epistle of. The book of james is full of practical wisdom for everyday living. If you can only have one commentary on james, this is the one to have.
James urges us to take special concern for those who are vulnerable or marginalized, and we may need to practice noticing who these people are at our places of work. This fiveday reading plan explores the book of james through heather hairs adapted commentary originally written by christian classic author matthew henry. The author identifies himself as james, a servant of god and of the lord jesus christ who is. Though many have written concerning various hermeneutical factors related to the book of job, there has been no comprehensive study com piling guidelines for understanding the book. A biblical commentary is a written systematic series of explanations and interpretations of scripture. Gain a better understanding of the book of james and apply its practical wisdom for all christians. Study scripture verses with commentary, concordances, and use highlighting, underlining, take notes in the bible.
James also said that the elders of the church, as they pray, should anoint the sick person with oil in the name of. We have just added many new sources, including the expositors bible commentary, bengels gnomon, langes commentary, hastings great texts and many more. You may even wish to write the questions down on a separate piece of paper before you begin. The wrong interpretation often creates the opposite effect, producing in the believer a judgmental heart that drifts further and further away from the compelling love of god.
James combines the wisdom of his brother jesus with the book of proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to god. It was likely the first new testament book letter to be written. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 2 introduction to james background of the book the epistle of james is one of the general epistles, including 1 and 2 peter, 1, 2 and 3 john, and jude. The primary theme running through james is the knowledge we are given by our lord. J b mayor in dictionary of the bible, edited by j hastings. When you have finished reading the chapter devote several minutes to your answers. An integrated digital bible study library including complete notes from the niv study bible and the nkjv macarthur study bible is just a step away. They are written by some of the most knowledgeable theologians in church history. The next three each explore one of the themes from the text. There are a number of helpful commentaries on the book of james, and the following are five of the best. James is an intensely practical book, filled with exhortations to christians about the way they should live their lives now that. In the opening of his letter, james called himself a bondservant of god, an appropriate name given the practical, servantoriented emphasis of the book.
May 26, 2017 inside the new testament group, the epistle of james is vital on the grounds that it makes no reference until the very end, restoration, or awesome sonship of jesus. The more common approach among biblical commentators has been to argue primarily from straightforward grammatical structure that james 1. James does not imagine that work is at odds with faith. Study james 4 using matthew henrys bible commentary concise to better understand scripture with full outline and verse meaning. Book of james overview insight for living ministries. Audio readings of each chapter are also provided by heather hair. Choose from over 110 bible commentaries freely available online at for sermon, bible study, and sunday school preparation. When gods people go through personal trials, they discover what kind of faith they really possess. Yet the evidence unquestionably favors one candidate. Moo, in his commentary on james, writes about the background of the epistle. James is a book about the application of our faith and the importance to learn and grow in christ. Three themes of the book of james chapter 1, verses 1 through 27. James james the half brother of jesus is the likely author of the book of james.