James 5 - Introduction

ANALYSIS.

The Jews that did not accept the Messiah when he came, and refused to accept the gospel as proclaimed by the apostles, generally speaking were covetous, and because of the success of their methods became wealthy. To these, and to all who because of their riches oppressed the poor, the apostle administers a severe rebuke, and calls them to penitence, foreseeing the calamities that await all such. This he does by painting these coming evils in the liveliest colors. Between the first and the sixth verses the apostle introduces several very bold figures and representations, which for beauty and sublimity have no parallels outside the Bible. He then urges patience, not only under afflictions, but at all times, by showing that in the most important avocations patience is required, and that because they may not appear as successful as others, this should be no cause for complaint, for the same Judge is over all, whose judgment will be righteous. Examples of patience under trying circumstances are given from the prophets and from the history of Job to show the God-given rewards. They are then cautioned concerning swearing, and oaths of all kinds falsely taken, careless swearing being calculated to lead astray and bring condemnation. Prayer is enjoined for the afflicted, and singing of psalms by the merry. The efficacy of prayer is shown by the example of Elijah, and the results of his earnest invocation offered to God's throne. The duty of brethren to restore the falling and wavering among them is next presented. They are urged to use every effort to reclaim such, and the great reward to those who are successful in this direction is named that they shall thereby save "a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins."