James 1:22-2:8 NIV

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:22-25

3. The complete response 1:22-25Whereas James 1:19-21 stress the importance of listening to the Word, James 1:22-25 emphasize the necessity of putting the Word into practice, applying it. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:1-27

The Power of Faith Under Temptation1. Servant] better, ’slave.’ The word does not suggest any degradation, but only absolute surrender to the Master. St. James’s humility prevents the mention of the earthly relationship. Scattered abroad] RV ’of the Dispersion.’ Jews were found (sometimes in great numbers) in all the cities of the Roman empire. They kept up their connexion with the mother-country by going up to the great Jewish feasts. Greeting] better, ’joy be with you.’ This form of... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - James 1:2-27

(2-27) Immediately after the salutation, and with more or less a play upon the word which we translate “greeting” (“rejoice,” James 1:1; “count it all joy,” James 1:2) there follow appeals on behalf of patience, endurance. and meekness. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - James 1:22

(22) Doers of the word.—Acting up to the full of their knowledge, whether gained by the spoken or the written Word of God. There is a force in the original sentence, which our own language cannot supply. The term “deceiving” is the contrary of that rendered “word,” and means its corruption; the Word which is the source of knowledge and life may be so handled as to cause error and death. No acquaintance with the Bible, apart from the practice of its precepts, will avail the Christian any more... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - James 1:1-27

James 1:3 It sometimes seems a little strange how, after having earnestly prayed to be delivered from temptation, and having given ourselves with shut eyes into God's hand, from that time every thought, every outward influence, every acknowledged law of life, seems to lead us on from strength to strength. Mrs. Gaskell, in Ruth (ch. XXIII.). Never expect thy flesh should truly expound the meaning of the rod. It will call love, hatred; and say, God is destroying, when He is saving. It is the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - James 1:22-25

Chapter 9THE DELUSION OF HEARING WITHOUT DOING-THE MIRROR OF GOD’S WORD.James 1:22-25HERE we reach what on the whole seems to be the main thought of the Epistle - the all-importance of Christian activity and service. The essential thing, without which other things, however good in themselves, become insignificant or worthless, or even mischievous, is conduct. Everything else, if not accompanied by practice, by avoiding evil and doing good, is vain. In Bishop Butler’s words, religion "does not... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - James 1:22

1:22 {15} But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, {16} deceiving your own selves.(15) Another admonition: therefore God’s word is heard, that we may model our lives according to the laws it contains. {16} He adds reasons, and those most weighty: first, because they that do otherwise seriously harm themselves. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:1-27

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

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - James 1:1-27

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