James 1:22-27 NASB,NASB

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:24

24. beholdeth—more literally, "he contemplated himself and hath gone his way," that is, no sooner has he contemplated his image than he is gone his way (James 1:11). "Contemplate" answers to hearing the word: "goeth his way," to relaxing the attention after hearing—letting the mind go elsewhere, and the interest of the thing heard pass away: then forgetfulness follows [ALFORD] (Compare Ezekiel 33:31). "Contemplate" here, and in James 1:23, implies that, though cursory, yet some knowledge of... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:25

25. looketh into—literally, "stoopeth down to take a close look into." Peers into: stronger than "beholdeth," or "contemplated," :-. A blessed curiosity if it be efficacious in bearing fruit [BENGEL]. perfect law of liberty—the Gospel rule of life, perfect and perfecting (as shown in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:48), and making us truly walk at liberty (Matthew 5:48- :, Church of England Prayer Book Version). Christians are to aim at a higher standard of holiness than was generally... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:26

26, 27. An example of doing work. religious . . . religion—The Greek expresses the external service or exercise of religion, "godliness" being the internal soul of it. "If any man think himself to be (so the Greek) religious, that is, observant of the offices of religion, let him know these consist not so much in outward observances, as in such acts of mercy and humble piety (Micah 6:7; Micah 6:8) as visiting the fatherless, c., and keeping one's self unspotted from the world" (Matthew 23:23).... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:27

27. Pure . . . and undefiled—"Pure" is that love which has in it no foreign admixture, as self-deceit and hypocrisy. "Undefiled" is the means of its being "pure" [TITTMANN]. "Pure" expresses the positive, "undefiled" the negative side of religious service; just as visiting the fatherless and widow is the active, keeping himself unspotted from the world, the passive side of religious duty. This is the nobler shape that our religious exercises take, instead of the ceremonial offices of the law.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:2-27

II. TRIALS AND TRUE RELIGION 1:2-27James began his letter, which is in many ways a lecture, by dealing with the problem of trials that all believers encounter. Jews who became Christians in the early history of the church experienced much antagonism and persecution from their unbelieving fellow Jews, as is clear in the Book of Acts. All Christians who take a stand for the Lord continue to have to deal with such trials. Thus James’ inspired advice is perennially relevant. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:19-27

C. The Proper Response to Trials 1:19-27Having explained the value of trials and our options in trials, James next exhorted his readers to respond properly to their trials. In this section he stressed the Word of God because it is the key to resisting temptations and responding to trials correctly (cf. Matthew 4:1-11)."Receptivity to the Word, responsiveness to the Word, and resignation to the Word are essential to spiritual growth. One must accept God’s Word, act on it, and abide by it."... read more

Thomas Constable

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

Doing the Word of God in this context means persevering in God’s will when we experience temptation to depart from it. Hearing God’s will is good as far as it goes, and it is indispensable, but obedience should follow. Some Christian disciples delude themselves by thinking that knowing God’s will is enough, but it is only foundational to doing God’s will."The blessing does not come in studying the Word, but in doing the Word." [Note: Wiersbe, p. 16.] "The call to ’do what it says’ lies at the... read more

Thomas Constable

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:23-24

This illustration is so clear and so common that it needs little comment. The Greek verb katanoeo refers to careful observation. It does not mean to cast a hasty superficial glance, as some have suggested. read more

Thomas Constable

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

The law to which James referred is the revelation of God’s will contained in Scripture (cf. Matthew 5:17). It is perfect because it is the perfect will of a perfect God."Unlike the imperfect metal mirror in the previous illustration, this law is able to give the beholder a true and undistorted revelation of himself." [Note: Hiebert, James, p. 122.] "The law of God is perfect, first, because it perfectly expresses his nature and, secondly, because it perfectly matches ours." [Note: Motyer, p.... read more

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:24

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:25

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:26

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:27

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:2-27

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:19-27

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

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

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:23-24

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

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