James: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition

by C. Jeanne Orjala Serrao

Publisher:

Beacon Hill

, 2010

Overview

The book of James is full of advice on how Christians should live. Thus, some say it contradicts Paul's gospel of grace and faith, and they question its place in the canon. However, this commentary will show that James' and Paul's thoughts are complementary, not contradictory.

C. Jeanne Orjala Serrão moves verse-by-verse through James after providing an in-depth introduction.

Key Features

• The latest scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan tradition
• Convenient introductory material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and more
• Clear verse-by-verse explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage’s original language
• Comprehensive annotation divided into three sections: 1. Background elements behind the text 2. Verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text 3. Significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the text
• Insight into theological issues, word meanings, archaeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and more
• Expanded bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themes

Contents

Top Highlights

“For James, perfection is not just concerned with outward actions, but with the inward condition of the person. Overemphasis on the observable actions alone leads to a legalism, in which one’s spirituality is judged solely by what one does. Equally, an overemphasis on invisible, inward conditions can lead to self-absorption and a failure to appreciate that actions exhibit who one is.” (Page 53)

“Although James was written in Greek, its thought-world is Jewish. For James there can be no true faith that does not affect the way one lives. In contrast to the Greek division of the person into body and mind (or body, mind, and spirit), Jews held a unified view of the person. Thus, what one really believes can be seen in what one does.” (Page 23)

“This should not be taken to suggest that Christians cannot make friends with people who are not Christians. But Christians cannot align themselves with the values and goals of the forces of evil fighting against God and his church. The one who chooses to do this becomes a personal enemy of God.” (Page 140)

“Therefore, gentleness means ‘getting angry at the right time, in the right measure, and for the right reason’ (Zodhiates 1992, 1210).” (Page 127)

“Instead of mentioning his family relationship to Jesus, James preferred to use a strong word (doulos, slave) describing his relationship with God and with the Lord Jesus Christ. Apparently, James’ personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord, and his submission to be his servant, is more important than his family connection. His Christian identity is defined by his servant-Lord relationship rather than his brother-brother relationship.” (Pages 46–47)

Contributors

• Alex Varughese
• Roger Hahn
• George Lyons
• Joseph Coleson
• Robert Branson
• Jim Edlin
• Kent Brower
• Frank G. Carver

Product Details

• Title: James: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
• Author: C. Jeanne Orjala Serrão
• Series: New Beacon Bible Commentary (NBBC)
• Publisher: Beacon Hill Press
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 191

About C. Jeanne Orjala Serrao

C. Jeanne Orjala Serrão is Professor of Biblical Literature and Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, OH where she founded and is the coordinator for the Bi-Annual Women In Ministry Networking Day. Dr. Serrão has served as an Education Pastor and Christian School Administrator in Rancho Cucamonga, California. She has taught at European Nazarene College and has served as an adjunct professor for Trevecca Nazarene University, Asuza Pacific University, Claremont School of Theology (Summer Licensing School), and Nazarene Bible College Online Program. She earned her BA in Biblical Literature from Mid-America Nazarene University, and a M.Div. and a M.A. in Missions from Nazarene Theological Seminary and her Ph.D. degree from Claremont Graduate University. She is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene.

Sample Pages from James: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition