Digital Logos Edition
Former distinguished professor of New Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Curtis Vaughan offers a concise guide to study the book of James that is packed with solid exegesis, clear explanations, and helpful practical insights. Equip your study of James with an accessible resource that marries study guide and commentary. The well-loved guide is a trusty aid for pastors preparing sermons, leaders teaching a Bible study, or the layperson looking to delve into this book and apply it to everyday life.
“The relation of James to the rest of the New Testament has been compared to salt and its place among foods. A dish of salt might make an ill-balanced meal, but a meal without salt is sadly lacking in flavor. James, though not suited to constitute one’s entire spiritual diet, nonetheless gives special pungency to the total message of the New Testament. Few things would do more to revitalize present-day Christianity than a determined effort on the part of believers to take James seriously and put his teachings into practice. It has a special relevance for those who are long on theory and short on practice.” (Page 9)
“Greeks thought of wisdom as mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense, but to James wisdom was more than knowledge and more than intelligence. It was a moral and spiritual quality based upon the fear of the Lord—the sum of practical religion.” (Pages 21–22)
“The point of verse 7 is that since the rich will be punished for their oppressions, Christians should therefore find this an incentive to leave things in God’s hands.” (Page 107)
“Second, this passage speaks to us at the point of the racial issue.” (Page 55)
“We must be careful not to misinterpret this. James does not mean that we are to seek trials. Knowing our weaknesses, we may fervently and appropriately pray that God may be pleased to exempt us from them. Nor should the words of James be interpreted as a refusal to recognize that heartache and tragedy are often involved in our trials. Indeed, Mayor points out that James does not say that trial is all joy; rather, he urges his readers to count it all joy, ‘that is, look at it from the bright side, as capable of being turned to our highest good’ (p. 33).” (Page 18)