Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 1

James is most likely the brother of Jesus. More specifically, since Jesus was virgin born, James was his half brother. In Acts this same James appears as the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13ff.; 21:18). He describes himself as “a servant [GK 1528] of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This word designates a slave, the rightful property of one’s master, though it does not necessarily carry the degrading connotation attached to the word today. James was proud to belong—body and soul—to God and to Jesus Christ.

The letter is addressed to “the twelve tribes,” a designation intended to identify the readers as Jews. They were not residents of Palestine but were “scattered among the nations” as part of the Jewish Dispersion. James’s later designation of his readers as “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (2:1) makes it clear that he means Christian Jews. It is probable that the recipients were the members of the Jerusalem church who had been driven out of Jerusalem at the time of Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19–20). If so, James had formerly been their spiritual leader and he was writing them with rightful spiritual authority and with full knowledge of their needs.

In vv.2–4 James explains that trials are a reason for rejoicing because of the wholesome effects they produce. The word “trials” (GK 4280) describes things that put a person to the test. They may be difficulties that come from without, such as persecution (see vv.2–4), or they may be inner moral tests, such as temptations to sin (see vv.13–18). An outward trial, rather than being a reason for unhappiness, can be a ground for “pure joy.” And it is not merely the coming of a single trial that is described; James speaks of “trials of many kinds.” “Face” (GK 4346) suggests that one is surrounded by people, objects, or circumstances that try one’s faith.

Why can trials be considered grounds for genuine rejoicing? If a person has truth faith, those trials are capable of developing “perseverance” (GK 5705). This word denotes tenacity and stick-to-itiveness. It is the quality that enables a person to stand on one’s feet facing the storm. In struggling against difficulty and opposition, spiritual stamina is developed.

If perseverance is to “finish its work,” faith must persist and not falter or give up. The goal in view is that believers “may be mature [GK 5455) and complete [GK 3908].” Perseverance in facing trials develops maturity of character and a balance of all the graces and strengths needed for the Christian life.

Verses 5–8 contain God’s offer of help for those who are facing trials. The repetition of the word “lack” shows that James is still discussing the subject of trials. In v.4 he assures his readers that when perseverance has finished its work, the believer will lack none of the needed virtues and strengths. In v.5, however, James speaks of the period of testing before perseverance has completed its work. During such testing, if anyone lacks “wisdom” (GK 5053), he or she may have it by asking. People facing trials often do lack wisdom. What they need is not the speculative wisdom of a philosophical system, but the kind of wisdom that plays such a large part in the book of Proverbs (1:2–4; 2:10–15; 4:5–9). It is God-given understanding that enables a person to avoid the paths of wickedness and to live a life of righteousness. In this context wisdom is understanding the nature and purpose of trials and knowing how to meet them victoriously. Such wisdom is available to the one who will “ask God” for it, not once only, but repeatedly; the promise is that wisdom “will be given to him.” It is God’s practice to give “generously” and “without finding fault.” He does not scold his children for asking or berate them for their deficiency.