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Confess your offenses one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.
Verse Takeaways
1
Mutual, Not Priestly, Confession
Scholars unanimously clarify that this verse calls for mutual confession between believers ('one to another'), not the practice of auricular confession to a priest. The context suggests confessing sins that have harmed others to seek reconciliation and mutual prayer. This act fosters peace, brotherly love, and prepares the way for healing.
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Book Overview
James
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
Confess your faults one to another. This seems primarily to refer to those who were sick, since it is added, that ye may be healed
Confess therefore your sins one to another (εξομολογεισθε ουν αλληλοις τας αμαρτιας). Present middle (indirect) of εξομολογεω. Con…
19th Century
Anglican
Confess your faults one to another.—The meaning attributed to the words of this verse by many devout Catholics cannot be establish…
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From the promise of v.15 James draws an inference. Since confession of sin and the prayer of faith bring healing, Christians should confess their “…
16th Century
Protestant
Confess your faults one to another. In some copies the illative particle is given, nor is it unsuitable; for even if not expressed, it mus…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Confess your faults one to another Which must be understood of sins committed against one another; which should be acknowledge…
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The sin of swearing is condemned; but how many make light of common profane swearing! Such swearing expressly shows contempt for God's name and aut…