James 1:2-4

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - James 1:1-27

Analysis and Annotations I. TRIALS AND THE EXERCISE OF FAITH CHAPTER 1 1. Trials and the power of faith (James 1:1-4 ) 2. The resources of faith (James 1:5-8 ) 3. The realization of faith (James 1:9-11 ) 4. The conquest of faith (James 1:12-15 ) 5. The result of faith (James 1:16-27 ) James 1:1-4 The first verse is the introduction. The writer is James, but he does not add, as he might have done, “the brother of the Lord.” It would have identified his person at once, and being the... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - James 1:2

1:2 {1} My brethren, {c} count it all joy {2} when ye fall into divers temptations;(1) The first place or part concerning comfort in afflictions, in which we should not be cast down and be faint hearted, but rather rejoice and be glad.(c) Seeing their condition was miserable because of the scattering abroad, he does well to begin as he does.(2) The first argument, because our faith is tried through afflictions: which ought to be most pure, for so it suits us. read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - James 1:3

1:3 {3} Knowing [this], that the {d} trying of your faith worketh patience.(3) The second, because patience, a surpassing and most excellent virtue, is brought about in us by this means.(d) That by this your faith is tried, that is, those various temptations. read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - James 1:4

1:4 {4} But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.(4) The third argument, proposed in manner of an exhortation, that true and lasting patience may be discerned from false and temporary. Affliction is the instrument God uses to polish and refine us. Therefore through the work and effect of afflictions, we are perfected in Christ. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:1-27

This chapter has a very close relationship to the Old Testament, for all is seen in connection with God; and Christ is not yet spoken of as the center and essence of all blessing and of all direction for the people of God. Chapter 2 introduces this. James writes simply as a bondservant, not as an apostle communicating the mind of God. For he emphasizes conduct, not doctrine. It may be questioned as to how all twelve tribes might be contacted for the distribution of this message (specially... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - James 1:1-27

INSTRUCTION CONCERNING TRIALS “Temptations,” in James 1:2 , is in the sense of trials (see Revised Version margin). Why should they be received with joy (James 1:3 )? In what spiritual condition will such a reception and use of trial result (James 1:4 )? What will effectually aid in that direction (James 1:5 ; James 1:8 )? Along what lines of trial were they being exercised (James 1:9 ; James 1:11 )? Notice that the poor man is to find comfort in his truly high estate in Christ, while the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - James 1:1-27

God's Gifts James 1:0 James is always thought to be a very stern man. We think of him as never smiling, never bending in familiar and companionable intercourse, but always standing upon a crag of granite, and telling men what they ought to do; and telling men their duty in a voice that indicates no disposition to be trifled with. We have done wrong by some of these men. They are not so stern when we come to know them. It would be impossible for a preacher of Christ to be stern in any sense... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Observe, that it is the brethren to whom the Apostle speaks, That is, brethren in Christ, partakers of the heavenly calling. Carnal men can never rejoice in temptations, or trials; for the sorrow of the world, worketh death. But there is great cause for joy, when the... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - James 1:2

Into divers temptations. The word temptations, in this epistle, is sometimes taken for trials by afflictions or persecutions, as in this place; sometimes for a tempting, enticing, or drawing others into sin. (Witham) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - James 1:3-4

The trying of your faith worketh patience. St. Paul seems to assert the reverse: (Romans v. 3.) when he says, patience worketh a trial. They are easily reconciled. Here St. James teacheth us, that patience is occasionally obtained, and strengthened by sufferings, the meaning of St. Paul is, that patience worketh, sheweth itself, and is found perfect in the sight of God by trials. (Witham) read more

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