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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER OF JAMES

CHAPTER FIVE:
“Not Riches but Endurance Brings Happiness”

[“Patient Poor”]
Theme Verse: 7

James 5:1-6 – The Filthy Rich and the Last Days

JA5:1 Come now, you rich persons, 166 weep, howling over your anguish coming upon you. 167

166	Come now, you rich persons: Or, PME: plutocrats; BAR: you who are rich must stop and think. James vents his wrath upon the rich mentioned earlier. He calls like an ancient prophet

167

Anguish coming upon you: Or, KJV: miseries; RHM: hardships. It is possible James foresees the approaching desolation on the land foretold by Jesus. [Luke 21:21-24] and predicted in Daniel 9:26, 27 and elsewhere. A great oppression, a holocaust, is to befall the Jewish world resulting in the complete and of the Jewish Temple Age. The rich are to lose all their wealth and in most cases their lives.

JA5:2 Your wealth has rotted and your clothes have become moth-eaten. 168 [Matthew 6:19]

168	Your wealth has rotted and your clothes have become moth-eaten: James speaks like the Jewish prophets who spoke of future matters as if already done. [Job 13:28; Luke 6:19] His words echo Jesus. [Matthew 6:19]

JA5:3 Your gold and silver have corroded and their corrosion will be a witness [against] you. 169 Your flesh will be devoured. 170 You have stored up fire as your treasure in the last days. 171

169	Their corrosion will be a witness [against] you: James speaks like a prophet. [Zephaniah 1:18]

170	Your flesh will be devoured: Those one million Jews caught within Jerusalem in the year 70 CE died horribly, many starving to death as shrunken skeletons. Their past wealth was of no use. All the time in gathering such wealth was futile at the end of the day.

171

In the last days: In the Christian Bible the “last days” [time of the end] is that period from 29 to 73 CE which saw the end of Jerusalem. [Acts 2:17; Hebrews 1:1; 9:26] Jesus had warned that when the signal was seen [Matthew 24:15;Luke 21:20] the Jews, rich or poor, should flee without haste to the mountains. Jesus stressed this flight should be so quick that one was not to even return to the house to get a garment. This would be a big test on any of the rich, and it is likely they stayed in hope of saving their wealth. Only 100,000 persons survived the cataclysm but were turned into slavery. See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14.

JA5:4 Behold, the earnings of the laborers who mowed your fields has been withheld by you. 172 [Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5] And the moans of those crying out who reaped [your fields] have entered the ears of YHWH Sabaoth. 173

172

Earnings of the laborers who mowed your fields has been withheld by you: Though possess a great surplus, the rich will postpone as long as they can any legitimate debt. It is though they need to hold on to their money as long as possible. [Leviticus 19:13; Jeremiah 22:13] The very matter was foretold by Malachi whom James must here echo. [Malachi 3:5]

173	Entered the ears of YHWH Sabaoth: Or, Lord of Hosts, a Hebraism. [Deuteronomy 24:15; Psalm 9:12] The Hebrew Bible has numerous notices how God is aware of the plight of the poor and afflicted. Psalm 9:12, “God will never ignore the moans of the oppressed.”

JA5:5 You lived indulgently and luxuriously upon the earth. 174 You fattened your hearts for slaughter. 175

174	You lived indulgently and luxuriously upon the earth: Or, KJV: pleasure… wanton; GDS: lived… voluptuously. [Amos 6:4]

175	You fattened your hearts for slaughter: Or, RHM: pampered; TCN: indulged your fancies; KNX: comforted your hearts with luxuries. Like a calf being fattened by deliberate over-feeding, these rich persons ultimately lost not only their health but also their lives.

JA5:6 You condemned and then you killed the Righteous One. 176 Does he not oppose you? 177

176

You condemned and then you killed the Righteous One: The may be viewed two ways and various translations show this. James condemns the Rich as a group because it was the Jewish “money-lovers” who were behind the death of Jesus Christ. Or, James references back to James 2:4, 6 and how the rich generally treat the poor historically.

177

Does he not oppose you: This difficult phrase is handled two ways: in the form of a question, or as a statement. KJV: and he doth not resist you; RHM: is he not arraying himself against you; TCN: must not God be opposed to you. It seems possible the “he” is the Righteous One the rich have condemned. This resistance or opposition becomes manifest in the destruction of Jerusalem as a witness against the Jews.

James 5:7-8 – Patiently Waiting for Presence

JA5:7 Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Master’s Arrival. 178 [Mark 13:35] Observe how the farmer patiently waits the precious fruit [harvest] of the earth – exercising patience 179 until it receives both the early and later rains. 180

178

Be patient until the Master’s Arrival: Or, KJV: unto the coming of the Lord; RHM: until the Presence of the Lord. James does not know when the Parousia will occur. [Mark 13:32, 33, 37; Acts 1:7] Nor does he say here that it is imminent. He gives the same counsel the Nazarene does: remain expectant despite not knowing when it will occur. The exhortation is as fresh today as it one two thousand years ago.

179	Patience: Endurance and patient is a sub-theme of James’ letter.

180

The early and later rains: The two rainy seasons in Israel. [Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1] There is the possibility of a prophetic application here: the early rain [=the great oppression on Jerusalem]; and the late rain [=the final great oppression on the end-time Saints followed by the Parousia].

JA5:8 You also, continue to be patient. Remain steadfast in your hearts 181 because the presence of the Master approaches. 182

181	Steadfast in your hearts: Or, NEB: stout-hearted.

182

Because the presence of the Master approaches: Or, KJV: the coming of the Lord draweth nigh; TCN: for the Lord’s Coming is near. Some see a warning of the nearness of the Second Coming. Others see a warning that the Master has drawn close and a judgment upon Israel is at hand without indicating this is the Second Coming. Compare Psalm 34:18; 145:18; Joel 1:15; compare Joel 3:14 with Acts 2:17, 20. Jesus the Nazarene referred to his generation as “the day of your being inspected.” [Luke 19:44] Surely James as a very serious Messianic Jew was aware of his brother’s prophecies on the foretold coming desolation on Jerusalem. [Luke 19:43, 44; 21:20-24] “The desolation of Jerusalem has drawn near.”

James 5:9-11 – Patient Pattern of Prophets

JA5:9 Brothers, do not keep complaining against one another lest you be condemned. 183 [Matthew 7:1] Behold, the Judge has stood before the doors. 184

183

Do not keep complaining against one another lest you be condemned: Or, KJV: grudge not one against one another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; AMP: do not complain; RSV: do not grumble; BEC: don’t blame your troubles on one another; WMS: stop muttering. James reflects the Nazarene perfect as if commenting on Matthew 12:37. [See notes on Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5]

184

The Judge has stood before the doors: TCN: is already standing at the door. Compare Revelation 3:20. James is not referring to an imminent Arrival of the Master, but the judgment which is rushing down upon the Jews as the year 70 CE approaches just as Daniel foretold. [Daniel 9:25-27] Whether the Judge here is God the Father or the Master Jesus is open to individual opinion.

JA5:10 Brothers, take as an example of suffering hardship the patience of the prophets 185 who spoke in YHWH’s Name. 186

185	Take as an example of suffering hardship the patience of the prophets: Compare 1 Corinthians 10:11. [See notes on Matthew 5:12.] Surely Elijah is at the top of James’ list.

186	Who spoke in YHWH’s Name: There can be no question that James thinks of the Tetragram, YHWH. Whether he used it here or observed the Jewish tradition may never be known. In the Greek the article is lacking with “Lord.”

JA5:11 Behold, we call blessed those who have endured. 187 You heard of Job’s endurance and the end result from YHWH. 188 [Job 42:10] You observe that the Sovereign LORD is full of tender compassion and of mercy. 189 [Psalm 103:8]

187	We call blessed those who have endured: See notes on James 1:4. Compare notes on Matthew 5:11, 12.

188	You heard of Job’s endurance and the end result from YHWH: James refers to the book of Job and particularly the conclusion. [Job chapters 1-3, 41; Job 42:10] It is very possible the Tetragram occurred here.

189	You observe that the Sovereign LORD is full of tender compassion and of mercy: Surely James alludes specifically to the book of Job. [Job 42:10; Psalm 103:8] The Greek for LORD has the article, thus “the Sovereign Lord.” [Or, ha’ADHOHN]

James 5:12 – Above All – Stop Swearing

JA5:12 However, my brothers, above all things, do not swear an oath, 190 neither by heaven nor the earth [Matthew 5:35] nor any other thing. Rather, let your Yes mean Yes and your No mean No. [Matthew 5:37] Otherwise you will fall under condemnation. 191

190

Above all things, do not swear an oath: Or, KJV: swear not; TCN: never take an oath; NEB: do not use oaths. The phrase is a virtual quote of the Nazarene. See the notes on Matthew 5:34, “Do not swear at all, neither by heaven.” Many feel the Gospel of Matthew was written quite early, perhaps before 50 CE. James may be familiar with it. On the other hand, the brother of the Master, James, was present on occasions when Jesus was teaching though the whole family did not become actual disciples until after the death of Jesus. The words “oath” and “swear” occur upwards of 186 times in the Bible and were commonplace among the Israelites under the Law. Some take these [and those of Jesus] very literally, while others are able to rationalize another position. The statements of Jesus and James seem very straightforward.

191	You will fall under condemnation: Or, judgment. James is quite stern about the matter. Jesus indicates something similar. See notes on Matthew 5:37. [2 Corinthians 1:17]

James 5:13-15 – Health and Elders

JA5:13 If anyone suffers evil among you, 192 let him pray. 193 If anyone is happy, let him sing praise. 194

192	If anyone suffers evil among you: Or, KJV: afflicted. The word “evil” has a wide range of meaning: sickness, affliction, persecution, harm in any manner.

193	Let him pray: Though this would seem obvious but James feels the need to stress it.

194

If anyone is happy, let him sing praise: Or, KJV: is any merry; ASV: cheerful; WMS: in a happy mood; NEB: in good heart; KJV: sing psalms. It is a sad matter that most people pray during the former – when experiencing “evil” – but forget to be thankful when exuberant and joyous. Think about that for a moment. The next time you are leaping for joy, remember who to praise and thank.

JA5:14 If anyone is sick among you, 195 let him call the elders of the congregation, 196 and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil 197 in the Name of the Sovereign LORD. 198

195	If anyone is sick among you: James seem to be clearly referring to physical illness.

196

Let him call the elders of the congregation: Or, TCN: send for the officers of the church; RHM: elders of the assembly. The “church” or congregation would have “a body of elders” in many instances. Note, it is not “an elder” but “elders.” James has described “pure religion” to include visiting the afflicted. [James 1:27; Acts 20:28] For details on elders see the book Nazarene Community 2000©.

197

Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil: Or, RHM: after anointing him with oil. Jesus’ disciples did something similar when sent out on their missionary of announcing the good news. [Mark 6:13] Note also the parable of the Good Samaritan. [Luke 10:34] The practice is rare today for a church’s elders to visit a sick person and offer prayers along with soothing oil. Some also see a metaphor here alluding to God’s Word being the true oil applied. [Psalm 141:5]

198	In the Name of the Sovereign LORD: Or, ha’ADHOHN. Judging from the way James has used “Lord” he means YHWH, or God the Father. Prayers are directed to God. It is also possible the phrase means by “the authority of.”

JA5:15 Then the prayer of faith will deliver the sick one 199 and the Sovereign LORD will raise him up. 200 Also, if he has committed any sins, it will be forgiven him. 201

199

The prayer of faith will deliver the sick one: Or, KJV: shall save; AMP: restore. The gift of healing was among those manifestations of holy Pneuma in the early Church. [1 Corinthians 12:9, 28] There are only one or two possible cases where this gift was ever used on members of the Church, other than unbelievers. Paul taught that “the traits of an infant” would be removed as the Church matured. [1 Corinthians 13:8-13] Before the advent of modern medicine – with its near miraculous cures – rest was the major factor in natural healing. [John 11:12] The visit and prayers of elders in the congregation must be very healing in itself. These petitions must be a ‘prayer of faith.’ James goes on to illustrate the power of prayer even as Jesus taught.

200

The Sovereign LORD will raise him up: Or, AMP: restore. The LORD is YHWH here. Raised up from the sick bed is the meaning. With illness only two outcomes can occur: the person gets better, or the person dies. Any return to health must be credited to God. [Hosea 6:1] “Yehowah will surely remove every illness.” [Deuteronomy 7:15] “Yehowah Himself will nurture him on his sick-bed. His sick-bed You shall surely transform during his illness.” [Psalm 41:3]

201	If he has committed any sins, it will be forgiven him: James assumes the person may not have sinned and so there is no reason to blame the illness on such. Jesus authorized his apostles to forgive sins. [John 20:23; see notes on 1 John 2:1, 2]

James 5:16-18 – Confessional Healing and the Power of Prayer

JA5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another 202 and continue to pray in behalf of one another so that you may be cured. 203 Great is the power of a righteous person’s petition. 204

202

Confess your sins to one another: Most people would be hesitant to do such a thing for several reasons, not the least of which is confidentiality. Trusting others with one’s confessions is a matter for serious thought. Elders should be trusted to keep such confidences, though this is not always the case. It seems this confession may be part of the healing process mentioned before. Confession of sin is part and parcel with true worship. [See the notes on 1 John 1:9.] The process of confessing sins to others requires considerable humility.

203

Continue to pray in behalf of one another so that you may be cured: Or, KJV: healed; TCN: cured; NOR: restored. James may have in mind the serious spiritual illness he addressed in his letter. Spiritual sickness is considerably more important than the physical. Compare the symbols in Isaiah 1:5, 6, 16-19. The united prayers of the Christian community will lead to over all spiritual healing. [1 Corinthians 11:30]

204

Great is the power of a righteous person’s petition: Or, KJV the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much; MOF: the prayers of the righteous have a powerful effect; PME: tremendous power is made available through a good man’s earnest prayer. AMP: makes tremendous power available – dynamic in its working. Here DIKAIOU is in the masculine gender. James seems to have in mind the prayers of the elders, though many prayers by many righteous persons must be powerful, indeed.

JA5:17 Elijah was a man like us in nature 205 and in supplication he prayed for it not to rain and it did not rain upon the land for three years and six months. 206 [1 Kings 17:1; Luke 4:25]

205

Elijah was a man like us in nature: Or, KJV: a man subject to like passions as we are; NEB: with human frailties; WMS: with feelings just like ours; BAS a man of flesh and blood as we are; KNX: a mortal man like ourselves. Elijah was among the most revered of the prophets. [Malachi 4:5] It is interesting to note Elijah’s shortcomings in the context of “a man like us in nature.”

206

He prayed for it not to rain and it did not rain upon the land for three years and six months: The account is in 1 Kings 17:1 but the exact period is not stated. Jesus also gives the period of extreme drought as three and a half years. [Luke 4:25] The period is most interesting when considering Daniel 7:21-25 and Revelation 11:2, 3; 13:5-7. There are three prophetic periods of 3.5 years: a] the days of Elijah; b] from 66-70 during the great oppression against Jerusalem; and, c] the 3.5 years of Great Oppression against the end-time Saints. [Revelation 11:2, 3; 13:5-7]

JA5:18 And then, again, he prayed and the sky gave rain and the ground was caused to sprout with its fruitage.

James 5:19-20 – Saving Souls

JA5:19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the Truth 207 and someone turns him back, 208

207

If anyone among you wanders from the Truth: Or, KJV: err from the truth; ALF: seduced from the truth; TCN: astray from the Truth. It would be a fact of history that as time passed more and more fell away from the original “Truth” and formed errant sects. [Acts 20:29, 30; 1 Timothy 4:1-3] James encourages every effort to aid some who have stumbled or erred with regard to the truth.

208	Someone turns him back: Or, KJV: converts; TCN: bring him back again. This echoes the Nazarene who taught there was much angelic rejoicing when one sinner is recovered. [Luke 15:7, 10; Galatians 6:1]

JA5:20 let him realize that the one turning a sinner back from drifting away will save his soul from death 209 and will cover a multitude of sins. 210 [Proverbs 10:12]

209	Save his soul from death: James likely has in mind what later would be called “Second Death.” [See notes on 1 John 5:16, 17; Revelation 20:6] This phrase is one among over 120 that refer to the soul’s mortality. [Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 10:28]

210	Will cover a multitude of sins: Or, KJV: hide; GDS: cover up; TCN: throw a veil over countless sins. An allusion to Proverbs 10:12. See also 1 Peter 4:8.

Review Questions on Chapter Five

Summary of Chapter Five

James offers a stern warning to the rich as though he were a Hebrew prophet. He encourages patient waiting for the Lord’s Arrival. He discourages complaint and judging while encouraging patient endurance again. James counsels against swearing oaths. He outlines what both the happy and the afflicted should do. He tells the sick to call the elders for a healing prayer. The powerful of faithful and righteous prayer is illustrated in the case of Elijah. James concludes by exhorting efforts to recover any who have been led astray from the Truth.