by Gary L. Evans
(revised 8/2/2023)
Epistle of James — Part 1
Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
The twelve tribes of Israel were scattered among the Gentiles in accordance with our Lord’s Judgment against them for falling away into apostasy. The ten northern tribes went into slavery by Assyria and when freed migrated north over the Caucasus mountains. The two southern tribes went into slavery by the Babylonians and when freed also migrated north over the Caucasus mountains. The Gentiles living in those northern regions called them Caucasians because they had migrated over the Caucasus mountains. Over time they migrated further north and westward over Europe and then into the British Isles, and later to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Only a small remnant of Judah and Benjamin returned to Jerusalem when freed from the Babylonians by Cyrus the Persian. At the time James wrote this letter, the Apostles still had contact with various families of the scattered tribes and knew where they lived.
Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
The word “temptations” is from the Greek “pi-ras-mos’” which means “a putting to proof, by implication adversity.”
Jas 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
The word “faith” is from “pis’-tis” which means “persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself.”
Faith is literally belief, and it must be tested in order to produce patience.
Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
The word “perfect” is from “tel’-i-os” which means “complete.”
Patience takes time but over time it makes us complete such that we have no lack of anything.
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
When The Lord asked Solomon what he desired, he asked for wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discretion. Because he asked for those things instead of riches and power, The Lord gave him those, making him one of the wisest men to ever live, and He also gave him great power and riches. We can learn a lesson from Solomon’s prayer, and pray for those things ourselves.
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
When we pray to our Father we must believe that He hears us. If we doubt Him, then we have no mental stability at all.
Jas 1:7-8 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
When we pray, we must believe that God hears us and is willing to give us what we ask, otherwise we will receive nothing. A person who claims to believe but doubts God at the same time is double minded, by believing two contradictory things at the same time. How can we know of a certainty that God hears us?
1Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
If our conscience is clear, then we have confidence in God. So doubt enters into us when we do not have a clear conscience.
1Jn 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
How do we know that we will receive what we ask from God? Because we obey His Law and do our best to please Him. When we know in our hearts that we obey God’s Law then we have confidence that He hears our prayers.
1Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Jesus taught that the greatest commandments were to love God and to love one another, and that these two were the foundations of all of the commandments, laws, and statutes. The Name of The Only Begotten Son of God is The Word of God, therefore we must believe and obey God’s Word.
1Jn 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
The promise of The New Covenant is that God will give us a new heart and a new mind, that He would write His Law into our hearts and minds so that we would do it, and then we would be His People and He would be our God. The new heart and mind given to us is the Heart and Mind of Christ Jesus, The Holy Spirit.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Epistle of James — Part 2
Jas 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Those of us who are not born into riches and power in this world should be very happy that God has esteemed us highly in His overall Plan for the ages by bringing us into His New Covenant and made us inheritors of Eternal Life.
Jas 1:10-11 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
And those born into riches and power who now believe should be happy that they are humbled by the unimaginable Glory of God they will behold at The Last Day when our Lord returns. All things in this flesh world will suddenly pass away as though they were only shadowy images within a foggy dream. The earth will remain, but this world will pass away.
Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
The word “temptation” is from the Greek “pi-rad’-zo” which means “to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.”
We will be happy after we have been tested and approved, because then we will receive Eternal Life according to our Lord’s promise.
Jas 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Our Father does not test us directly.
Jas 1:14-16 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.
The word “lust” is from “ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah” which means “a longing (especially for what is forbidden).”
The Tenth Commandment forbids us to covet, that is to long for, anything that belongs to someone else. So we see that it is the things of this world and our own inclination to covetousness that does the testing of our convictions, and whenever we fail we commit transgressions of God’s Law in some way which is sin. Sin leads to death. This is the danger of failing our testing by this world.
Jas 1:17-18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The word “begat” is from “ap-ok-oo-eh’o” which means “to breed forth, that is, (by transformation) to generate (figuratively).”
And the word “creatures” is from “ktis’-mah” which means “an original formation (concretely), that is, product (created thing).”
Our Father has begotten us by His Word such that we are become among the firstborn of His creation.
Jas 1:19-20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
We should listen and gain comprehension, especially when dealing with other people, and pause to reflect before speaking. We should be slow to letting ourselves become angry, and resist acting on it because it does not lead to righteousness. Our Father’s anger is just, but ours usually causes trouble.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Epistle of James– Part 3
Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
The word “engrafted” is from the Greek “em’-foo-tos” which means “implanted (figuratively).”
We should avoid idle speaking and joking, and instead accept God’s Word which is being implanted into our hearts and minds, and which is able to lead us to Eternal Life.
Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Learning God’s Word is only the first step. We must then obey.
Jas 1:23-24 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
God’s Law teaches us how we ought to behave, and also shows us our Father’s Righteousness. Comparing ourselves to God’s Righteousness is like looking into a mirror, such that we can gradually perceive our weaknesses and shortcomings. But if we turn away, we have actually learned nothing.
Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
God’s Law is The Law of Liberty or Freedom. Everyone who learns The Word of God and takes it to heart and obeys will eventually be very happy.
Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
We should be slow to speaking. A hypocrite’s so-called faith is emptiness, because it is based on deception. The words of his mouth betray what is hidden in his heart and mind.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The word “religion” is from “thrace-ki’-ah” which means “ceremonial observance.”
Ceremonies and festivals in God’s Word teach us important lessons, and if we truly understand their meanings then our faith will be effective because of our actions.
The word “affliction” is from “thlip’-sis” which means “pressure (literally or figuratively).” It is often translated to “tribulation.”
Who are the “fatherless?” Those who have no father in this world. But God is our Father. So to “visit the fatherless” is to teach people about God our Father in Heaven. Who are the “widows suffering the tribulation?” Those women whose husband has died. Christ Jesus died for our sins, and He is our betrothed Husband. So in a sense our Husband has died. But He resurrected and ascended to Heaven. Our Lord is not dead but Lives Eternally. So all of us in Christ have a Father and we also have a Husband Who promised to return at the set time. So to “visit the widows” is to teach Christians about the signs and seasons of our Lord’s promised return to give them consolation in their distress.
Jas 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
The phrase “respect of persons” is from “pros-o-pol-ape-see’-ah” which means “partiality, that is, favoritism.”
We must not respect one person over another because of worldly appearances such as wealth or power in the community. Instead, we must evaluate what each person says and does based on The Truth of God’s Word. If a man or woman speaks in agreement, then fine, but if they speak contradictions, then we must reject their sayings and also them as well if they refuse to repent of their false teachings.
Jas 2:2-4 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
To show favoritism in the assembly based on worldly appearance, is to exalt ourselves above God’s Word in judgement. We must use fair measures and balances in evaluating The Truth of what any member of our assembly says.
Jas 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
The rich and powerful of this world are much too busy enjoying themselves and focusing their attention to matters of maintaining what they have and gaining more and more, rather than spending time to study God’s Word. But the poor have little of the nice things in this world, so they are inclined to read The Bible to get some consolation for all of their labor and all of the trouble they experience, having no power to defend themselves.
Jas 2:6-7 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
The rich and powerful arrogantly abuse and take advantage of the working class and the poor, and they have unjust control of the federal and local police departments and the court judges to decide in their favor on any matter. And they make a mockery of God’s Word. Wake up, my friends, do not respect such persons.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Epistle of James — Part 4
Jas 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
The “royal law” is God’s Law, because our Father is The Great King. And Jesus taught that the second most important Law was that we should love others as our selves. Comprehending this Law requires a bit of meditation, because the implication is that when we look at someone else, we should consider that we are looking into a mirror, such that what we perceive as another person in this world, that person is as our own self in God’s Judgment. Therefore we should consider other people as our own souls.
Jas 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Lev 19:14-15 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
If we show favoritism based on a person’s wealth or power, rather than based on a person’s faithfulness to God’s Word, then we transgress our Father’s Law and so are sinners, that is, we become transgressors of The Law.
Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Whenever we transgress one of God’s Commandments, we in effect transgress all of them. Jesus taught us an example of this fact.
Mat 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
The word “lust” is from the Greek “ep-ee-thoo-meh’-o” which means “to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise).”
Adultery is the taking of another man’s wife, which is against The Commandment. But also by Commandment, it is a transgression to covet or long for anything that belongs to another person. For example, we are forbidden to covet another man’s wife. Jesus taught us that a man who covets another man’s wife is already made guilty of adultery in his heart. One sin begins in our hearts and minds, and progresses to other sins. Careful analysis reveals that ultimately, committing one transgression effectively is the transgression of all of The Commandments, such that we then become lawless persons by definition.
Jas 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
Just because we do not seduce our neighbor’s wife does not make us righteous. Because if we murder someone, then we are a sinner. This is an easily understood explanation of why sin is sinful, to convince us that we have no hope if we transgress any point of God’s Law. Thus we must strive to be perfect.
Jas 2:12-13 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
If we show unjust favoritism of one person over another, then we are guilty of sin, and therefore will be judged by God’s Law of Freedom. And we will not find any mercy before Him, because we have not shown mercy ourselves to those around us who are helpless, but who seek the truth of God’s Word for salvation.
Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
The word “faith” is from “pis’-tis” which means “persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction.”
If we do not act appropriately according to our persuasion to believe God’s Word, then what good is any of our so-called belief? Intellectual belief in a logical argument cannot grant us Eternal Life.
Jas 2:15-16 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
We gain no profit in God’s Eyes if we ignore the people around us who are in need of basic necessities to sustain themselves and their children. How can we claim before God that we obeyed His Law that we should love our neighbor as our self? If we were homeless and hungry and watched people walk by us ignoring our lack of basic necessities, then would we feel loved by them? No, of course not. (This speaks of people who truly are destitute and in need of help, not drunken con-artists who make their living by begging for money. We must discern the difference between them and people who truly need our help.)
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Therefore FAITH is BELIEF coupled with ACTION.
Belief alone is meaningless, just as a man watching TV in his living-room who is convinced that his house is on fire and burning down but takes no action and instead keeps watching the ballgame until he perishes. That is how incredibly stupid it is for people who claim to be believers but who do not take action based on their belief.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Epistle of James — Part 5
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
What people do speaks much louder than their words. Our belief in Christ Jesus is demonstrated to everyone who witnesses our words and our deeds in this world. Or our deeds demonstrate that what we claim to believe has no connection with what we actually do.
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
A man may believe that God exists. That is wonderful, but the truth is that The Fallen Angels also believe and yet tremble before Him. So people who think they are religious in some way by believing in God are in no better standing before our Father than the devils.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Unless we take action based on our belief in God’s Word, then we are still no better off than before, because we are still dead in our sins. Without repentance there is no forgiveness of sins. But repentance is a change of mind and attitude as well as a change in our behavior. So we see that even the first steps to receiving the salvation our Lord offers us requires Belief coupled with Action.
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
The pagans sacrificed their sons to devils. Our Father told Abraham to make an offering of his son Isaac. Would Abraham trust The Lord as much as the Gentiles trusted their gods? But God had made a promise to Abraham that through his son would come a people more numerous than the stars of heaven. And Abraham did not comprehend how what God had promised would come to pass if he sacrificed Isaac, but he did not doubt The Lord. At the last moment God told Abraham not to harm Isaac, and then appeared a ram caught in some briars, which Abraham took and offered up as the sacrifice. Our Father provided the sacrifice to Seal the Promise.
Jas 2:22-23 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Abraham believed that it was impossible for God to lie, therefore whatever He said must come to pass according to His Word. And because of his belief and because of his appropriate action to demonstrate his belief, our Father considered Abraham to be a righteous man and called him The Friend of God.
The descendants of Abraham still living in Judea maintained their faith that The Lord would fulfill His Promise to send The Messiah, The Savior. Again just as He had done for Abraham, The Lord did not require the people in Jerusalem to sacrifice their own sons to gain His Promise of Newness of Life, but He provided His Only Begotten Son for that Sacrifice. Do you see the similarity with how The Lord provided the sacrifice for Abraham to Seal the Covenant of Promise with how The Lord provided Christ Jesus as the Sacrifice to Seal the New Covenant of Eternal Life?
Joh 15:14-15 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Jesus calls us His friends if we obey His Commandments.
Jas 2:24-25 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Rahab was called a harlot, but it is clear that she was not. She was a business woman who made fine linen. She also protected the Hebrew spies when they came to access the strength of the city. For her kindness, Israel spared her life and the lives of her family after they conquered the city.
Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Once the spirit leaves the flesh body, it dies. The spirit is the life force of the body. So belief without the appropriate action following is like a body without the life force within it. It is dead.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.