James (The New American Commentary | NAC)
Overview
Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.
In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the NAC focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible’s inherently rich variety. Second, the NAC is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. We believe that scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition.
Top Highlights
“What does it mean to be patient until the Lord’s coming? It means to do what God also is doing: enduring human evil for a season.” (Page 218)
“The early rain causes the seed to germinate and the plants to sprout. The later rain strengthens the stalks for the production of the buds, which will make for much harvestable grain when it ripens. In both cases the farmer waited for the sake of the grain in order that the grain (lit. ‘fruit’; cf. 3:17) might be his at harvest time.” (Page 219)
“The imperative ‘stand firm’ could be more literally translated ‘strengthen your hearts,’ meaning to confirm its faith through patient endurance. Highlighting the word ‘heart’ also shows the overall interconnectedness of James’s teaching. The great problem of the double-minded believer is the deceiving of one’s own heart (1:26b). The only hope for the self-deceived is a rigorous purifying of the heart (4:8). Without the heart’s being purified, it is fattened for the day of slaughter (5:5). Instead of a heart that patiently waits for the Lord by active faith, the fattened heart is filled with the self-centeredness and envy that are the primary characteristics of an unmerciful life.” (Pages 220–221)
“James already had stated in the previous chapter that only the implanted Word is able to save (1:21” (Page 129)
“James encouraged them to embrace their trials not for what they were but for what God could accomplish through them.” (Page 58)
