Triumph through Trials: The Epistle of James
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
In Triumph through Tragedies: The Epistle of James, David R. Anderson’s pastoral commentary provides practical insights that help apply the truths of James to times of trial. Throughout his exposition of James, Anderson argues that God does not shield his children from trials, but in fact, allows trials to come our way simply because we are his children. He posits that this is precisely when God does his best work—ironically, in the darkness of our trials. Though James does not gives us all the answers, Anderson illuminates how it does offer some of the answers to why bad things happen to good people. Anderson’s insights are challenging and encouraging, as he demonstrates how James is a letter that speaks to the heart of God’s children, guiding them through the times when the fog rolls in.
Check out more commentary from David R. Anderson with Maximum Joy: 1 John—Relationship or Fellowship?
- Accessible evangelical commentary on James
- Engaging pastoral voice backed by 30 years of ministry experience
- Personal anecdotes demonstrating the themes of each chapter
- God’s University (James 1:1–4)
- The Optical Illusion (James 1:5–12)
- Got Zot-Rot? (James 1:12–18)
- The Art of Being a Good listener (James 1:19–27)
- The Ugly Duckling (James 2:1–13)
- Three Little Pigs (James 2:14–17)
- The Great Divorce (James 2:18–26)
- A Measure of Maturity (James 3:1–12)
- A Word to the Wise (James 3:13–18)
- A Man’s Best Friend (James 4:1–6a)
- The Most Dangerous Game (James 4:6–10)
- The Badge of Humility (James 4:11–12)
- The Material Man (James 4:12–5:6)
- Patience: The Art of Hoping (James 5:7–11)
- Still Sovereign, Still Omnipotent (James 5:12–16a)
- God’s Medicine (James 5:16b–18)
- God’s Rehabilitation Program (James 5:19–20)
- Postscript
Top Highlights
“As he’s driving away, he says to himself, ‘That man shouldn’t have tempted me to steal his car.’ Well, I don’t think I tempted him. The keys in the ignition would be no temptation to a perfectly honest man. They would only be a temptation to a thief, or a man who already had the inclination. This is James’ point. If in our trouble we feel a solicitation to evil within us, the only reason it’s there is because there is something corrupt within us, namely, our lust. We cannot blame this part of the peirasmos on God. It is something that originates within us.” (Page 41)
“‘count it.’ It is the word hegeomai, one of four words in the Greek language for coming to a conclusion: two are based on feelings and two are based on facts. This is a conclusion based on facts. It says, ‘Let’s be objective. Don’t let your feelings throw you in the midst of your trial. Let’s get some perspective on the situation. Let’s look at the facts.’” (Page 7)
“‘intense negative feelings over another’s achievement or success.’ Envy is mourning with empty hands because you do not have what someone else has. Jealousy is mourning with full hands because you are afraid of losing what you have. Envy begins with nothing and wants something. Jealousy begins with much and fears losing it.” (Page 135)
“Spurgeon put it this way: ‘Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.’” (Page 21)
“In the introduction to the body of the letter James gives three positive values that trials add to our lives: needed endurance, needed wisdom, and a great quality of life.” (Page 7)
Dr. Anderson is a lifelong close friend of mine. I have also known him as one of the most gifted interpreters of God’s word that I know. In Dave’s skilled hands the commentary resonates with textual expertise and the richness of experience. I enthusiastically commend his insights to the readerso f this book.
—Lanier Burns, research scholar, Dallas Theological Seminary
Dave Anderson’s new book on the epistle of James is a must read. With fresh perspectives on many passages and a thorough and compelling discussion of the faith and work issues, Dr. Anderson has given his readers a choice morsel of practical, inspiring, and biblically deep exposition. I love this book. Well done!
—Jody Dillow, co-founder, BEE World
Dave Anderson’s treatment of the book of James reflects the best exegetical scholarship and handling of the Greek text I know anywhere in print. His insights and thoroughness are the best I have ever witnessed. I have learned so much from him. I believe you will find reading this book to be a personal blessing.
—Bob Tebow, founder, Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association
David R. Anderson graduated from Rice University in 1967. He received his ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1972 and his PhD from Dallas Seminary in the Greek New Testament and early Christian literature in 1998. He and his wife Betty have served as church planters in the Houston area for over 30 years. He has served as adjunct professor for Dallas Seminary in Greek New Testament, systematic theology, and Bible exposition and is currently president and professor of biblical languages and systematic theology at Grace School of Theology.
Reviews
2 ratings
Tero Fredriksson
3/5/2015
Ralene Berry
2/4/2015
