Sacra Pagina: James (SP)
Overview
In his commentary on the letter of James, Patrick Hartin offers a unique approach toward understanding a much-neglected writing. Refusing to read the letter of James through the lens of Paul, Hartin approaches the letter in its own right. He takes seriously the address to “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (James 1:1) as directed to Jews who had embraced the message of Jesus and were living outside their homeland, Israel. At the same time, Hartin shows how this letter remains true to Jesus’ heritage. Using recent studies on rhetorical culture, Hartin illustrates how James takes Jesus’ sayings and performs them again in his own way to speak to the hearers/readers of his own world.
Hartin examines the text, passage by passage, while providing essential notes and an extensive explanation of the theological meaning of each passage. The value of this commentary lies in its breadth of scholarship and its empathic approach to this writing. The reader will discover new and refreshing insights into the world of early Christianity as well as a teaching that is of perennial significance.
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- Explores how the letter of James remains true to Jesus’ heritage
- Illustrates how James takes Jesus’ sayings and performs them again in his own way
- Provides essential notes and an extensive explanation of the theological meaning of each passage
Top Highlights
“At the time of the Reformation this letter fell into disrepute among Protestant scholars because of its perceived challenge to the Pauline teaching on the doctrine of justification by faith.” (Page ix)
“This letter is sent in the name of James shortly after his death in order to remind communities in the Diaspora of his teachings and the relevance they hold for building themselves up as ‘the first fruits of his (God’s) creatures’ (1:18). This would date the letter somewhere in the late sixties of the first century c.e.” (Page 25)
“Finally, the letter of James provides a message that remains a challenge to everyone who reads it: the challenge to put faith into action.” (Page 5)
“Trent used James to defend the biblical basis for the anointing in the sacrament of the sick” (Page 10)
“the Hebrew concept of knowing how to conduct life in conformity with God’s Law” (Page 59)
Patrick J. Hartin was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He studied at the Gregorian University in Rome and is an ordained priest of the Diocese of Spokane, Washington. He holds two doctorates in theology: in ethics and in the New Testament, both from the University of South Africa. Presently he teaches courses in the New Testament and in classical civilizations at Gonzaga University. He is the author of 11 books, including: Apollos (Paul’s Social Network series), James of Jerusalem (Interfaces series), and James, First Peter, Jude, Second Peter (New Collegeville Bible Commentary series).
