Study Helps for James 1:1-8

Study Helps for James 1:1-8

These study helps for James 1:1-8 are a supplement to
Read + Reflect + Respond and My Reflections.

ALTERNATE VERSIONS

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.  (New International Version) 

From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways. (New English Translation)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (New Revised Standard Version)

TEXTUAL AND BACKGROUND NOTES

James was most likely the half-brother of Jesus, as well as a leader of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), but he doesn't mention either of those positions. The Jerusalem council was a meeting to determine the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus. He said then, "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."

The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) means both male and female believers. See also verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19. The word in the KJV is brethren, which despite its similarity to brothers, is actually used here as a gender neutral plural.

James is in the genre of Wisdom Literature similar to Proverbs and Psalms. It is not a narrative of the life of Jesus, who is not mentioned very frequently in this book. It is not a treatise of systematic doctrine (orthodoxy). It is more a collection of pithy moral/ethical exhortations toward right living (orthopraxy) and right inner attitude/feeling (orthopathy).

Comparing the three versions (NIV, NET, and NRSV), we find these alternative words and phrases which mean basically the same thing but might have different connotations:

• servant / slave: Servant is a word more palatable to our modern ears, whereas slave communicates the intensity of James's discipleship commitment as a Christian leader. Note that each one is voluntary in this context. Jesus is not a bully slave master holding his followers captive by force or intimidation. Instead, he "captivates" us by his love.

• twelve tribes scattered among the nations / dispersed abroad / in the Dispersion: James was writing to a primarily Jewish-Christian audience who had fled Jerusalem due to persecution. (It is also possible that he is addressing believers descended from Jews exiled prior to the time of Christ, such as during Assyrian captivity centuries earlier. Paul had encountered these Jewish enclaves on his missionary journeys, and after he evangelized them, they became outposts for the gospel.) Another word for this kind of  cultural dispersion throughout history is diaspora. I think scattered may be easier to understand but it can come across as a random happening. Dispersed seems more active and purposeful, as they were also being sent by God to evangelize the other nations. 1 Peter starts in a similar way: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia..."

• pure joy / nothing but joy: One is stated as a positive, the other as a negative. Pure means not mixed with anything else. How does each phrase communicate to you differently about the trials you might experience?

• face trials of many kinds (any kind) / fall into all kinds of trials: I prefer the word face instead of fall, because we face circumstances that naturally come across our paths on the journey of the Christian life, moreso than than accidentally falling into sins that we could have avoided. For "all kinds" or "many kinds", the KJV uses the word divers, which means about the same as diverse, or many different kinds. It isn't always the same thing that comes along, so we have to be prepared for a variety of experiences.

• perseverance / endurance: Persevere seems more proactive than endurance to me, like something positive action you choose to do in a situation instead of passively putting up with it. Yet each word conveys the message of maintaining stamina for tough times.

• finish its work / have its perfect (full) effect: Full effect conveys that the perseverance is working to its desired purpose. We are never quite "finished" until we see Jesus, and there will always be more perseverance along the way. Either way, we grow in strength and firmness.

• mature and complete / perfect and complete: Perfect, as we think of it, can give us the sense that we have to be flawless and never make mistakes. That isn't quite possible this side of eternity. But each of us can be mature, which means we have grown into a fruitful and effective stage of life.

• not lacking anything / not deficient in anything / lacking in nothing: Lacking seems to imply not enough quantity. Deficient seems more concerned with quality. A person could display a lot of zeal or piety, but it could be misguided and not do much good. Anything and nothing are, of course, referring to spiritual growth here, not material possessions.

• lacks wisdom / is lacking in wisdom / is deficient in wisdom: same as above!

• without finding fault / without reprimand  / ungrudgingly: all of these phrases communicate that God is gracious and not out to get us 

• believe and not doubt / ask in faith without doubting / ask in faith, never doubting: Asking is more active than just believing. Action is believing enough to communicate desire.

• blown and tossed (around) / driven and tossed by the wind: same idea as "unstable" and out of control

RELATED PASSAGES

Rejoicing in Times of Suffering & Trial

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:27-29

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5 

Equality / Unity in Gender / Social Class

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:15-18

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:11-22

Wisdom

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:1-11

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4:11-16

BIBLICAL COMMENTARIES

Asbury Bible Commentary

From the Introduction to James / Theology:
"The epistle is not intended to be a primer on Christian theology but a mosaic of admonitions on how to order one's life in keeping with a professed faith in God. Belief in the existence of a God who enters into the experiences of people according to his wisdom and grace is assumed. God demands recognition and requires accountability on the part of humankind. He makes himself available and responds to the sincere appeals of the believer offered in prayer. He hallows the adverse experiences of life and ensures peace and goodwill among people who walk before him in humble faith.

The Messiah has come in the person of Jesus. Through him a believer is enabled to relate to the law with new power and unaccustomed freedom. Although man was created in the image of God, he has fallen into sin and permits the incubation of sin when he yields to his lower impulses despite his understanding of God's will. God, however, provides a new quality of life for those who conquer sin."

From Making Tests Work for You (1:2-4)

"The stark realities of opposition, discrimination, and resentment, however, become the rule rather than the exception. James charges the reader to turn these difficult, trying experiences into spiritual profit. When he commands them to consider it pure joy, he challenges them to take a definite positive stance in the midst of trials. “Take charge!” he shouts, “Welcome the challenge!” This testing of their faith will begin to generate endurance, which serves as a basic ingredient in the development of Christian character.

James challenges the readers to be open to the ultimate effect of endurance—a mature and complete Christian life. The word perfect, a favorite of James, describes “a fullblown character of stable righteousness” (Davids, 69). It comes by making trials work to the advantage of the believer. It sounds great, but it is not easy to do. Each situation requires perception, evaluation, and an informed response. Who has that kind of resourcefulness? It is within reach through prayer."

From Making Prayer Work for You (1:5-8)

James directs the readers: Ask God for wisdom; ask in steady faith. The wisdom James has in mind must surely be the kind found in the Proverbs. It is sound judgment, proceeding from a reverence for God (Pr 1:7). To ask in faith is to embrace the way of righteousness and to be committed to it. Admission of need is not reprehensible, but equivocation is intolerable to the Lord. Doubt creates uncertainty and prevents clear thinking. James is graphic in portraying indecision as erratic waves that dictate the outcome—emptiness.

Charles Spurgeon - James 1

Excerpts: 

"Happy is that man who serves the Lord, whose whole life is not that of an independent master of himself, but of one who is fully submissive to the divine command. ...Do not sorrow over your trials, do not look upon them as misfortunes and calamities, they are black vessels, but they are loaded with gold. Your choicest mercies come to you disguised as your sharpest trials. Welcome them; do not sorrow over them, but rejoice in them."

James 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. Now on the shore, now sinking back, now driving fearlessly ahead, then sinking down. This is not the kind of man that prevails with God in prayer, it is not the kind of faith we ought to have in God a faith that is very brilliant on the Sunday, and very dull on the Monday: a faith that is triumphant after a sermon, but which seems to be defeated when we get into actual trouble.

James 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. Unstable in everything. Till you get a single heart, till your whole soul is bound up in confidence in God, you cannot expect to be stable in your ways. “Unite my heart to fear thy name,” and then I shall not be a double-minded man.

Study Helps for James 1:9-18

STUDY HELPS FOR JAMES 1:9-18

ALTERNATE VERSIONS

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (New International Version)

Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away. Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved. Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. (New Revised Standard Version)

Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position.  But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away. Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (New English Translation)

Here is a mashed up edition of all three versions, showing where this is any notable variation between them. Do you get a more expanded sense of what James is trying to say?

Believers in humble circumstances / lowly / of humble means ought to take pride in their high position / boast of being raised up.

But the rich should take pride in their humiliation / in being brought low —since they will pass away like a wild flower in the meadow / like a flower in the field.

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant / withers the field / dries up the meadow; its blossom / flower / petal of the flower  falls off and its beauty is destroyed / perishes / is lost forever.

In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business / in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away / the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial / endures temptation / endures testing because, having stood the test  / proven to be genuine, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me / I am being tempted by God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed / but one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it / but each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived / led astray, my dear brothers and sisters / beloved. Every good and perfect gift / every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift / all generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows / with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change / with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth / in fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth / by his sovereign plan he gave birth through the message of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created / his creation.

RELATED VERSES

Good Gifts from God

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:3-10


New Birth

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.  1 Peter 1:23-25

Wealth & Poverty

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you,and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Revelation 2:9-10


Light

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Psalm 36:9

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Psalm 112:4

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:19-21

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,righteousness and truth)... Ephesians 5:8-9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Temptation

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13


And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9

COMMENTARIES

(Don't miss the excerpt from Justin Martyr's First Apology at the bottom! It's good!)

Wesley Commentary - James 1:17–19a
Excerpt - "It must be reaffirmed that God's movements toward humankind can be only good and right. This was evident at Creation when God overpowered the darkness of the abyss with light through his creative word. It is evident also in the firstfruits among his creation, through the new birth, that proceeds from the word of the Gospel. Although the celestial lights fluctuate in brightness, the Creator-Father is unwavering in his benevolence. He is unrelenting in his determination to achieve his purpose in creation. So his design, recently revealed, involved him in birthing a new creation. This is his firstfruits—Exhibit A—in the whole realm of creation. Adamson (p. 77) reflects Liddell and Scott in pointing out “that ‘firstfruits’ was used not merely of that which was first in order, but of that which was first in honor.”

From Charles Spurgeon - James 1
James 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: God tries men, but the motive of a trial is that which differences it from a temptation. In a temptation we try a man with a view of inducing him to do wrong; but God tries men to best them, that they may, by finding out their weakness, be saved from doing wrong. He never inclines a heart to evil. While he doeth all things, and is in all things, yet not so that he himself doeth evil, or can be charged therewith.

James 1:17. And cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

There is variableness and there is the shadow of turning in the sun, but in that greater Father of lights there is neither parallax nor tropic; he is evermore the same, and we may go to him with unwavering confidence because he is the same. Oh! what a blessing to such changing creatures as we are to have an unchanging God! “Of his own will.” If you want to know the power of God’s will, it never goes towards evil.

Justin Martyr, First Apology 

Virginia's Note: Justin Martyr, who lived around the second century AD, was a philosopher who first loved Plato and then came to faith in Christ. He wrote his defenses (Apologies) of Christianity in the face of his own martyrdom. I had heard of him before, but yesterday I read this excerpt from Readings in Christian Thought, a text I bought early from Brightlight Books for my seminary classes this fall. (I'm trying to get a jump on my reading so I won't be so overwhelmed.)  This selection is not a commentary on James, but I'm including it because it addresses the issue of whether humans have free will (to choose good or evil) as opposed to being utterly controlled by the sovereignty of God. I was actually reading similar thoughts in the book Against Calvinism by Roger E. Olsen last week. It's a bit eye-opening since I've been in Reformed (Calvinist) churches for pretty much the past 20 years and had just this past year moved on to one that is not.  Reading this makes me realize even more how important it is to make wise choices, because our choices really do matter and we really are personally accountable for them.

But, without further ado, here's Justin Martyr...

Chapter 43. Responsibility asserted

But lest some suppose, from what has been said by us, that we say that whatever happens, happens by a fatal necessity, because it is foretold as known beforehand, this too we explain. We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, and chastisements, and good rewards, are rendered according to the merit of each man's actions. Since if it be not so, but all things happen by fate, neither is anything at all in our own power. For if it be fated that this man, e.g., be good, and this other evil, neither is the former meritorious nor the latter to be blamed. And again, unless the human race have the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions, of whatever kind they be. But that it is by free choice they both walk uprightly and stumble, we thus demonstrate. We see the same man making a transition to opposite things. Now, if it had been fated that he were to be either good or bad, he could never have been capable of both the opposites, nor of so many transitions. But not even would some be good and others bad, since we thus make fate the cause of evil, and exhibit her as acting in opposition to herself; or that which has been already stated would seem to be true, that neither virtue nor vice is anything, but that things are only reckoned good or evil by opinion; which, as the true word shows, is the greatest impiety and wickedness. But this we assert is inevitable fate, that they who choose the good have worthy rewards, and they who choose the opposite have their merited awards. For not like other things, as trees and quadrupeds, which cannot act by choice, did God make man: for neither would he be worthy of reward or praise did he not of himself choose the good, but were created for this end; nor, if he were evil, would he be worthy of punishment, not being evil of himself, but being able to be nothing else than what he was made.

Chapter 44. Not nullified by prophecy

And the holy Spirit of prophecy taught us this, telling us by Moses that God spoke thus to the man first created: Behold, before your face are good and evil: choose the good. And again, by the other prophet Isaiah, that the following utterance was made as if from God the Father and Lord of all: Wash you, make you clean; put away evils from your souls; learn to do well; judge the orphan, and plead for the widow: and come and let us reason together, says the Lord: And if your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as wool; and if they be red like as crimson, I will make them white as snow. And if you be willing and obey Me, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you do not obey Me, the sword shall devour you: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.Isaiah 1:16, etc. And that expression, The sword shall devour you, does not mean that the disobedient shall be slain by the sword, but the sword of God is fire, of which they who choose to do wickedly become the fuel. Wherefore He says, The sword shall devour you: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. And if He had spoken concerning a sword that cuts and at once dispatches, He would not have said, shall devour. And so, too, Plato, when he says, The blame is his who chooses, and God is blameless, took this from the prophet Moses and uttered it. For Moses is more ancient than all the Greek writers. And whatever both philosophersand poets have said concerning the immortality of the soul, or punishments after death, or contemplation of things heavenly, or doctrines of the like kind, they have received such suggestions from the prophets as have enabled them to understand and interpret these things. And hence there seem to be seeds of truth among all men; but they are charged with not accurately understanding [the truth] when they assert contradictories. So that what we say about future events being foretold, we do not say it as if they came about by a fatal necessity; but God foreknowing all that shall be done by all men, and it being His decree that the future actions of men shall all be recompensed according to their several value, He foretells by the Spirit of prophecy that He will bestow meet rewards according to the merit of the actions done, always urging the human race to effort and recollection, showing that He cares and provides for men. But by the agency of the devils death has been decreed against those who read the books of Hystaspes, or of the Sibyl, or of the prophets, that through fear they may prevent men who read them from receiving the knowledge of the good, and may retain them in slavery to themselves; which, however, they could not always effect. For not only do we fearlessly read them, but, as you see, bring them for your inspection, knowing that their contents will be pleasing to all. And if we persuade even a few, our gain will be very great; for, as good husbandmen, we shall receive the reward from the Master.