James 5

20 verses

TL;DR

James urges the wealthy to repent, calls believers to patience, and stresses the power of prayer and mutual correction.

Summary

James opens with a stern rebuke to the rich, warning that their wealth will be undone and that they have withheld wages from laborers, provoking the Lord’s judgment. He then exhorts all to be patient as the harvest is ready and the Lord’s return is near, encouraging endurance in hardship. James reminds the community not to hold grudges and to treat one another with forgiveness, using the prophets and Job as examples of suffering and perseverance. He instructs believers to pray for the sick, anoint them with oil, and have the elders pray for their healing, assuring that faith and confession will bring forgiveness and restoration. The letter concludes with a call to confront sinners, highlighting that converting an errant brother saves souls and hides sin.

Outline

Reproach of the rich and call for justice
Exhortation to patience and mutual support
Practical instructions on prayer, healing, and correcting errors

Themes

Justice and wealthPatience and endurancePrayer and healing

Keywords

richespatienceprayeranointingconfessionprophetsJobElias

People

JamesJobEliasthe prophetsthe Lord

Places

fieldsSabaoth

Things

richesgarmentsgold and silverwagespatienceprayeranointing oiloath

Key Verses

James 5:4: warns that withheld wages will bring judgment
James 5:8: calls for patient endurance until the Lord’s return
James 5:14-15: instructs prayer and anointing for the sick
James 5:19-20: highlights the importance of converting sinners

Questions

Why does James specifically mention the withholding of wages?
How does patience relate to the anticipation of the Lord’s return?
In what ways can the community implement the practice of anointing and praying for the sick?
What is the significance of converting an errant brother in terms of spiritual accountability?

Sentiment

mixed
admonitive tone balanced with encouragement for prayer, healing, and community support.