Epistle of James: Chapter 5

James 5

James 5:1-6

James begins with a scathing reprimand against the rich in his congregation for trusting in their possessions. James continues his message to the rich from chapter 4 and tells them to weep and wail over their riches.

“in these last days you have stored up your treasure”

Last days was a common way to talk about the time after Jesus rose from the dead. (Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 18 all use “last days” to talk about their present day.)

Workers and wages

The law of Moses forbade withholding wages, even overnight; if the injured worker cried out to God, God would avenge him (Deut 24:14–15; cf., e.g., Lev 19:13; Prov 11:24; Jer 22:13; Mal 3:5). The rich have fattened hearts for the day of slaughterThe picture here is of the rich being fattened like cattle for the day of their own slaughter (cf., e.g., Jer 12:3; Amos 4:1–3); similar imagery appears in parts of the early apocalyptic work 1 Enoch (94:7–11; 96:8; 99:6). As often in the Old Testament (Amos 6:4–7), the sin in verse 5 is not exploitation per se (as in v. 4) but a lavish lifestyle while others go hungry or in need.James is saying that it is not the workers who are against the rich, but God himself is. They have lived in luxury while the poor starve from not being paid and God is pissed.

James 5:7-12

James returns to his opening argument about trials and addressed the poor telling them to have perseverance.James is telling the poor to leave vengeance to the Lord. This is part of wisdom and found throughout the psalms and proverbs as well as Paul in Romans 12:19-21

Prophets and Job

The prophets often suffered for doing what God called them to do. God is calling them to be patient and allow Him to repay. The whole structure of the book of Job was probably meant to encourage Israel after the exile; although God’s justice seemed far away and they were mocked by the nations, God would ultimately vindicate them and end their captivity. Again, James is telling the audience to rest in God’s Character (v11)- The Lord who is full of compassion and Mercy (Ex 34:6-7)

Oaths

It is obvious that James is quoting Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 here in verse 12. Many commentators bring up the zealot oath when commenting on this verse in James. Craig Blomberg says: “Oaths can force us into behavior that does not glorify God.” James 5:13-20James’ call to nonresistance doesn’t mean he’s calling the church to pretend that these things don’t matter. God is a God of justice. James calls his church to fight…. In prayer and in care for one another.

Confession and prayer

Protestants get a little worried about confession. But here James commands it. We are called to confess to each other (not to a priest necessarily). We have the tendency to make this just a thing between us and God. The emphasis here is on community. Confess to each other, pray for each other. Vulnerability and accountability is so important in our growth as disciples. The Body of Christ is need to grow up into the fullness of Christ in each one of us. Confession also brings restoration between factions in the Body

Conclusions:

James warns about putting trust in the things of this world such as riches. Even more he warns against the neglect of the needy. When we are in trials we are to count it joy and have endurance. In this endurance we are to take on the mind of Christ and leave revenge to the Lord. He will bring justice. It is not our job to use violent resistance.Instead, we are to resist through prayer and confession. This will bring unity to the Body of Christ and form us into the people we are called to be. Prayer also opens us up to the power of God so that we can be used to bring healing and restoration to others.