Studies with Steve

We finish up our exposition of James 1:2 in this episode by covering the second half. James told his readers to consider it all joy, "When you encounter various trials."

First we discuss why, "Whenever," would be a better translation.

Then we explain how James is casting the net broadly to encompass all sorts of trials that a believer may face. "Whenever" generalizes "encounter," and "various" generalizes "trials". So James is talking about the great joy a Christian can experience under tribulations of sundry times and sundry manners.

We then discuss the other uses of the Greek word for "encounter" in the New Testament. James is talking about unexpected trials that take us by surprise.

For more biblical studies, you can always check out my other podcast that I do with my friend Preston: The Informal Reformers, and my blog: In the Last Hour.

Today we cover the first half of James 1:2. James starts off the body of his epistle with, "Consider it all joy, my brethren."

In our exposition we discuss how the word order proves that James is emphasizing the theme of joy.

Next we explain how the word "all" has an intensifying function, so that "all joy," becomes, "great joy"!

In order for suffering believers to reach this condition of bliss, we must use our minds. To convey this, James uses a word which calls on believers to reckon, deem, or consider their trials in light of God's will. We are to make a mental judgment call about our times of persecution that is biblically informed.

Finally, we go over the threefold function behind the word, "Brethren." James uses this endearing term to address his audience several times throughout this short epistle, so it is important to know his intent behind it. In a side note, I challenge the modern notion that it is inappropriate to address mixed company as "brothers."

For more biblical studies, you can always check out my other podcast that I do with my friend Preston: The Informal Reformers, and my blog: In the Last Hour.

Today's episode covers the first verse of the Epistle of James. The text reads, "James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings."

In our exposition of this text we discuss:

1. The identity of the author: Was it one of the two disciples named James? Was it James the brother of Jesus from Acts 15? Was it somebody in the post-apostolic era writing under the name of the apostle?

2. Who were the recipients? Does the reference to the Twelve Tribes necessarily mean that these were Jewish Christians? Is the "dispersion" the same one mentioned in Acts?

3. What does it mean that James is a slave of God?

We then give an overview of the passage from verse 2-12, which we will cover in the coming weeks. James has one consistent thought: A Christian's multi-faceted response to trials.

For more biblical studies, you can always check out my other podcast that I do with my friend Preston: The Informal Reformers, and my blog: In the Last Hour.