Themes in the Epistle of James

Cross-Commentator Insights
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Theme Moo Holloway Runge Vincent Strange/Gould Pawson JFB King Willis Woods Rangel
Faith that Works Faith shown in deeds Belief transforms life Faith displayed Practical outworking Social justice embedded Faith = action Vital union of faith/works Living faith obeys Active, not passive Faith produces obedience Faith that functions
Trials & Perseverance Testing builds character Trials refine believers Endurance forms maturity Spiritual growth Suffering as shaping tool Endurance shapes saints Growth through adversity Trial as proving ground Perfects and refines God trains through trials Trials are training
Poverty & Wealth Rebuke to the rich God lifts poor Expose economic sin Contrast social status Wealth = warning Two classes at odds Warning to oppressors Economic balance No favoritism allowed Honor the lowly Kingdom concern
Tongue & Speech Mark of maturity Speech = window to heart Control your mouth Danger in language Synagogue ethics Power to destroy Speech bears judgment Tongue tames self Power to bless/curse Tongue as thermometer Watch your mouth
Wisdom from Above Two kinds of wisdom Lived wisdom Righteous decisions Jewish wisdom tone Greco-Jewish ethic Heavenly insight Meek, pure, peaceable Gentle & reasonable Not academic—practical Wisdom loves peace Street-smart holiness

📖 Sources Cited (MLA Style)

  • Moo, Douglas J. The Letter of James. Zondervan, 2013.
  • Holloway, Gary. James & Jude. College Press, 2001.
  • Runge, Steven. High Definition Commentary: James. Lexham, 2015.
  • Vincent, Marvin R. Word Studies in the NT, Vol. 1. Scribner’s Sons, 1887.
  • Strange, Daniel G. The Moral World of James. 2021.
  • Pawson, David. Unlocking the Bible. HarperCollins, 2003.
  • Jamieson, Fausset & Brown. Commentary on James. 1871.
  • King, Kenneth. James. Truth Commentary Series, 2015.
  • Willis, Mike. James. Guardian of Truth, 1984.
  • Woods, Guy N. Commentary on James. Gospel Advocate, 1972.
  • Rangel, Ed. Marginal Notes on James. Unpublished Manuscript, 2025.

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