James 3
Lutheran reading notes
In James chapter 3, the message of the gospel develops the theme of practical faith demonstrated through works. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. {condemnation: or, judgment}
James 3:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same {is} a perfect man, {and} able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
James 3:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
Behold also the ships, which though {they be} so great, and {are} driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
James 3:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! {a matter: or, wood}
James 3:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
And the tongue {is} a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. {course: Gr. wheel}
James 3:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: {kind: Gr. nature} {mankind: Gr. nature of man}
James 3:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
But the tongue can no man tame; {it is} an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
James 3:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
James 3:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet {water} and bitter? {place: or, hole}
James 3:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so {can} no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
James 3:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
Who {is} a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
James 3:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
James 3:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but {is} earthly, sensual, devilish. {sensual: or, natural}
James 3:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
For where envying and strife {is}, there {is} confusion and every evil work. {confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness}
James 3:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, {and} easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. {partiality: or, wrangling}
James 3:17 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
James 3:18 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.