The Letter of James, Second Edition (Pillar New Testament Commentary | PNTC)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Few New Testament books have been as controversial and misunderstood as the letter of James. Its place in the canon was contested by some early Christians, and the reformer Martin Luther called it an “epistle of straw.” The sometimes negative view of the letter among modern theologians, however, is not shared by ordinary believers. Well known and often quoted, James is concise, intensely practical, and filled with memorable metaphors and illustrations. As such, it has become one of the most popular New Testament books in the church.
This highly original commentary on James by respected New Testament scholar Douglas Moo combines penetrating scholarship with the simplicity of style and pastoral tone characteristic of James itself. After discussing such background issues as authorship, genre, purpose, structure, and theology, Moo provides a verse-by-verse exposition of the text that leads readers to the heart of James’s message—wholehearted commitment to Christ. In addition to expounding the meaning of James, Moo also takes care to provide practical insights for applying that meaning in the church today.
At once scholarly and accessible, this volume has become a standard commentary on James. The second edition is based upon the newest version of the NIV and incorporates the latest scholarship. It has been expanded, updated, and revised throughout.
- New edition is expanded, updated, and revised throughout
- Combines penetrating scholarship with a pastoral tone
- Provides a verse-by-verse exposition and practical insights for applying that meaning in the church today
Top Highlights
“The fact that the readers have been ‘dispersed,’ forced to live away from their home country, helps explain a major characteristic of the readers of the letter: their poverty and oppressed condition.80 Wealthy landowners take advantage of them (5:4–6); rich people haul them into court (2:6) and scorn their faith (2:7). One of the key purposes of the author is to encourage these suffering Christians in the midst of these difficulties, reminding them of the righteous judgment of God that is coming (5:7–11) and exhorting them to maintain their piety in the midst of their trials (1:2–4, 12).” (Page 28)
“As the elders pray, they are to anoint the sick person in order to symbolize that that person is being set apart for God’s special attention and care.” (Page 308)
“James makes very clear here that the point of his contrast in these verses lies in the results of looking.” (Page 121)
“As the following verses make clear, James is not rebuking these merchants for their plans or even for their desire to make a profit. He rebukes them rather for the this-worldly self-confidence that they exhibit in pursuing these goals—a danger, it must be said, to which businesspeople are particularly susceptible.” (Page 255)
“A final striking feature of James is the degree to which it borrows from traditional teaching.16 James depends more than any other NT author on the teaching of Jesus.” (Page 8)
Reviews
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Alessandro
12/9/2022
Isaiah Gill
11/26/2022
Joshua Boamah
11/26/2022
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