Analysis of Literary Context of James
Throughout the book, James showed great understanding of Jesus’ teachings and clearly criticized believers for behavior unfitting for those claiming to be followers of Christ (Elwell & Yarbrough, 2003). Having heard Jesus preach on multiple occasions, it influenced his own theological and ethical instructions to the Jewish community to whom he was writing (Porter, 2005). Examples include James 2:1, “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism”, in James 4:2, “You desire but do not have, so you kill”, and again in verse four, “you adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” As one reads James 2:8-11 they will discover that his preaching …show more content…
James makes it a point to address a variety of sins, including anger (1:19), pride (4:6), boasting (4:16), and relevant to the focal passage, favoritism. The verses that lead up to this passage prepare the reader by introducing them to the sin of favoritism, or discrimination, and James emphatically declares his opposition to it (Hawkins, 2000). Hawkins states that James is so strongly opposed to it that he writes, “It stands upon a false leg of prejudice” (2000, p. 65). It is worth noting that James is adamant in making this point: his message directly opposed the culture of the time. Showing partiality or favoritism was acceptable within all class divisions as well as economic divisions during James’ time (Brown, 2008). It was countercultural to his audience, so was important to incorporate the Jewish law and traditions and the message of Jesus Christ when referring to sin. This explanation allows for an easy transition into the implications of sinning with respect to the Law (referring to the Mosaic Law) and that by committing even one sin, they are guilty of breaking all of it (James 2:10).
By understanding the context of James, it is easy to see that sin is a common theme in his message. When focusing on the specific sin of favoritism in James 2:8-11, one can surmise it fits cohesively within the overall theme of the book and section in which it falls. The verses preceding the passage prepare the reader by highlighting the sin of favoritism and follows up with consequences. The verses following complete the message that “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James
Throughout the book, James showed great understanding of Jesus’ teachings and clearly criticized believers for behavior unfitting for those claiming to be followers of Christ (Elwell & Yarbrough, 2003). Having heard Jesus preach on multiple occasions, it influenced his own theological and ethical instructions to the Jewish community to whom he was writing (Porter, 2005). Examples include James 2:1, “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism”, in James 4:2, “You desire but do not have, so you kill”, and again in verse four, “you adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” As one reads James 2:8-11 they will discover that his preaching …show more content…
James makes it a point to address a variety of sins, including anger (1:19), pride (4:6), boasting (4:16), and relevant to the focal passage, favoritism. The verses that lead up to this passage prepare the reader by introducing them to the sin of favoritism, or discrimination, and James emphatically declares his opposition to it (Hawkins, 2000). Hawkins states that James is so strongly opposed to it that he writes, “It stands upon a false leg of prejudice” (2000, p. 65). It is worth noting that James is adamant in making this point: his message directly opposed the culture of the time. Showing partiality or favoritism was acceptable within all class divisions as well as economic divisions during James’ time (Brown, 2008). It was countercultural to his audience, so was important to incorporate the Jewish law and traditions and the message of Jesus Christ when referring to sin. This explanation allows for an easy transition into the implications of sinning with respect to the Law (referring to the Mosaic Law) and that by committing even one sin, they are guilty of breaking all of it (James 2:10).
By understanding the context of James, it is easy to see that sin is a common theme in his message. When focusing on the specific sin of favoritism in James 2:8-11, one can surmise it fits cohesively within the overall theme of the book and section in which it falls. The verses preceding the passage prepare the reader by highlighting the sin of favoritism and follows up with consequences. The verses following complete the message that “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James