Author: Administrador

The First Letter of Peter is addressed to several Gentile Christian communities living in northern Asia Minor, a geographical region usually associated with the Apostle Paul. The author of the epistle was most likely an elder of a community established in Rome that could trace its origin back to the teachings and traditions of Simon … Continue reading “1 Peter 1:3-9 Commentary by Daniel G. Deffenbaugh”

“First Peter reflects the rapid expansion of the early church in Asia Minor. The writer explores issues of community, mission, and suffering — issues these young faith communities may have been facing.”1 Over the next four weeks the Revised Common Lectionary gives us four readings covering most of the first two chapters of 1 Peter. … Continue reading “1 Peter 1:3-9 Commentary by Karl Jacobson”

The preceding chapters in the Epistle of James have described the ideal of a congregation that lives cooperatively, harmoniously, in concord with heaven’s peaceable grace — and that repudiates wrangling, privilege, and domination. James addresses communities more than individuals (“to the twelve tribes in the Diaspora,” 1:1), and he promotes an ethic of integrity that … Continue reading “James 5:13-20 Commentary by A.K.M. Adam”

Though I am now Roman Catholic, I grew up in a fairly conservative evangelical home. My father is an ordained minister. I can remember when I was young, on a couple of occasions, my dad would get a call at an odd hour. He would go the cupboard, take a bottle of olive oil, and … Continue reading “James 5:13-20 Commentary by Micah D. Kiel”

“In fulfillment of God’s purposes … ” That’s how the opening verses of James have described the purposive nature of God’s “generous acts of giving” and God’s “every perfect gift.” And in God’s giving of good gifts in fulfillment of that purpose James further assures us God does not waver — “there is no variation … Continue reading “James 5:13-20 Commentary by James Boyce”

In the third Sunday of Advent, the epistle reading shifts from Paul’s letter to the Romans, to the Epistle of James. Paul and James have often been contrasted with each other, particularly in regard to their attitudes towards the relationship between faith and works. Yet both are concerned with the unity and health of their … Continue reading “James 5:7-10 Commentary by Susan Eastman”

Many scriptural texts can be read in isolation of their context and still provide some meaning. However, some texts, like these verses from James, benefit greatly from reading what precedes it (if not orally in the congregation then at least in the pastor’s sermon preparation). James is looking forward, to the future, with hope. But … Continue reading “James 5:7-10 Commentary by Dirk G. Lange”

The language in this passage might, at first, sound a bit foreign to contemporary Christians, especially those living in urban settings in North America or Europe.  In these contexts, we know little of the patience of the farmer who “waits for the precious crop from the earth” (James 5:7). We are more used to being, … Continue reading “James 5:7-10 Commentary by Valerie Nicolet-Anderson”

This week’s epistle reading explicitly connects James’ interest in mindful speech with his concern for community harmony. James has already addressed the right use of communication in 1:13, 19, 26, 3:1-12, and shortly after the end of today’s reading, 4:11. This consistent emphasis on ordering our communication to knit us more closely to others, rather … Continue reading “James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Commentary by A.K.M. Adam”

After several chapters of warnings and vivid illustrations of the consequences of living contrary to the plan of God, James moves in this passage to describe the good life and give some positive guidance for pursuing it. We see here some of the clearest parallels between James and other wisdom literature with which we are … Continue reading “James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Commentary by Sandra Hack Polaski”