Tyndale Open Study NotesJames 5

This section criticizes wealthy people for being greedy and proud mistreatment of the poor (Leviticus 19:13). James warns them to change their ways while they still can. If they do not, they will encounter frightening consequences on judgment day.

The wealth and fine clothes are so excessive that they decay from not being used. Their ruin is a sign of the anticipated judgment.

Material wealth, like gold and silver, is worthless when facing God's judgment. It will actually speak against them because they obtained it unfairly and used it wickedly ( 5:4, 5–6).

• These wealthy individuals were landowners who exploited their workers (5:1). They are like those in 2:6 who oppressed and took Christians to court. These rich people exploited the day laborers who harvested their fields.

• cries … have reached the ears of the Lord: God hears the prayers of the oppressed (see Deuteronomy 24:14–15). Even while the laborers are still suffering, the Lord has heard them (see Exodus 3:7).

• the Lord of Hosts (1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 103:20–21; Romans 9:29): This title emphasizes God’s power to act when the oppressed cannot.

Murdered the righteous (or killed the Righteous One): Here, this phrase probably refers to innocent people like the oppressed workers mentioned in this paragraph, rather than to Jesus (compare Acts 3:14; 7:52).

Be patient: This is the ultimate solution for the poor enduring economic struggles and unfair treatment by the wicked people who are rich (5:1–6; see 2:6–7). People may treat the poor as insignificant and oppress them. Yet, they should not give up or retaliate against their oppressors. When the Lord returns, the faithful will receive their final reward (Isaiah 40:10; Luke 6:20–35; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Peter 1:17; 5:4; Revelation 22:12).

the Judge is standing at the door! Christ's arrival is close.

This verse comments on Matthew 5:11 and Luke 6:23 (see study note on James 1:22–23).

Job showed great endurance by staying faithful to God during his hardships (Job 1:20–21; 2:9–10). He was faithful even though he complained (Job 3:1–26; 12:1–3; 16:1–3).

do not swear: The churches were having serious arguments (4:1–3, 11–12), so James advised them to avoid dishonest oaths by not using any oaths at all (Matt 5:33–37). Swearing an oath in the Lord's name meant asking God to enforce it (Genesis 31:53; 1 Kings 8:31–32). People swore by heaven or earth. They either pretended to be respectful while avoiding speaking God's name or used tricky words to deceive (Matthew 23:16–22). Peter used an oath dishonestly (Matthew 26:71–73). But Paul used one to support his claims (Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:23). This indicates that the rule against oaths is not absolute.

• The church elders took care of a local group of Christians. People chose them for their age and leadership skills (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1–4; compare 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

• During the early development of the church (around AD 40s), “church” meant “congregation” or “assembly” (see also Matthew 18:17)(see James Book Introduction, “Date and Location of Writing”).

• anoint him with oil: The practice of anointing with oil was a symbol of divine blessing and healing (Isaiah 1:6; Matthew 6:17; Mark 6:13; Luke 10:34).

• The prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick: This saying is generally true, depending on God's will. Only prayers with genuine faith will receive a positive response from the Lord. Faith for healing is a gift from God (See also Mark 9:23; John 14:13–14; 15:7, 16; 16:23–27; 1 John 3:22; 5:14–15).

• If he has sinned: James suggests that some illnesses might result from sin. It is important to confess and seek forgiveness for the sin (James 5:16; see Mark 2:3–12; John 5:14).

• Elijah … prayed earnestly: See 1 Kings 17:1; 18:41–46.

• three and a half years (see 1 Kings 18:1; Luke 4:25) is an approximate time, representing half of seven, which symbolizes a period of judgment (compare Daniel 12:7; Revelation 11:2).

These verses conclude the letter as an inclusio. This means they balance with and relate to the beginning of the letter. The final section connects back to James's opening words about endurance in 1:2–4.

When James talks about saving "a sinner from death," he means more than just physical death. He is referring to eternal death, which is the punishment for those who turn away from the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ (see 1:12, 15; compare Hebrews 6:4–8).

James teaches that if someone has wandered from the truth, other believers should try to bring that person back to the right path. If the person who has sinned listens and turns back to God (repents), then eternal punishment will be avoided (see also Galatians 6:1; Jude 1:22–24).