Author: the author of this epistle (letter) is james, also called james the just, who is thought to be the brother of jesus christ (matthew 13:55; mark 6:3). james was not a believer (john 7:3-5) until after the resurrection (acts 1:14; 1 corinthians 15:7; galatians 1:19). he became the head of the jerusalem church and is mentioned first as a pillar of the church (galatians 2:9).. 22 do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. do what it says. 23 anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 but whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it–not forgetting what. He knows it is about him, and the things that keep happening to him, but beyond that he never knows, and will never know; he is conspiring and scheming constantly, but so ineffectually and in such….
Christianity was no longer just a small little sect of strange people but had become a real force to deal with. james is writing to people to encourage them to stay strong in their faith and to endure. we talked about that too. james talks about endurance, patience and being a doer of the word.. James 1:26 parallel verses [⇓ see commentary ⇓] james 1:26, niv: "those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." james 1:26, esv: "if anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.". Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. king james bible therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. christian standard bible so it is sin to know the good and yet not do it. contemporary english version if you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned. good news.
Chapters 1 and 2 introduced the idea of how one’s actions demonstrate the reality of their beliefs. here, in chapter 3, james continues to explore this effect. in this passage, he talks about our words and heaven’s wisdom. the one with perfect faith in god would have perfect control over his or her words.. James’s prior words in chapter one were a command to live out the words of god. he compared the absurdity of hearing the word, then ignoring it, to a man looking at his face in a mirror and then immediately forgetting what he looks like. here, in chapter 2, james urge his readers not to show favoritism or partiality..
James’s prior words in chapter one were a command to live out the words of god. he compared the absurdity of hearing the word, then ignoring it, to a man looking at his face in a mirror and then immediately forgetting what he looks like. here, in chapter 2, james urge his readers not to show favoritism or partiality.. 22 do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. do what it says. 23 anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 but whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it–not forgetting what. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. king james bible therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. christian standard bible so it is sin to know the good and yet not do it. contemporary english version if you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned. good news.
