Bible Question:
Dear Tim, The crown of life illustration was great! I think you are right on that one. That was very helpful. But I am still struggling with the James 1:9-10. You said that for the poor guy his high position is because he is in Christ. And for the rich guy his low position is his human fraility. Why wouldn’t the two different positions be speaking of the same subject? For example, if we are right in thinking that the high position for the poor brother is his being in Christ, why wouldn’t the low position of the rich person be speaking of the same subject, his low position in Christ? Also, vs 11 says the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. All commentaries I have consulted seem to say what you have been saying, except one - “The New Bible Commentary” edited by D.A. Carson, R.T. France, J.A.Motyer, and G.J. Wenham. This commentary says: “The brother in humble circumstances is encouraged to see himself from God’s perspective and take pride in his high position. ...In contrast the rich person should take pride in his low position. This is probably a deliberately ironic statement. The term “rich” in James is used only for non-believers. James does know of some wealthy Christians (2:2, 4:13) but he speaks of them without calling the “rich”. While the verse might mean that a rich man could properly take pride in having been humbled by God and brought to associate as an equal with poor Christians, it is more likely that James is saying that if the rich person looks at the same future as the “humble” brother, the only thing he has to take pride in is his “low position”, or “his passig away. .... “ What do you think? Could this explanation be right? It differs quite a bit from the other commentaries I have, which is why I feel a little nervous about it. If I may, let me ask you one more question. If you were to teach an adult class on the book of James, what commentaries would you use that would give you in-depth information on each verse? I ask because I am teaching a ladies bible study on the book of James. I have 4 commentaries (the New Bible Commentary (quoted above), the Bible Knowledge Commentary by John Walvoord, the Life Application Commentary, and The Be Book Commentary on James by Wiersbe), but none really goes into the depth I’m interested in pursuing. I enjoy in-depth stuff. Thank you so much for your help and the time you put into answering my questions, especially since you have been busy with other important matters. Blessings, Pam |
Bible Answer: Greetings Pam! I'm glad it was clearer than mud! :-) The nuances of the interpretations seem to be a little different, but the overall thrust comes across to me as the same. In Christ, the low are made high and the high are made low - a balance or equality exists. As far as commentaries are concerned, it depends upon how much you want to spend! :-) One of the best indepth series that I have come across is: "The New Internation Commentary on the New Testament", edited by F. F. Bruce. They are hard back and a little on the pricey side, but they are extremely detailed, without going to crazy on the original language stuff. If you are into that side of it, I believe that series is called, "The New Internation Critical Commentary". It is expensive and deep in to the languages. But, I think the first would satisfy your thirst. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |