NT 639 Exegesis of the Letter of James
Aída Besançon Spencer
An exegetical study of the Greek text, with attention to the unique theological themes, structure and content of James.
GENERAL GOALS
This course addresses the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Mission statement by:
1.
encouraging students to become more knowledgeable of the structure and theology of the
Letter of James in its historical milieu and more competent in using language, interpretative, and application skills learned in NT502 and Greek 1 & 2 (mission goal 1). Students will be encouraged to become creative, original, careful scholars who employ primary source materials and who allow their conclusions to flow from a careful reading of the text and to further an enjoyment and awe of God and of the New Testament.
2.
introducing students to the Christian scholarship issues in James (mission goal 2).
3.
helping students mature in their character, outlook, conduct, relationships, and involvement in society by the teacher’s model, class dialogue, mentoring opportunities and prayer
(mission goal 4).
4.
providing resources and strategies that will lead to effective local and global ministry, mission, evangelism, and discipleship as evident in James (mission goals 3, 5, 6).
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1.
(10%) Read James in Greek (7%) using a word list and, as reference, grammar books. (Do not use analytical lexicons nor interlinear Bibles!) (Full credit given after four hours of translation per week.) Keep a journal of insights and questions encountered in reading James, which you will share with the class (1%). Keep a separate list of or underline all the imperatives and images in James (1%). Complete class exercises (1%). Quiz on Greek (5%).
Highest of two grades will be counted. If at least a passing grade is not received on the second quiz, the grade will be lowered one grade. Competence in Greek is necessary for a passing grade for the course.
2.
Complete and hand in an original historical, “character”/thematic study and outline of James
(30%). Historical context (3-5 pp. double-spaced) due week 2, Feb. 5 [grace 2/9 9 a.m. professor’s house). Character (1 p.) and outline (1 p.) studies due week 3, Feb. 12 [grace 2/16
9 a.m.]. These papers can be rewritten if completed by week 7 (March 12). Include original draft and cover sheet and rewritten draft.
3.
Complete an 8-12 page exegesis paper double-spaced (50% grade) by week 8 (March 19)
(grace 3/23 – 9 a.m. at professor’s home). Exegesis paper must include a textual critical, literary, grammatical, semantic, stylistic, Jewish or Greco-Roman study, an original translation, 1-2 pp. application (may be additional to 12 pp.), and sentence flow in appendix.
Th.M. students write a 13-17 pp. exegesis paper. Optional redone paper with first draft and original cover sheet due week 12, April 16.
4.
Complete and hand in a representation of an image(s) used by James which captures the message of the book (5%) by week 12 (April 16).
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5.
Read all the required assignments. Reading, excellent attendance, and extra effort affect inbetween grades.
6.
Th.M. students – in addition read (minimum 200 pp.) and do a book review (1 p.) related to
James. Book review will include a brief summary and evaluation of book’s strengths and weaknesses.
WEEKLY SESSIONS
Week 1 (Jan. 29):
A.
Introduction to course, procedures, requirements.
B.
How to do historical context, “character”/thematic study, outline, and exegesis papers.
Assignments for next class:
1) Translate James 1:1-11 using a word list. Prepare for quiz on 1:1-11. Review meaning of metaphor and simile.
2) Historical context of James due next week.
3) Read Eusebius, History II.23 and III.25. (optional, read Josephus Ant. XX.IX.1[200])
Week 2 (Feb. 5):
A.
What is a “catholic epistle?” What do we know about the authorship and date of James?
B.
Overview of events. To whom is letter written? Which diaspora? Set readers in historical times
C.
Quiz on James 1:1-11.
Assignments for next class:
1) Bring to class sentence flow of 1:5 (optional 1:2-8)
2) Complete character study and outline of James by next week. Keep a copy for class use.
3) Choose text for final paper.
Week 3 (Feb. 12):
A.
Translate James 1:1-11. Letterheads. Define simile and metaphor. As a class do a clause analysis.
B.
(if time permits) – group study of purpose
Assignments for next class:
1) Translate James 1:12-27. Write out every variant for the last 4 words of 1:17, manuscript support for each, name, age, text-type, quality. Use UBS and Nestle.
2) Read “How to Derive Benediction from Beholding Oneself in the Mirror of the Word”
(James 1:22-27) in For Self-Examination.
3) Begin work on final paper.
Week 4 (Feb 16-20): Reading Week, no classes
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Week 5 (Feb. 26):
A.
Translate James 1:12-27. Go over how to choose original text.
B.
“Receive the Implanted Word.” Image of lights. Define personification.
Widows and their Importance. “Deceiving yourselves.” View of the law.
Assignments for next class:
1.
Translate James 2:1-13.
2.
Read the Gospel of Matthew to compare Jesus’ teachings with James’ teachings.
Bring notes to class.
Week 6 (March 5):
A.
Translate James 2:1-13.
“Be done with partiality.” Layout of a synagogue (2:1-3). Jesus vs. James.
B.
Trials vs. Suffering
Assignments for next class:
1) Translate James 2:14-16. For class do a textual study of 2:19.
2) Read Romans and Aboth in Mishnah.
3) Read ch. 5 Joy through the Night.
4) Optional rewritten assignments #2 due next class.
Week 7 (March 12):
A.
Translate James 2:14-26. Review 2:19 textual study.
B.
James vs. his contemporaries (Paul and other rabbis)
Go over how to do a paper.
Assignments for next class:
1) Translate James 3:1-18.
2) Read Yadaim (“Hands”) in Mishnah.
3) Complete exegesis paper by next class.
Week 8 (March 19):
A.
Translate James 3:1-18.
B.
“Be done with misuse of the tongue.”
Tongue vs. Hands. The Qualities of a Teacher.
Assignments for next class:
1) Translate James 4:1-17.
2) Read Malachi.
3) Bring to class outline of James.
Week 9 (March 23-26): Reading Week, no classes
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Week 10 (April 2):
A.
Translate James 4:1-17.
B.
James vs. Malachi – Genre of James. Main theme of letter
Assignments for next class:
1) Translate James 5:1-20.
2) Prepare for quiz on 5:1-20.
Week 11 (April 9):
A.
“Be done with fighting as the world fights.” Asking – believing.
Position Reversal (1:9-10; 2:1-4; 4:6, 10)
B.
Quiz on 5:1-20. Translate James 5:1-20. Wealth and landowners.
Assignments for next class:
1) Optional rewritten final paper due next week.
2) Read ch. 6 Joy through the Night.
3) Read 1 Kings 16:29-19:21.
4) Develop 1 image in James which you think captures a central message of the letter (e.g. drawing, collage, slide, music, sculpture). Also bring to class list of imperatives and selfevaluation form.
5) After own study completed, read “The Function of the Miserific and Beatific Images in the Letter of James,” Evangelical Journal 7 (Spring 1989), 3-14.
Week 12 (April 16):
A.
“Be done with wealth.” “Receive the implanted word by appropriately dealing with immediate problems”
Spiritual Healing – The Rev. Dr. William David Spencer
B.
Imperatives and Images in James – Summary of letter.
C.
The Function of the Images in the Letter of James.
Week 13 (April 23): Back up snowday
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LETTER OF JAMES
Excellent Commentaries Recommended for Purchase
Blomberg, Craig L., and Mariam J. Kamell. JAMES: ZONDERVAN EXEGETICAL
COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008. 280 pp.
Davids, Peter. THE EPISTLE OF JAMES: A COMMENTARY ON THE GREEK TEXT. New
International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982. 226 pp.
Ref. BS 2785.3.D348
Extensive presentation of authorship, date, secondary literature, and theology. Using redaction criticism, he concludes that James is a two-stage work including sermons and sayings by James the Just later redacted by James or a member of the church. Does not have text in the book. Good attention to rhetoric. Responds to Dibelius.
Hiebert, D. Edmond. THE EPISTLE OF JAMES: TESTS OF A LIVING FAITH. Chicago:
Moody, 1979. 354 pp. Ref BS 2785.3.H53 OP
Interacting extensively with the secondary literature, using transliterated Greek, he has good attention to general theme of letter “tests of a living faith.”
*Mayor, Joseph B. THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES: GREEK TEXT WITH INTRODUCTION,
NOTES, COMMENTS AND FURTHER STUDIES IN THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES.
Limited Classical Reprint Library. 3d ed. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock, 1892 [1977]. Kregel
741 pp. Ref. BS 2785.M39 1977 OP
290-page introduction on author (James, the Lord’s brother), comparison to other writings
(every OT and Apocryphal work!), place and date of writing, and grammar. Extensively refutes James as “cousin” of Jesus. Cites original texts of other writers. Phenomenal amount of detailed research. At times complicated organization.
*Robertson, A. T. WORD PICTURES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT VI GENERAL EPISTLES
AND REVELATION OF JOHN. Nashville: Broadman, 1933. also in Bible Works
Helpful for translation.
Witherington, Ben. LETTERS & HOMILIES FOR JEWISH CHRISTIANS: A SOCIO-
RHETORICAL COMMENTARY ON HEBREWS, JAMES & JUDE. Downers Grove: IVP,
2007.
James was written by the Lord’s brother at least by the 50s as a hortatory sermon – a fine study with emphasis on rhetoric.
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Other Books Which Should Receive Attention
Adamson, James. THE EPISTLE OF JAMES. New International Commentary on the New
Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976. 227 pp. BS 2785.3.A3
Update on Ross. James is “quasi-prophetic letter of pastoral encouragement and rebuke” written by Jesus’ brother. Pushes for unity of letter. Summarizes teachings. Select bibliography is good. Sees temptation as external and internal. Well written, good attention to metaphors. Uses internal textual evidence to contradict external evidence. Transliterated
Greek commentary.
Brosend II, William F. JAMES & JUDE. New Cambridge Bible Commentary. Cambridge:
Cambridge University, 2004. Socio-rhetorical
Baird, J. Arthur and J. David Thompson. A CRITICAL CONCORDANCE TO THE LETTER
OF JAMES (Rev.). The Computer Bible XXXI. Biblical Research Association, 1988.
Dibelius, Martin. JAMES: A COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE OF JAMES, Rev. H.
Grieven, Hermeneia – Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible. 11 th ed.
Philadelphia: Fortress, 1976. 284 pp. Ref. BS 2785.3.D52
Uses form criticism because the letter is a series of sayings without continuity in thought
(paraenesis). Other examples of paraenesis are Barnabas, Didache, sayings of Jesus
(especially Matthew), Shepherd of Hermas (Mandates), Aboth, Tobit, Ad Demonicum,
Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon, Testaments XII, and 1 Peter. “It is not possible to construct a single frame into which [the admonitions] will all fit” (p.11). James has “no theology” (p.
21). Pivotal book for contemporary scholars.
Hort, F. J. A. THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES: THE GREEK TEXT WITH INTRODUCTION,
COMMENTARY AS FAR AS CHAPTER IV, VERSE 7, AND ADDITIONAL NOTES.
London: Macmillan, 1909. 119 pp. BS 2785.H67
Letter written around 60 by James the Just. Good word studies.
Huther, John, ed. CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL HANDBOOK TO THE GENERAL
EPISTLES OF JAMES AND JOHN, trans. P.J. Gloag. Meyer’s Commentaries on the New
Testament. 3d ed. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, MDCCCLXXXI. 528 [228] pp. BS 2344 M 57.
Pts. 13-14/M57c. V. 10.
James the Lord’s brother. Extensive introduction. Detailed discussion of Greek.
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Johnstone, Robert. LECTURES EXEGETICAL AND PRACTICAL ON THE EPISTLE OF
JAMES. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1954. 433 pp. BS 2785.J6.
Johnstone’s rewritten sermons. Greek. James the Just wrote letter before 50. Good exposition of text.
Knowling, R.J. THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES. Westminster Commentaries. 2d ed. London:
Methuen, 1910. 160 pp. BS 2785.K59.
Letter cannot be written after the death of James the Just. Extensive introduction on authorship yet quite difficult to ascertain final conclusions of author. Extensive commentaries dealing with other commentators of his time.
Laws, Sophie. A COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE OF JAMES. Harper’s New Testament
Commentaries. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1980. 273 pp. Ref. BS 2785.3.L38
Well-documented, balanced introduction assuming the epistle is pseudonymous. Relates text more to Hellenistic rather than Jewish backgrounds. Transliterated Greek.
Maynard-Reid, Pedrito U. POVERTY AND WEALTH IN JAMES. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1987.
Mitton, C. Leslie. THE EPISTLE OF JAMES: FAITH IS NOT TRUE FAITH UNLESS IT IS
THE MOTIVE POWER THAT PRODUCES CHRISTIAN LIVING. London: Marshall,
Morgan & Scott, 1966. 255 pp.
Good expository comments. No footnotes to check references. Transliterated Greek. James the Lord’s brother is author. He aims to show how the letter is consistent in teaching with the rest of the New Testament.
Oesterley, W.E. THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JAMES. The Expositor’s Greek Testament, IV.
New York: Dodd, Mead, 1910. 476 [91] pp. (Ref.) BS 1965 [1897] v. 4
Letter written by James had added to it other elements. Extensive introduction with detailed notes on Greek text. Much comparative work with other early literature.
Plummer, Alfred. THE GENERAL EPISTLES OF ST. JAMES AND ST. JUDE. Expositor’s
Bible. New York: A.C. Armstrong, 1890. 476 pp. Winn BS 491.E9. Vol. 46a
Richardson, Kurt A. THE NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY 36: JAMES. Nashville:
Broadman, 1997.
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Robertson, A.T. PRACTICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHRISTIANITY: THE WISDOM
OF JAMES. New York: Hodder & Stoughton, 1915. 271 pp. BS 2785 R54 [reprinted
STUDIES IN THE EPISTLE OF JAMES, ed. H. Peacock.]
12 expository talks based on Greek text. Wonderful background on James. Assumes explicit claims of the texts. Interesting and full of common sense. Seems to rely on Mayor.
Ropes, James Hardy. A CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE
OF ST. JAMES. International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1916. 319 pp.
Letter written by a Christian teacher in some half-Hellenistic city of Palestine between A.D.
75-125. Ample reference to secondary literature. Greek.
Less Technical or Briefer Commentaries
Adderley, James. THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES. London: Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge, 1900.
Barclay, William. THE LETTERS OF JAMES AND PETER. The Daily Study Bible. 2d ed.
Edinburgh: Saint Andrew, 1960. 415 [162] pp.
Good introduction without footnotes. Sermon by James edited by someone else; usual sermonic outlines.
Blackman, E.C. THE EPISTLE OF JAMES: INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTARY. Torch
Bible Commentaries. London: SCM 1957. 159 pp. BS 2785.3 B565
Agreeing with W.L. Knox, a later Christian edits material by James (A.D. 70-130). Brief.
Calvin, John. CALVIN’S COMMENTARIES: EPHESIANS-JUDE. Wilmington: Associated
[n.d.] BS 2625 [37] pp.
James the son of Alpheus writes to the Jews scattered across the world. “They who at this day set anointing among the sacraments, are not the true followers, but the apes of the
Apostles, except they restore the effect produced by it, which God has taken away from the world for more than fourteen hundred years.”
Carr, A. THE EPISTLE OF JAMES. Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges.
Cambridge: University, 1922. BS 2341.C14. v. 16.
Coleman, Lyman and Richard Peace. JAMES. Pastor/Teacher Commentary and Study Guide for the Book of, and Serendipity New Testament for Groups (NIV). Littleton, CO: Serendipity
House, 1986.
Three different helpful series for church studies. Pastor/teacher commentary especially has good ideas for how to start Bible studies.
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Jones, R.B. THE EPISTLES OF JAMES, JOHN AND JUDE. Proclaiming the New Testament.
Grand Rapids: Baker, 1961.
After a verse, the author gives a brief historical setting, expository meaning, doctrinal value, practical aim, and outline of a sermon.
Kelly, Earl. JAMES: A PRIMER FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING. Nutley: Craig, 1974. 282 pp.
BS2785.K44
Collection of 33 expository sermons (with numerous quotations).
Kistemaker, Simon J. JAMES AND I-III JOHN. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids:
Baker, 1986.
Introductory commentary with practical considerations. James is author. Greek words.
Lenski, R.C.H. THE INTERPRETATION OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS AND OF
THE EPISTLE OF JAMES. Columbus: Wartburg, 1937. 673 [170] pp. BS 2775.L4
James the Lord’s brother, not an apostle, is writer. Good comments on Greek text. Could be more clear on meanings of words.
Manton, Thomas. A PRACTICAL COMMENTARY, OR AN EXPOSITION WITH NOTES
ON THE EPISTLE OF JAMES. Geneva Series of Commentaries. Edinburgh: Banner of
Truth, 1693. BS 2785.M36 1983
Weekly lectures on James. Greek text cited. Author is James the son of Alpheus, Jesus’ brother. Devout, albeit some interpretations questionable.
Motyer, J.A. THE MESSAGE OF JAMES: THE TEST OF FAITH. The Bible Speaks Today.
Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1985. 214 pp.
Letter may have been sermon notes. In a colloquial style, ably discusses letter with special attention to continuing themes.
Park, Yune Sun. A COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS AND THE
GENERAL EPISTLES. Seoul, Korea: Yung Eum Sa, 1965. 420 pp. BS2348.2.k6 P219. V.7
[in Korean].
Roberts, J.W. THE LETTER OF JAMES. The Living Word Commentary. Austin: Sweet, 1977.
180 pp. BS 2785.3.R6
Brief introduction to critical matters and brief commentary.
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Ross, Alexander. THE EPISTLES OF JAMES AND JOHN. The New London Commentary.
London: Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1954. 249 (106) pp. BS 2785.3 .R 68 1954 [reprinted
1970 in the New International Commentary on the New Testament]
James, the Lord’s brother, before A.D. 50. Greek in notes. Brief expositions.
Scaer, David P. JAMES: THE APOSTLE OF FAITH: A PRIMARY CHRISTOLOGICAL
EPISTLE FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH. St. Louis: Concordia, 1983. 158 pp.
BS 2785.Z.S28
Transliterated Greek. Brief but fine comments. Prayer for sick only assures sick of salvation
(p. 133).
Sidebottom, E.M. JAMES, JUDE, AND 2 PETER. The New Century Bible Commentary. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1967. 130 [67] pp. BS 2785.3.S5
“A tract showing traces of the diatribe form” which “could have been by James.” He assumes a redactor. Very brief comments.
Smith, H. Marnard. THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES: LECTURES. Oxford: Blackwell, 1914. 386 pp. BS 2785.S63
“Busy parish priest” expounds Scriptures to congregation. Relies especially on Mayor.
Includes introduction on historical matters.
Stier, Rudolf. THE WORDS OF THE RISEN SAVIOUR, AND COMMENTARY ON THE
EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES, trans. W.B. Pope. Clark’s Foreign Theological Library, 3d Series,
IV. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1959. 501 (276) pp. BS 2785 St5
32 Sermons written as verse-by-verse exposition [needs to be read with letter-opener].
Strauss, Lehmann. JAMES, YOUR BROTHER: STUDIES IN THE EPISTLE OF JAMES. New
York: Laixeaux Brothers, 1956. 243 pp. BS 2785 St 8.
Devotional studies by a minister interspersed with poetry. Transliterated Greek.
Tasker, R.V.G. THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JAMES: AN INTRODUCTION AND
COMMENTARY. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1957. 144 pp. BS 2785.3.T38
Letter is like a “collection of sermon-notes” by James the Lord’s brother. Transliterated
Greek. Relies on Ropes, Hort, and Mayor. Brief commentary. Like Adamson tends to stress internal textual evidence.
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Articles & Other Books
CRISWELL THEOLOGICAL REVIEW, January (Fall 1986) on Book of James: theology, prayer, suffering, preaching, commentaries, dispensationalism.
REVIEW AND EXPOSITOR, Summer (1986) on James.
Ong, S. H. A STRATEGY FOR A METAPHORICAL READING OF THE EPISTLE OF
JAMES. Lanham: University Press of America, 1996.
Warden, Duane. “The Rich and Poor in James: Implications for Institutionalized Partiality.”
JOURNAL OF THE EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY 43:2 (June 2000): 247-
57.
Books Needed to Complete Assignments
*Aland, Kurt, et. Al. THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT with Dictionary. 4 th ed. New York:
United Bible Societies, 1983. (or Nestle-Aland)
*Danby, Herbert. THE MISHNAH. Oxford: Oxford, 1933 or Jacob Neusner. THE MISHNAH.
(2 chs.)
Eusebius. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. Trans. G. A. Williamson. 2 nd ed. New York:
Penguin, 1989 or EUSEBIUS: THE CHURCH HISTORY. Trans. Paul L. Maier. Grand
Rapids: Kregel, 1999. PA 3612.Eu77 or BR160.E5 W676.
*Kubo, Sakae. A READER’S GREEK ENGLISH LEXICON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975.
Kierkegaard, Soren. FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. Princeton: Princeton University, 1941.
BR100K54f (1 long ch.).
*Spencer, Aída Besançon and William David Spencer. JOY THROUGH THE NIGHT:
BIBLICAL RESOURCES ON SUFFERING. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1994. Oregon:
Wipf & Stock. (2 chs.)
_____. “HOW TO WRITE A NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS PAPER, STEP BY STEP.”
2003.
*Choose 1-2 commentaries from suggested bibliography.
11/2008
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