Synopses & Reviews
This commentary by Scot McKnight expounds the often-vexing letter of James both in its own context and in the context of ancient Judaism, the Greco-Roman world, and the emerging Christian faith. Though interacting with the best available scholarly work on James, McKnight first connects deeply with the text of the letter itself, striving to interpret James's teaching rigorously in light of what he says elsewhere in his letter rather than smothering the epistle in extrinsic debates and theories. Shaped from beginning to end for pastors, preachers, and teachers, this accessible commentary full of insight, good sense, and wit will illuminate those who want to explain James and its significance to their congregations and classes.
Synopsis
Scot McKnight here explains the Letter of James both in its own context and as it may be seen in light of ancient Judaism, the Graeco-Roman world, and emerging earliest Christianity.
From beginning to end, the book is shaped for pastors, teachers, and scholars. McKnight is less interested in shedding new light on James than on providing a commentary for those who want to explain the letter and its significance to congregations and classes.
This commentary is accessible to a broad readership, at once full of insight and of good sense and wit that makes for good reading. The Letter of James is an especially helpful source for consultation as to what James is about.
Table of Contents
James in the story -- James: who wrote the letter? -- What are the central themes of James? -- What is the structure of James? -- Commentary. Salutation (1:1) -- The Christian and trials (1:2-18) -- General exhortations (1:19-27) -- The Christian and partiality (2:1-13) -- The Christian and works (2:14-26) -- General exhortations for teachers (3:1-4:12) -- The Messianic community and the wealthy (4:13-5:11) -- Concluding exhortations (5:12-20).