The Message of James (Alec Motyer)

The Message of James

As a good communicator, The Apostle James addressed his readers directly and pointedly with vivid images from ordinary life and attention-gripping statements. Alec Motyer’s rich exposition brings James’s letter to life for today’s reader. Motyer is himself gripped by James’s energy and concern for practical Christianity.

The letter shows how a genuine faith is a tested faith, how encounter with difficulties is an essential part of the growth to Christian maturity this book powerfully brings out James’s memorable themes–the link between enduring trials and maturity; the question of perfection; the good gifts of God; faith, works and Christian concern in a world of human need; the implications of careless and evil words; the meaning of war; the church and healing; confession of sin; and the need for active purity in life.

Another volume in The Bible Speaks Today Commentary series. New Testament Series Editor is John R. W. Stott

Contents

1. Setting the scene (1:1)
2. The life-giving trail (1:2-4)
3. The way of wisdom (1:5-11)
4. A battle of wills (1:12-19a)
5. The life-giving Word (1:19b-25)
6. Transition: the Father’s children (1:26-27)
7. Denying our faith (2:1-7)
8. Obedient faith (2:8-13)
9. The proving of faith (2:14-26)
10. The master-key (3:1-12)
11. The two wisdoms (3:13-18)
12. The beginning of wisdom (4:1-10)
13. Areas of high risk (4:11-5:6)
14. Enduring the end (5:7-12)
15. The last word: prayer and care (5:13-20)

About the Author 

J. Alec Motyer (1924–2016) was a renowned Old Testament pastor and scholar. With extensive experience in parish ministry, he was principal of Trinity College in Bristol, England, and was well known as a Bible expositor. His books include The Prophecy of Isaiah, and he was the Old Testament editor of The Bible Speaks Today commentary series.