JAMES 1:1-4 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
NSB* Early church tradition identifies the author James as the half-brother of Christ. To the twelve Tribes: This salutation probably means the letter is for Jewish Christians living outside of Palestine. The letter was not intended for one specific church but was passed around various local assemblies.
My notes - There is no Biblical evidence that James was the son of Joseph from a previous marriage or adopted. There are references saying James was the brother of Jesus. Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55-56.
Mark 6:3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
Matthew 13:55-56 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?”
Note Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
Bondservant; The King James Version renders this word "servant".
Greek - δοῦλος doulos
Strong's G1401
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
Vines - (def A-1 2) an adjective, signifying in bondage," Romans 6:19 (neuter plural, agreeing with mele, "members"), is used as a noun, and as the most common and general word for "servant," frequently indicating subjection without the idea of bondage; it is used: of Christ.
Tribe; Greek - φυλή phulē
Strongs G5443
Dodson denotes - a tribe, race; a tribe or race of people.
Thayer expands - 1) a tribe 1a) in the NT all the persons descending from one of the twelve sons of the patriarch, Jacob 2) a nation, people
Vines (def 1) a company of people united by kinship or habitation, a clan.
Moving to Verse 2.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
NSB* Trials are of outward circumstances - conflicts, sufferings, and troubles - encountered by all believers. Trials are not pleasant and may be extremely grievous, but believers are to consider them as opportunities for rejoicing. Troubles and difficulties are a tool which refines our faith, producing patience and endurance.
Brethren; Greek - ἀδελφός adelphos
Strong's G80
Dobson denotes - a brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian.
LSJ Gloss - sons of the same mother
Thayer Expands - 1) a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother 2) having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, or countryman 3) any fellow or man 4) a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection 5) an associate in employment or office 6) brethren in Christ 6a) his brothers by blood 6b) all men 6c) apostles 6d) Christians, as those who are exalted to the same heavenly place.
Joy; Greek - χαρά chara
Strong's G5479
Strong's - cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight
Dodson - joy, gladness, a source of joy.
Trials; The Kings James Version uses the word "Temptations" here. Temptations are - Greek - πειρασμός peirasmos
Strong's G3986
Strong's - a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
Vines (def a) of "trials" or "temptations," Divinely permitted or sent.
1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
Moving to Verses 3 and 4.
James 1:3-4 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Knowing; Greek - γινώσκω ginōskō
Strong's G1097
Strong's - to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed) Derivation: a prolonged form of a primary verb;
Dobson denotes - I come to know, learn, realize. I am taking in knowledge, come to know, learn; aor: I ascertained, realized.
Testing; Greek - δοκίμιον dokimion
Strong's G1383
Strong's - a testing; by implication, trustworthiness Derivation: neuter of a presumed derivative of.
Thayer expands - 1) the proving 2) that by which something is tried or proved, a test.
Faith; Greek - πίστις pistis
Strong's G4102
Strong's - persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself.
Dobson - faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity.
Direct Biblical definition - Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Patience; Greek - ὑπομονή hupomonē
Strong's G5281
Strong's - cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
Dobson denotes - endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting
Thayer expands - 1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance 1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings 1b) patiently, and steadfastly 2) a patient, steadfast waiting for 3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance.
Perfect; Greek - τέλειος teleios
Strong's G5046
Strong's - complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.);
Dobson denotes - work, task, employment; a deed, action; that which is wrought or made, a work.
Vines (def A-1) signifies having reached its end" (telos), "finished, complete, perfect."
Work; Greek - ἔργον ergon
Strong's G2041
Dobson denotes - work, task, employment; a deed, action; that which is wrought or made, a work.
Complete; Greek - ὁλόκληρος holoklēros
Strong's G3648
Strong's - complete in every part, i.e. perfectly sound.
Takeaway: It's difficult in the moment to see any trial as being something that we should have joy over, but that is what we are asked to do. I try to take an eternal perspective. Yes, right now it is painful, I'm struggling, but this can be used to draw me closer to God and result in perseverance (patience). It is an opportunity to put my trust in Him more. So if you can get to that point where you see the result that could come, it produces a "calm delight" or joy.
Do not let trials take your temporal situation and ruin your walk with God, but rather seek to have an eternal perspective with a focus on Christ and trust in Him. If you are going to suffer for what God would have you do, being worthy of that is eternally significant.
*NSB - Nelson Study Bible.
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