This unique commentary on James by an outstanding New Testament specialist, provides a broad range of original perspectives of how people have interpreted, and been influenced by, this important epistle.
The author explores a vast array of interpretations extending far beyond theological commentary, sermons, and hymns , which also embraces the epistle’s influences on literature, art, politics, and social theory. The work includes examples of how successive generations have portrayed the historical figure of James the Just, in both pictorial and textual form. Contextualizing his analysis with excerpts from key documents, including visual and artistic representations of James, the author reviews the dynamic interactions between the James and Jesus traditions and compares James’s epistle with those of Paul. The volume highlights James’s particular concern for the poor and marginalized, charting the many responses to this aspect of his legacy. Drawing on sources as varied as William Shakespeare, John Calvin, Charles Schultz’s Peanuts, and political cartoons, this is an exhaustive study of the theological and cultural debates sparked by the Epistle of James.
Table of Contents:
List of Plates ix Series Editors’ Preface xii
Preface xiv
Acknowledgements xviii
Introduction 1
James 1:1–11: Trials, Endurance, Wisdom, and the Exalted Poor 63
James 1:12–27: Trials, Endurance, and Doers of the Word 99
James 2:1–13: Deeds of Faith, the Chosen Poor, and the Law of Liberty 143
James 2:14–26: Faith without Works Is Dead 173
James 3:1–12: The Power and Danger of Speech 204
James 3:13–4:12: The Fruits of Wisdom versus Friendship with the World 219
James 4:13–5:6: The Sovereignty of God and God’s Judgment upon the Rich 252
James 5:7–11: The Patience of the Faithful and the Compassion of the Lord 278
James 5:12–20: Speech and Actions in the Community of the Faithful 288
Biographies 317
References 323
Index of Names 331
Index of Subjects 335
About the Author :
David B. Gowler is The Dr Lovick Pierce and Bishop George F. Pierce Chair of Religion at Oxford College, Emory University, USA. He has published dozens of books, articles, book chapters, and book reviews, and since 1991 has served as co-editor of Emory Studies in Early Christianity.
Review :
"...This commentary offers a fascinating read of the multifarious ways in which James has been interpreted and appropriated through the centuries." - Review & Expositor
