James, by Topic with Notes and References Fall Quarter 2016 Ron Burk James James 1 ...... 13 Authenticity, Authorship, Audience, & Purpose of the Epistle ...... 13 Authenticity – what is the standard ? ...... 13 Authorship: James, but which one ? ...... 13 Audience: …To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings...... 13 Purpose: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ...... 13 Authenticity – what is the standard ? ...... 13 Why this is important - Antilegomena ...... 13 Four Criteria for Canonicity (Catholic) ...... 14 Apostolic Origin ...... 14 Universal Acceptance ...... 14 Liturgical Use ...... 14 Consistent Message ...... 14 What are your Criteria for accepting a book as part of the Bible? ...... 15 What are you Criteria for accepting any other book or teaching as a basis for Doctrine? ...... 15 James 1:1 Salutation ...... 16 Authorship: Who was James ? There are many opinions...... 16 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, …which James? ...... 16 Most common view ...... 16 James Jesus’ Brother ...... 16 Matthew 13:55 ...... 16 James, Jesus’ Cousin (Aramaic used the same word for ‘brother’ and ‘cousin’) ...... 16 John 19:25 Mother’s Sister at the Cross ...... 16 Matthew 27:56 Mother of James at the Cross ...... 16 Mark 15:40 Mother of James the Less at the Cross ...... 16 Mark 16:1 Mother of James at the Tomb ...... 16 James-Jacob the son of Alphaeus (Matthew-Levi was also the son of Alpaeus) both Apostles . 16 Matthew 10:2–4 (Mark 3:16–19, Luke 6:14–16) Apostles named ...... 16 Jude 1 Jude (Judas) claimed to the Brother of James ...... 17 Acts 1:13 -14 The Apostles, Jesus’ brothers and others wait for the Holy Spirit ...... 17 Mark 2:14 Levi was the son of Alphaeus ...... 17 Matthew 9:9 Matthew was also Levi ...... 17 James the son of Zebedee is unlikely ...... 17 Acts 12:1-2 John’s brother killed very early ...... 17 James, one of three “Pillars of the Church” in Jerusalem ...... 17 Acts 12:16–17 Report to James and the brethern ...... 17 Galatians 2:9 James, a Pillar of the church ...... 17 Galatians 2:12 Certain men from James ...... 18 Acts 15:1–2 Men from Judea ...... 18 Acts 15:12–13, 23-24 James was spokesman for the church in Jerusalem ...... 18 Acts 21:17–19 James and the Elders in Jerusalem ...... 18 1 Corinthians 15:6–8 Jesus appeared to James and all the Apostles ...... 18 Galatians 1:18–19 Paul went to see “James, the Lord’s brother” in Jerusalem ...... 18 adelphos Strong# 80 - brother ...... 19 Romans 9:3 Kinsmen - “My People” - common ancestor ...... 19 Matthew 12:46–50 Jesus using the word Brother - adelphos in two senses – Siblings & fellow Children of God ...... 19 John 11:21 Martha using the word Brother – adelphos speaking of her Sibling ...... 19 2 Corinthians 1:1 “Timothy our brother” speaking of someone who was a brother in Christ19 Audience: …To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings...... 20 Ezekiel 12:15 Remnants of Israel would be scattered ...... 20 John 7:35 Jews spoke of those scattered as “the Dispersion”...... 20 Acts 8:1 Jewish Christians were scattered into the Dispersion ...... 20 Acts 11:19 At first, scattered Christians taught only Jews ...... 20 Christians in the Dispersion were persecuted by Jews ...... 20 Acts 8:3, 22:3–4, 26:9–11 Saul persecutes the church ...... 20 Acts 13:45, 50 Jews reject the Gospel and begin persecution in Pisidian Antioch ...... 21 Acts 14:19 Jews follow Paul from Antioch to incite the people to stone him ...... 21 Acts 14:2–5 Jews follow Paul to Iconium to incite the people ...... 21 Acts 17:5 Persecution at Thessalonica ...... 21 1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 Suffering at the hands of the Jews ...... 21 Acts 18:12–16 Jews continue persecution in Corinth – Acquitted by Romans ...... 21 Acts 19:8–9 Jews speak evils of the Way at Ephesus ...... 22 Acts 21:27–28, 31–32 Jews from Asia attack Paul in Jerusalem – Paul is rescued by the Romans...... 22 Acts 23:12–14 Conspiracy to kill Paul in Jerusalem Romans ...... 22 Acts 23:26–30 Conspiracy again thwarted by the Romans ...... 22 Acts 24:5–7 Chief Priest testifies against Paul ...... 22 Christians were persecuted by other religious leaders ...... 23 Acts 16:19–21 Owners of a Diviner Persecute Paul & Silas ...... 23 Acts 19:23–24 Persecuted by Silversmiths ...... 23 Purpose: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ...... 24 James 1:2-4, 12 Suffering Trials ...... 24 Jesus told his Disciples to expect persecution ...... 24 Matthew 5:10 Persecuted for the sake of righteousness ...... 24 John 15:18–19 The world hated Jesus ...... 24 Luke 6:22 Blessed are you - hated ...... 24 The Apostles told us to expect to suffer ...... 24 Romans 8:16–18 Because we are heirs, children of God ...... 24 1 Peter 3:13–14 Better to suffer for doing good ...... 24 1 Peter 4:12–14 Do not be surprised ...... 24 1 John 3:13 The World will hate you...... 24 , 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing...... 25 2 Peter 1:5–8 Faith … Perseverance … Love ...... 25 Wisdom from Above ...... 26 James 1:5–8 Ask God ...... 26 James 1:5Ask God ...... 26 James 3:13, 17–18 Show me ...... 26 Job 28:12–13, 23–28 Wisdom comes from God ...... 26 Ecclesiastes 12:11–14 Fear God and keep his commandments ...... 26 Exodus 36:1 Men given skill and understanding ...... 27 2 Chronicles 1:10–12 (1 Kings 3:7–14) Solomon’s prayer for wisdom ...... 27 2 Chronicles 9:22–23 The greatness of Solomon’s wisdom ...... 27 Deuteronomy 17:14–20 The Law on intermarriage and Kings having many wives...... 27 1 Kings 3:1 Solomon had already formed a Marriage alliance ...... 27 1 Kings 11:1–11 Solomon’s many wives corrupt him ...... 28 Proverbs 3:5–8 Do not lean on your own understanding ...... 28 1 Timothy 1:3–7 Controversial Teachers condemned ...... 28 2 Peter 1:20–21 Inspiration was never by human will...... 28 James 5:13–18 The power of prayer ...... 29 Matthew 7:7–11 (see also Luke 11:9–13) Ask, and it will be given ...... 29 John 14:13–15 Ask in my name ...... 29 John 15:7 Ask, it will be done ...... 29 John 16:23–24 Ask, that your joy be made complete ...... 29 1 John 3:21–22 Ask in confidence ...... 30 1 John 5:14–15 Ask according to His will ...... 30 Matthew 21:21–22 Ask without doubting ...... 30 Hebrews 11:6 Ask in Faith ...... 30 1 Kings 19:10, 18 God gives more than we know ...... 30 James 1:9–11 Honor those of humble circumstances ...... 31 See notes following James 2:1-9 ...... 31 Matthew 7:11–12 The Golden Rule ...... 31 James 1:13–15 Tempted by Evil, not God ...... 31 Genesis 3:1–6 How Evil tempts ...... 31 Genesis 3:13 What have you done? ...... 31 Genesis 3:17 Adam cursed ...... 32 Mark 7:21–23 From within the heart ...... 32 1 John 2:15–16 Do not love the World ...... 32 Proverbs 14:12 (also Proverbs 16:25) ...... 32 Psalm 53:1–3 There is no God ...... 32 Luke 16:15 That which is highly esteemed – is detestable ...... 32 Romans 8:6–8 Flesh cannot please God ...... 32 Galatians 5:19–21 The Deeds of the Flesh ...... 32 1 Peter 4:1–2 Live for the will of God ...... 32 Isaiah 59:1–8 Their feet run to evil ...... 33 Titus 1:15–16 by their deeds they deny him ...... 33 Jude 4–8 the Ungodly have crept in...... 34 James 1:16–18 Every Good thing is from above ...... 34 1 John 2:15–17 Do not love the world ...... 34 Godly Behavior; Doing what Doers do ...... 35 James 1:19–21 Quick to hear, Slow to speak...... 35 James 1:22–24 Doers of the Word ...... 35 The Perfect Law...... 35 James 1:25–27 Law, Liberty, & Religion ...... 35 James 2:10–13 Law only convicts us of sin ...... 35 James 1:19–21, 26 Quick to hear, Slow to speak ...... 35 James 1:26 Bridle the tongue...... 36 James 3:2 A perfect man ...... 36 Matthew 11:15 Let him hear ...... 36 Matthew 13:9 Let him hear ...... 36 Matthew 13:13 Hearing they do not hear ...... 36 Matthew 13:13–17 Speaking in parables ...... 36 Matthew 13:43 Let him hear ...... 37 Mark 4:9 Let him hear ...... 37 Mark 4:23 Let him hear ...... 37 Luke 11:28 Blessed are those who hear ...... 37 Romans 10:14How will they hear ...... 37 Proverbs 10:19 Many words bring transgression ...... 37 Proverbs 12:15 Listen to counsel ...... 37 Proverbs 13:3 Guard your mouth from ruin ...... 37 Proverbs 15:2 The mouth of fools ...... 37 Proverbs 16:32 Slow to anger ...... 37 Proverbs 17:27–28 Even a fool when he keeps silent… ...... 37 Proverbs 18:13 Listen first ...... 38 Proverbs 21:23 Guard your mouth from trouble ...... 38 Proverbs 29:20 Hasty words of a fool ...... 38 Ecclesiastes 5:2–3 Do not speak in haste ...... 38 Ecclesiastes 10:12–14 The fool multiplies words ...... 38 Ephesians 4:26 Be angry but do not sin ...... 38 Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word ...... 38 James 1:22–24 Doers of the Word ...... 38 Matthew 7:21–25 Not everyone who says Lord, Lord ...... 38 Matthew 12:50 My Brothers and Sisters ...... 39 Matthew 28:20 Do all I have commanded you ...... 39 Luke 6:46–48 Do what I say ...... 39 Luke 11:28 Blessed are those who hear ...... 39 Luke 12:47-48 Much will be required ...... 39 John 13:17 Do what you know to do ...... 39 Romans 2:13 Doers will be justified ...... 39 Philippians 4:8 Do what is right...... 39 Colossians 3:17 Do what you do for the Lord ...... 39 1 John 2:3 Keep his commandments ...... 40 1 John 3:7 The righteous practice righteousness...... 40 3 John 11 Do not imitate evil ...... 40 Revelation 22:7 Heed my words ...... 40 The Perfect Law...... 40 James 1:25–27 Law, Liberty, & Religion ...... 40 James 2:10–13 Law keeping results in guilt ...... 40 PerfectG5046 LawG3551 of LibertyG1657 ...... 40 Romans 13:8–10 Love fulfills the law ...... 42 Romans 8:1–3 Christ set us free ...... 42 Galatians 3:1–3 Are you seeking to be perfected by the flesh? ...... 42 Galatians 3:21–26 Righteousness cannot come from law ...... 42 Galatians 2:4, 5:1, 13-14 False brethren seek to subvert Liberty ...... 42 Colossians 2:8 Empty Deception of Men ...... 44 Colossians 2:16–23 Reject Man-made Religion ...... 44 Colossians 3:3–14 If you have died with Christ – put on the bond of unity, love ...... 44 1 Corinthians 10:27–30 my freedom, not yours ...... 45 2 Corinthians 3:17 In the Lord is liberty ...... 45 James 2:12 law of liberty ...... 45 1 Peter 2:16 Do not use freedom for evil ...... 45 2 Peter 2:17-19 False promise of freedom ...... 45 1 Corinthians 10:23–33 Not all lawful things are profitable ...... 47 John 1:1, 14 The Word became flesh ...... 47 Exchanging The Word for The Law ...... 48 Galatians 6:2 (see also1 Corinthians 9:21) Fulfill the law of Christ ...... 48 Romans 7:4–13 Law results in death ...... 48 1 Peter 2:15–16 Do not use freedom to cover evil ...... 48 James 1:26 Bridle the Tongue ...... 50 Guarding our words ...... 51 Matthew 15:18 Things out of the mouth defile ...... 51 Psalm 39:1 I will guard my mouth ...... 51 Psalm 34:12–13 Keep your tongue from evil ...... 51 Psalm 141:3 Guard my mouth ...... 51 Proverbs 10:18–21 Too many words ...... 51 Proverbs 13:2–3 The fruit of a man’s mouth ...... 51 Matthew 12:34–37 By your words, you will be judged ...... 51 Matthew 23:14 Speaking in pretense ...... 52 James 5:12 Do not swear ...... 52 Leviticus 19:12 You shall not swear ...... 52 Matthew 5:34–37 Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ ...... 52 James 1:25–27 Pure and undefiled religion ...... 53 Being Religious ...... 54 Religious2356 occurs only twice, here in James 1:26, and in ...... 54 Colossians 2:18 ...... 54 Religion2357 occurs 3 times; twice in James 1:27-27, and once in Acts 26:5 ...... 54 Acts 26:5 ...... 54 Self-made Religion1479 occurs once in Col 2:23 ...... 55 Colossians 2:23 ...... 55 Superstition1175 or Religion1175 (depending on translation) occurs once in Acts 25:19 ...... 55 Acts 25:19 ...... 55 Superstitous1174 or Religous1174 ...... 55 Acts 17:22 ...... 55 Matthew 5:17–20 I came to fulfill ...... 55 Matthew 15:9 Teaching precepts of men ...... 55 Mark 7:7 Teaching precepts of men ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Colossians 2:16–23 Self-made religion ...... 56 Colossians 2:22 ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. New Covenant Theology ...... 60 Hebrews 8:7–13 (citing Jeremiah 31:31–34) The new covenant ...... 60 Luke 22:20 the new covenant of My blood ...... 60 1 Corinthians 11:25 the new covenant of My blood ...... 60 2 Corinthians 3:6 the new covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit ...... 60 Hebrews 9:15 the new covenant of My blood ...... 61 Hebrews 12:24 the new covenant of My blood ...... 61 James 2 ...... 62 James 2:1-9 The Sin of Partiality ...... 62 James 1:9-11 Honor the brother of humble circumstances ...... 62 James 4:6–16 Be humble, submit to God ...... 62 Luke 14:7–14 Take the last place parable ...... 63 Deuteronomy 15:7–11 Be generous with the poor ...... 64 Psalm 62:9–10 Do not seek profit by cheating ...... 64 Proverbs 17:5 Mocking the poor mocks God ...... 65 Proverbs 19:1 Poor man with integrity ...... 65 Luke 1:51–52 The Proud humbled ...... 65 Luke 9:46–48 The least is the greatest ...... 65 Acts 10:34 God does not show partiality ...... 65 James 2:10-13 The Curse of Law vs The Law of Liberty ...... 66 See notes on James 1:25–27 ...... 66 James 2:14–26 Faith and Works ...... 66 Matthew 25:31–46 Judged by actions not words ...... 66 Luke 3:10–11 What shall we do? ...... 67 1 Corinthians 7:18–19 Circumcision is nothing ...... 67 Romans 3:19–31 We have all sinned and fallen short ...... 67 Romans 3:20 No flesh will be justified by law ...... 68 Romans 3:28 Justified by faith ...... 68 Romans 4:3 Abraham saved by faith ...... 68 Romans 5:1 We are justified by failt ...... 68 Romans 4:5 Faith credits us with righteousness ...... 68 James 2:20 Faith without works is dead ...... 68 James 2:24 Not by faith alone ...... 68 James 2:26 Faith without works is dead ...... 68 James 3 ...... 71 James 3:1 Incurring a Stricter Judgement ...... 71 Admonitions against would-be Teachers ...... 71 Matthew 23:2–8 The Pharisees want to be teachers ...... 71 John 3:10 Are you the teacher of Israel? ...... 71 Romans 2:17–24 The blind lead the blind ...... 71 1 Timothy 1:3–7 Do not teach speculations ...... 72 Romans 16:17–18 Watch those who teach decisive doctrines ...... 72 2 Corinthians 11:4 A different doctrine ...... 72 Galatians 1:6–7 Distorting the Gospel ...... 72 1 Timothy 6:2–5 Teaching controversy ...... 72 Commandments and Examples for Christian Teachers ...... 73 Matthew 28:19–20 Teach them all that I commanded ...... 73 Acts 13:1 Teachers in Antioch ...... 73 1 Corinthians 12:28–29 Some are appointed teachers ...... 73 Ephesians 4:11 Some are appointed teachers ...... 73 2 Timothy 4:3 Tickled Ears ...... 73 Hebrews 5:12 You ought to be teachers ...... 73 1 Timothy 2:7 Paul appointed a teacher ...... 73 2 Timothy 1:11 Paul appointed a teacher ...... 73 Jesus was frequently addressed as Teacher/Master/Rabbi ...... 74 Teacher ...... 74 Matthew 8:19 Teacher (a Scribe) ...... 74 Matthew 9:11 Your Teacher (Pharisees) ...... 74 Matthew 12:38 Teacher (Scribes & Pharisees) ...... 74 Matthew 22:16 [Mark 12:14, 19; Luke 20:21 ] Teacher (Disciples of the Pharisees & Herodians) ...... 74 Matthew 22:24 [Luke 20:28 ] Teacher (Sadducees) ...... 74 Matthew 22:36 [Mark 12:32] Teacher (Lawyer) ...... 74 Matthew 26:18 [Mark 14:14; 22:11] Teacher (Jesus himself) ...... 74 Mark 4:38 Teacher (Disciples) ...... 74 Mark 5:35 [Luke 8:49] Teacher (Synagogue Officials household) ...... 74 Mark 9:17 [Luke 9:38] Teacher (Someone from the Crowd) ...... 74 Mark 9:38 Teacher (Apostle John) ...... 74 Mark 10:17, 20 [Luke 18:18] Teacher (Rich Young Ruler) ...... 75 Mark 10:35 Teacher (Apostles James & John) ...... 75 Mark 13:1 Teacher (Disciple) ...... 75 Luke 3:12 ...... 75 Luke 7:40 Teacher (Simon, the Pharisee) ...... 75 Luke 10:25 Teacher (Lawyer) ...... 75 Luke 11:45 Teacher (Lawyer) ...... 75 Luke 12:13 Teacher (Someone from the Crowd) ...... 75 Luke 19:39 Teacher (Pharisees) ...... 75 Luke 20:39 Teacher (Scribes) ...... 75 Luke 21:7 Teacher (Disciples) ...... 75 John 8:4 Teacher (Scribes and the Pharisees) ...... 75 John 11:28 Teacher (Martha) ...... 76 John 13:13–14 Teacher and Lord (Jesus, Disciples) ...... 76 Rabbi ...... 76 Matthew 26:25 Rabbi (Judas) ...... 76 Matthew 26:49 Rabbi (Judas) ...... 76 Mark 9:5 Rabbi (Peter) ...... 76 Mark 11:21 Rabbi (Peter) ...... 76 Mark 14:45 Rabbi (Judas) ...... 76 John 1:38 Rabbi – Teacher (Disciples) ...... 76 John 1:49 Rabbi (Apostle Nathanael) ...... 77 John 3:2 Rabbi (Nicodemus) ...... 77 John 3:26 Rabbi (John the Baptist) ...... 77 John 4:31 Rabbi (Disciples) ...... 77 John 9:2 Rabbi (Disciples) ...... 77 John 11:8 Rabbi (Disciples) ...... 77 John 20:16 Rabboni – Teacher (Mary) ...... 77 Matthew 23:7–8 Rabbi (Jesus – saying that only God is our Teacher) ...... 77 John 6:25 Rabbi (The Crowd) ...... 77 Matthew 10:24–25 A disciple is not above his teacher ...... 77 Matthew 17:24 Jesus called ‘Teacher’ ...... 77 James 3:2–12 Do not stumble in what you say ...... 78 James 5:12 ...... 79 James 3:13-18 Wisdom from Above ...... 79 James 4 ...... 79 James 4:1–3 The Source of Quarrels ...... 79 Quarrels ...... 80 3 John 9–12 Diotrephes, who loves to be first argues ...... 80 Asking with wrong motives, or according t God’s Will ...... 80 1 John 3:21–22 Do the things pleasing in his sight ...... 80 1 John 5:14–15 Ask according to His Will ...... 80 Matthew 7:7–12 Ask, God will answer ...... 80 Luke 11:9–10 Ask, and it will be given ...... 80 James 1:5–8 Ask God for Wisdom ...... 80 Romans 12:10–12 Be devoted in Love and in Prayer ...... 81 Philippians 2:3–4 Do not seek your own selfish desires ...... 81 James 4:4–5 Friendship with the World ...... 82 Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters ...... 82 Hosea 3:1 Unfaithful Israel sought the world ...... 82 John 15:18–19 The world hate me, and will hate you ...... 82 Galatians 1:10 Seeking the favor of God rather than Men ...... 82 Romans 8:9–11 You live in the Spirit, not the Flesh ...... 82 James 4:6-10 Humble Yourselves in the Presence of the Lord ...... 83 James 4:11-12 Do not speak against a Brother ...... 83 James 4:13-16 As the Lord wills, not You ...... 83 James 4:17 Not doing the Right Thing you know is Sin ...... 83 James 5 ...... 84 James 5:1–3 Worldly Treasures will perish ...... 84 Matthew 6:19–21 Do not store up Treasures on Earth ...... 84 Luke 6:24–25 Woe to those who use riches for their own comfort ...... 84 1 Timothy 6:8–10 The love of Money is a root of Evil ...... 84 James 5:4–6 Cheating Others to gain Wanton Pleasures ...... 85 Revelation 17:1–6 The Harlot living in luxury ...... 85 Leviticus 19:13 Do not cheat a hired man ...... 85 Jeremiah 22:13 Woe to him who cheats a wage earner ...... 85 Malachi 3:5 Judgement against those who cheat wage earners ...... 85 Exodus 22:22–24 Do not afflict Widows or Orphans ...... 85 Exodus 22:25–27 I will hear those whom you cheat when they cry out ...... 86 Proverbs 23:10–11 I will hear the case against cheaters ...... 86 Jeremiah 5:25–27 Condemnation to those who become rich by deceit ...... 86 Jeremiah 5:28-29 Those who do not defend the poor will be punished ...... 86 LordG2962 of SabaothG4519 ...... 87 What would you change if you had the power to set things right? ...... 87 James 5:7-11 Be Patient ...... 87 James 5:12 Do not make Oaths ...... 87 James 3:5–12 We are condemned by what we swear to ...... 87 James 5:16–18 Confession and the Prayer of a Righteous Man ...... 88 Confess your Sins ...... 88 Matthew 3:4–6 John’s Baptism of Confession and Repentance ...... 88 Acts 19:17 Those who believed confessed their Sins ...... 88 1 John 1:9 Confessed Sins will be forgiven ...... 88 The Prayer of a Righteous Man ...... 88 Genesis 20:7 Abraham prays ...... 88 Numbers 21:7 Moses prays for the repentant people ...... 88 Psalm 34:15 The cry of the righteous ...... 88 Proverbs 15:8 The Prayer of the upright...... 88 Daniel 2:17–19 Daniel prayed ...... 89 John 9:31 God hears those who do His Will ...... 89 Acts 12:5–7 The Church prays for Peter ...... 89 James 5:19-20 Restoring the Fallen ...... 89 1 John 5:14–17 Pray for the sin not leading to death ...... 89

James 1 “The apostles James, Peter, John, and Jude, have published seven epistles at once spiritual and to the point, short and long, short that is in words but lengthy in substance so that there are few indeed who do not find themselves in the dark when they read them.” Jerome Authenticity, Authorship, Audience, & Purpose of the Epistle Authenticity – what is the standard ? Authorship: James, but which one ? Audience: …To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Purpose: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

Authenticity – what is the standard ? Why this is important - Antilegomena The Epistle itself was one of the Antilegomena – Greek for ‘spoken against’ i.e. disputed. Hebrews, James, Jude, 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Revelation Contrast to the Homologoumena “confessed and undisputed” books. Origen and Eusebius questioned the Antilegomena in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries Athanasius of Alexandria (first to endorse the 27 books commonly recognized today) Jerome, Augustine, and other 4th Century scholars accepted it without question. Luther – who included these as Deuterocanonicals at the end of the German Translation of the Greek Scriptures (Hebrews, James, Jude, Revelation) as the New Testament Apocrypha, similar to the Hebrew Apocrypha. His criticism was influenced because Catholic debaters used what James said to defend their position that salvation comes by works of merit. The Roman Catholic Church officially endorsed James at the Council of Trent. (1545- 1563)

Four Criteria for Canonicity (Catholic) (why certain books were eventually accepted into the NT Canon, while others were rejected): Apostolic Origin - attributed to and/or based on the preaching/teaching of the first- generation apostles (or their closest companions). Universal Acceptance - acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the Mediterranean world (by the end of the fourth century). Liturgical Use - read publicly along with the OT when early Christians gathered for the Lord's Supper (their weekly worship services). Consistent Message - containing theological ideas compatible with other accepted Christian writings (incl. the divinity and humanity Jesus). The New Testament Canon by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. Source : http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/NT_Canon.htm#Canonicity

What are your Criteria for accepting a book as part of the Bible? Written by one of the original 12 Apostles? Written by someone who was a personal Eyewitness to Jesus? Written before the early 2nd Century? Written by an early Church Leader who was approved by the Apostles? Written by a person who succeeded as an Apostle? (you may not, but many religions believe in this.) The Epistle was widely circulated in the1st and 2nd Century Churches and referenced by Early Church leaders? Is consistent with the teachings of Jesus? Is consistent with other Epistles? Written originally in Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew? Dictated to a Scribe? (as Paul did) Translated into another language? Recognized in the Canon of Scripture by one or more of these councils or early scholars: What are you Criteria for accepting any other book or teaching as a basis for Doctrine? The Magisterium

Councils/Conventions

Influential or popular Writers/Teachers/Preachers?

Debaters who present strong logical arguments? Those with whose opinions you agree? James 1:1 Salutation 1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, …To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Authorship: Who was James ? There are many opinions. James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, …which James? Most common view The most common opinion among Scholars is the same that a simple reading of the Bible passages would conclude; assuming Christians who were recognized by their first name only and mentioned several times in scripture are typically one person.

I.e. That the James who wrote the Epistle is the James who was a leader in the church in Jerusalem, who was likely Jesus’ brother or cousin, and who may have also been referred to as James the Less, and the Apostle James the son of Alphaeus.

We know that he was the spokesman for the letter that went to Gentile Christians (Acts 15). This letter was written to Jewish Christians who were living alongside those Gentile Christians (the Dispersion.)

James Jesus’ Brother Matthew 13:55 55 “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? James, Jesus’ Cousin (Aramaic used the same word for ‘brother’ and ‘cousin’) John 19:25 Mother’s Sister at the Cross 25 Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Matthew 27:56 Mother of James at the Cross 56 Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Mark 15:40 Mother of James the Less at the Cross 40 There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.

Mark 16:1 Mother of James at the Tomb 1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. James-Jacob the son of Alphaeus (Matthew-Levi was also the son of Alpaeus) both Apostles Matthew 10:2–4 (Mark 3:16–19, Luke 6:14–16) Apostles named 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

Jude 1 Jude (Judas) claimed to the Brother of James 1 Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

Acts 1:13 -14 The Apostles, Jesus’ brothers and others wait for the Holy Spirit 13 When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son (or brother) of James.

14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Mark 2:14 Levi was the son of Alphaeus 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.

Matthew 9:9 Matthew was also Levi 9 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. James the son of Zebedee is unlikely Acts 12:1-2 John’s brother killed very early 1 Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. 2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. James, one of three “Pillars of the Church” in Jerusalem Acts 12:16–17 Report to James and the brethern 16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brethren.” Then he left and went to another place.

Galatians 2:9 James, a Pillar of the church 9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

Galatians 2:12 Certain men from James 12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.

Acts 15:1–2 Men from Judea 1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.

Acts 15:12–13, 23-24 James was spokesman for the church in Jerusalem 12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me.

…

23 and they sent this letter by them, “The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.

24 “Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls,

Acts 21:17–19 James and the Elders in Jerusalem 17 After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

1 Corinthians 15:6–8 Jesus appeared to James and all the Apostles 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

Galatians 1:18–19 Paul went to see “James, the Lord’s brother” in Jerusalem 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother80. adelphos Strong# 80 - brother 81 ἀδελφός (adelphos), οῦ (ou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ DBLHebr 278; Str 80; TDNT 1.144—1. LN 10.49 brother, male sibling (Mt 4:18); 2. LN 11.23 fellow believer, a male and/or female, believer in the believing community (Ro 8: 80. ἀδελφός adelphos; from 1 (as a cop. pref.) and δελφύς delphus (womb); a brother:—believing husband(1), brethren(170), brethren*(13), brother(111), brother’s(8), brothers(40).1); 3. LN 11.25 fellow Jew (Ac 22:1); 4. LN 11.57 fellow countryman (Ac 2:29), see also prior; 5. LN 11.89 neighbor(Mt 5:22) note: these entries may overlap in verses and entries2

Uses by context:

Romans 9:3 Kinsmen - “My People” - common ancestor 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Matthew 12:46–50 Jesus using the word Brother - adelphos in two senses – Siblings & fellow Children of God 46 While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers80 were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47 Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers80 are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” 48 But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers80?” 49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers80! 50 “For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother80 and sister and mother.”

John 11:21 Martha using the word Brother – adelphos speaking of her Sibling 21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.

2 Corinthians 1:1 “Timothy our brother” speaking of someone who was a brother in Christ 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:

1 Thomas, R. L. (1998). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc.

2 Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Audience: …To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Ezekiel 12:15 Remnants of Israel would be scattered 15 “So they will know that I am the LORD when I scatter them among the nations and spread them among the countries.

John 7:35 Jews spoke of those scattered as “the Dispersion” 35 The Jews then said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find Him? He is not intending to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks, is He?

Acts 8:1 Jewish Christians were scattered into the Dispersion 1 Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 11:19 At first, scattered Christians taught only Jews 19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. Christians in the Dispersion were persecuted by Jews Acts 8:3, 22:3–4, 26:9–11 Saul persecutes the church 8:3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.

…

22:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. 4 “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons,

…

26:9 “So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 “And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 “And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities.

Acts 13:45, 50 Jews reject the Gospel and begin persecution in Pisidian Antioch 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.

…

50 But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

Acts 14:19 Jews follow Paul from Antioch to incite the people to stone him 19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

Acts 14:2–5 Jews follow Paul to Iconium to incite the people 2 But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. 3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5 And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,

Acts 17:5 Persecution at Thessalonica 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people.

1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 Suffering at the hands of the Jews 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost

Acts 18:12–16 Jews continue persecution in Corinth – Acquitted by Romans 12 But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; 15 but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.” 16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat. Acts 19:8–9 Jews speak evils of the Way at Ephesus 8 And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

Acts 21:27–28, 31–32 Jews from Asia attack Paul in Jerusalem – Paul is rescued by the Romans 27 When the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, come to our aid! This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.”

…

31 While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 At once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

Acts 23:12–14 Conspiracy to kill Paul in Jerusalem Romans 12 When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14 They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.

Acts 23:26–30 Conspiracy again thwarted by the Romans 26 “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings. 27 “When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 “And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Council; 29 and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment. 30 “When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you.”

Acts 24:5–7 Chief Priest testifies against Paul 5 “For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 “And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. We wanted to judge him according to our own Law.

7 After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him which they could not prove, Christians were persecuted by other religious leaders Acts 16:19–21 Owners of a Diviner Persecute Paul & Silas 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities, 20 and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, 21 and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”

Acts 19:23–24 Persecuted by Silversmiths 23 About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen;

Purpose: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, James 1:2-4, 12 Suffering Trials 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

… 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Jesus told his Disciples to expect persecution Matthew 5:10 Persecuted for the sake of righteousness 10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

John 15:18–19 The world hated Jesus 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

Luke 6:22 Blessed are you - hated 22 “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. The Apostles told us to expect to suffer Romans 8:16–18 Because we are heirs, children of God 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

1 Peter 3:13–14 Better to suffer for doing good 13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,

1 Peter 4:12–14 Do not be surprised 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1 John 3:13 The World will hate you 13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. , 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

2 Peter 1:5–8 Faith … Perseverance … Love 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self- control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wisdom from Above James 1:5–8 Ask God 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double- minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5Ask God 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 3:13, 17–18 Show me 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

…

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Job 28:12–13, 23–28 Wisdom comes from God 12 “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? 13 “Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living.

…

23 “God understands its way, And He knows its place. 24 “For He looks to the ends of the earth And sees everything under the heavens. 25 “When He imparted weight to the wind And meted out the waters by measure, 26 When He set a limit for the rain And a course for the thunderbolt, 27 Then He saw it and declared it; He established it and also searched it out. 28 “And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”

Ecclesiastes 12:11–14 Fear God and keep his commandments 11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. 13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Exodus 36:1 Men given skill and understanding 1 “Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.”

2 Chronicles 1:10–12 (1 Kings 3:7–14) Solomon’s prayer for wisdom 10 “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?” 11 God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.”

2 Chronicles 9:22–23 The greatness of Solomon’s wisdom 22 So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23 And all the kings of the earth were seeking the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart.

Deuteronomy 17:14–20 The Law on intermarriage and Kings having many wives 14 “When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, and you possess it and live in it, and you say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me,’ 15 you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses, one from among your countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman. 16 “Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’ 17 “He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself. 18 “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 “It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel.

1 Kings 3:1 Solomon had already formed a Marriage alliance 1 Then Solomon formed a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her to the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the LORD and the wall around Jerusalem.

1 Kings 11:1–11 Solomon’s many wives corrupt him 1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the sons of Israel, “You shall not associate with them, nor shall they associate with you, for they will surely turn your heart away after their gods.” Solomon held fast to these in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away. 4 For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and after Milcom the detestable idol of the Ammonites. 6 Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not follow the LORD fully, as David his father had done. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable idol of Moab, on the mountain which is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the detestable idol of the sons of Ammon. 8 Thus also he did for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. 9 Now the LORD was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not observe what the LORD had commanded. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.

Proverbs 3:5–8 Do not lean on your own understanding 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.

1 Timothy 1:3–7 Controversial Teachers condemned 3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

2 Peter 1:20–21 Inspiration was never by human will 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

James 5:13–18 The power of prayer 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

Matthew 7:7–11 (see also Luke 11:9–13) Ask, and it will be given 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

9 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?

11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

John 14:13–15 Ask in my name 13 “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 15:7 Ask, it will be done 7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 16:23–24 Ask, that your joy be made complete 23 “In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24 “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. 1 John 3:21–22 Ask in confidence 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

1 John 5:14–15 Ask according to His will 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

Matthew 21:21–22 Ask without doubting 21 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Hebrews 11:6 Ask in Faith 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

1 Kings 19:10, 18 God gives more than we know 10 He said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

...

18 “Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

James 1:9–11 Honor those of humble circumstances 9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

See notes following James 2:1-9 Matthew 7:11–12 The Golden Rule 11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! 12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

James 1:13–15 Tempted by Evil, not God 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

Genesis 3:1–6 How Evil tempts 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! 5 “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

Genesis 3:13 What have you done? 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:17 Adam cursed 17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you will eat of it All the days of your life.

Mark 7:21–23 From within the heart 21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23 “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

1 John 2:15–16 Do not love the World 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Proverbs 14:12 (also Proverbs 16:25) 12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Psalm 53:1–3 There is no God 1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God,” They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. 2 God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God. 3 Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one.

Luke 16:15 That which is highly esteemed – is detestable 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.

Romans 8:6–8 Flesh cannot please God 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Galatians 5:19–21 The Deeds of the Flesh 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 4:1–2 Live for the will of God 1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. Isaiah 59:1–8 Their feet run to evil 1 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. 2

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken falsehood, Your tongue mutters wickedness.

4 No one sues righteously and no one pleads honestly. They trust in confusion and speak lies; They conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity.

5 They hatch adders’ eggs and weave the spider’s web; He who eats of their eggs dies, And from that which is crushed a snake breaks forth.

6 Their webs will not become clothing, Nor will they cover themselves with their works; Their works are works of iniquity, And an act of violence is in their hands.

7 Their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, Devastation and destruction are in their highways.

8 They do not know the way of peace, And there is no justice in their tracks; They have made their paths crooked, Whoever treads on them does not know peace.

Titus 1:15–16 by their deeds they deny him 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. Jude 4–8 the Ungodly have crept in 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

5 Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day,

7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

8 Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties.

James 1:16–18 Every Good thing is from above 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

1 John 2:15–17 Do not love the world 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

Godly Behavior; Doing what Doers do

James 1:19–21 Quick to hear, Slow to speak 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:22–24 Doers of the Word 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. The Perfect Law James 1:25–27 Law, Liberty, & Religion 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 2:10–13 Law only convicts us of sin 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 1:19–21, 26 Quick to hear, Slow to speak 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

Note the key to being quick to listen’ – a good listener – is being slow to speak.

You can’t listen if you are speaking, or thinking what you are going to say next.

James 1:26 Bridle the tongue 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

Related texts

James 3:2 A perfect man 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

Matthew 11:15 Let him hear 15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 13:9 Let him hear 9 “He who has ears, let him hear.”

Matthew 13:13 Hearing they do not hear 13 “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

Matthew 13:13–17 Speaking in parables 13 “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 “In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; 15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.’ 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 “For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:43 Let him hear 43 “Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Mark 4:9 Let him hear 9 And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Mark 4:23 Let him hear 23 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Luke 11:28 Blessed are those who hear 28 But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Romans 10:14How will they hear 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

Proverbs 10:19 Many words bring transgression 19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 12:15 Listen to counsel 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

Proverbs 13:3 Guard your mouth from ruin 3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 15:2 The mouth of fools 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.

Proverbs 16:32 Slow to anger 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Proverbs 17:27–28 Even a fool when he keeps silent… 27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. Proverbs 18:13 Listen first 13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 21:23 Guard your mouth from trouble 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 29:20 Hasty words of a fool 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Ecclesiastes 5:2–3 Do not speak in haste 2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. 3 For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

Ecclesiastes 10:12–14 The fool multiplies words 12 Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; 13 the beginning of his talking is folly and the end of it is wicked madness. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?

Ephesians 4:26 Be angry but do not sin 26 BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

James 1:22–24 Doers of the Word 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.

Matthew 7:21–25 Not everyone who says Lord, Lord 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.

Matthew 12:50 My Brothers and Sisters 50 “For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 28:20 Do all I have commanded you 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Luke 6:46–48 Do what I say 46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

Luke 11:28 Blessed are those who hear 28 But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Luke 12:47-48 Much will be required 47 “And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, 48 but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

John 13:17 Do what you know to do 17 “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

Romans 2:13 Doers will be justified 13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.

Philippians 4:8 Do what is right 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Colossians 3:17 Do what you do for the Lord 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. 1 John 2:3 Keep his commandments 3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

1 John 3:7 The righteous practice righteousness 7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;

3 John 11 Do not imitate evil 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

Revelation 22:7 Heed my words 7 “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”

The Perfect Law James 1:25–27 Law, Liberty, & Religion 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 2:10–13 Law keeping results in guilt 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

PerfectG5046 LawG3551 of LibertyG1657 James 1:25; 2:12 25 But one who looks intently at the perfectG5046 lawG3551, the law of libertyG1657, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. ... 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the lawG3551 of libertyG1657.

Thayer Definition The PerfectG5046 LawG3551 of LibertyG1657, G5046 τέλειος teleios 1) brought to its end, finished 2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness 3) perfect 4) that which is perfect 4a) consummate human integrity and virtue 4b) of men 4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature G3551 νόμος nomos 1) anything established, anything received by usage, a custom, a law, a command 1a) of any law whatsoever 1a1) a law or rule producing a state approved of God 1a1a) by the observance of which is approved of God 1a2) a precept or injunction 1a3) the rule of action prescribed by reason 1b) of the Mosaic law, and referring, acc. to the context. either to the volume of the law or to its contents 1c) the Christian religion: the law demanding faith, the moral instruction given by Christ, especially the precept concerning love 1d) the name of the more important part (the Pentateuch), is put for the entire collection of the sacred books of the OT

G1657 ἐλευθερία eleutheria 1) liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation 2) fancied liberty 2a) licence, the liberty to do as one pleases 3) true liberty is living as we should not as we please

Romans 3:19–20 No one justified by law 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

Romans 8:1–3 Christ set us free 1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has setG1659 you freeG1659 from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, ... Romans 13:8–10 Love fulfills the law 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

9 For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 3:1–3 Are you seeking to be perfected by the flesh? 1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Galatians 3:21–26 Righteousness cannot come from law 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 2:4, 5:1, 13-14 False brethren seek to subvert Liberty 4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our libertyG1657 which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. ... 1 It was for freedomG1657 that Christ setG1659 us freeG1659; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. ...

13 For you were calledG2564 to freedomG1657, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the wholeG3956 LawG3551 is fulfilledG4137 in oneG1520 wordG3056, in the statement,

“YOU SHALL loveG25 YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

1657. ἐλευθερία eleutheria; from 1658; liberty, freedom:—freedom(7), liberty(4).3

3 Thomas, R. L. (1998). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : Updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc. Colossians 2:8 Empty Deception of Men 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

Colossians 2:16–23 Reject Man-made Religion 16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day — 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.

18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use) —in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?

23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Colossians 3:3–14 If you have died with Christ – put on the bond of unity, love 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

1 Corinthians 10:27–30 my freedom, not yours 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; 29 I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom1657 judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?

2 Corinthians 3:17 In the Lord is liberty 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty1657.

James 2:12 law of liberty 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty1657.

1 Peter 2:16 Do not use freedom for evil 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom1657 as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.

2 Peter 2:17-19 False promise of freedom 17 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 19 promising them freedom1657 while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.

G2564 καλέω kaleō Thayer Definition: 1) to call 1a) to call aloud, utter in a loud voice 1b) to invite 2) to call, i.e. to name, by name 2a) to give a name to 2a1) to receive the name of, receive as a name 2a2) to give some name to one, call his name 2b) to be called, i.e. to bear a name or title (among men) 2c) to salute one by name

Have you been called to Freedom? Have you answered the call? Not "Obeying the Gospel" Freedom

Nomos Logos G3956 πᾶς pas Thayer Definition: 1) individually 1a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things,everything 2) collectively 2a) some of all types

G3056 λόγος logos Thayer Definition: 1) of speech 1a) a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea 1b) what someone has said 1b1) a word 1b2) the sayings of God 1b3) decree, mandate or order 1b4) of the moral precepts given by God 1b5) Old Testament prophecy given by the prophets 1b6) what is declared, a thought, declaration, aphorism, a weighty saying, a dictum, a maxim 1c) discourse 1c1) the act of speaking, speech 1c2) the faculty of speech, skill and practice in speaking 1c3) a kind or style of speaking 1c4) a continuous speaking discourse—instruction 1d) doctrine, teaching 1e) anything reported in speech; a narration, narrative 1f) matter under discussion, thing spoken of, affair, a matter in dispute, case, suit at law 1g) the thing spoken of or talked about; event, deed 2) its use as respect to the MIND alone 2a) reason, the mental faculty of thinking, meditating, reasoning, calculating 2b) account, i.e. regard, consideration 2c) account, i.e. reckoning, score 2d) account, i.e. answer or explanation in reference to judgment 2e) relation, i.e. with whom as judge we stand in relation 2e1) reason would 2f) reason, cause, ground 3) In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world’s life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man’s salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.

1 Corinthians 10:23–33 Not all lawful things are profitable 23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; 26 FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; 29 I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.

John 1:1, 14 The Word became flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (see also Revelation 19:13)

Exchanging The Word for The Law Galatians 6:2 (see also1 Corinthians 9:21) Fulfill the law of Christ 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Romans 7:4–13 Law results in death 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. 7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; 10 and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11 for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.

1 Peter 2:15–16 Do not use freedom to cover evil 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as freeG1658 menG1658, and do not use your freedomG1657 as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. G1658 ἐλεύθερος eleutheros Thayer Definition: 1) freeborn 1a) in a civil sense, one who is not a slave 1b) of one who ceases to be a slave, freed, manumitted 2) free, exempt, unrestrained, not bound by an obligation 3) in an ethical sense: free from the yoke of the Mosaic Law

G1659 ἐλευθερόω eleutheroō Thayer Definition: 1) to make free 2) set at liberty: from the dominion of sin

James 1:26 Bridle the Tongue 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religiousG2357, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this G3778 man’sG3778 religionG2356 is worthlessG3152

G3778 οὗτος / οὗτοι / αὕτη / αὕται houtos / houtoi / hautē / hautai 1) this, these, etc. G2356 θρησκεία thrēskeia Thayer Definition: 1) religious worship 1a) especially external, that which consists of ceremonies 1a1) religious discipline, religion

G3152 μάταιος mataios 1) devoid of force, truth, success, result 2) useless, of no purpose Proverbs 26:18–28

18 Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,

19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Was I not joking?”

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,

And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.

21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,

So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,

And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

23 Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross

Are burning lips and a wicked heart.

24 He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart.

25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,

For there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile,

His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

27 He who digs a pit will fall into it,

And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes,

And a flattering mouth works ruin.

that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. Guarding our words Matthew 15:18 Things out of the mouth defile 18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.

Psalm 39:1 I will guard my mouth 1 I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle While the wicked are in my presence.”

Psalm 34:12–13 Keep your tongue from evil 12 Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. (1 Peter 3:10)

Psalm 141:3 Guard my mouth 3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Proverbs 10:18–21 Too many words 18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool. 19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding.

Proverbs 13:2–3 The fruit of a man’s mouth 2 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. 3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Matthew 12:34–37 By your words, you will be judged 34 “You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

35 “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.

36 “But I tell you that every careless word

37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 23:14 Speaking in pretense “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation."

James 5:12 Do not swear 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

Leviticus 19:12 You shall not swear 12 ‘You shall not swear falsely by My name, so as to profane the name of your God; I am the LORD.

Matthew 5:34–37 Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ 34 “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.

36 “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

37 “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.

Jesus of Nazareth

Perfect Man

Bits - control

Rudder - great ship

Fire - iniquity - fire to the course of our lives - Hell

Tamed

Fresh and bitter water –

James 1:26–27 Pure and undefiled religion 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religiousG2357, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religionG2356 is worthless. 27 PureG2513 and undefiledG283 religionG2356 in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

G2513 καθαρός Thayer Definition: 1) clean, pure 1a) physically 1a1) purified by fire 1a2) in a similitude, like a vine cleansed by pruning and so fitted to bear fruit 1b) in a levitical sense 1b1) clean, the use of which is not forbidden, imparts no uncleanness 1c) ethically 1c1) free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt 1c2) free from every admixture of what is false, sincere genuine 1c3) blameless, innocent 1c4) unstained with the guilt of anything

G283 ἀμίαντος amiantos Thayer Definition: 1) not defiled, unsoiled 1a) free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigour impaired

G2356 θρησκεία thrēskeia Thayer Definition: 1) religious worship 1a) especially external, that which consists of ceremonies 1a1) religious discipline, religion

Being Religious

Greek words translated as : Religious, Religion, Worship, Superstition G1174 - δεισιδαιμονέστερος dĕisidaimŏnĕstĕrŏs, dice-ee-dahee-mon-es´-ter-os; the comp. of a der. of the base of 1169 and 1142; more religious than others:—too superstitious. Acts 17:22

G1175 - δεισιδαιμονία dĕisidaimŏnia, dice-ee-dahee-mon-ee´-ah; from the same as 1174; religion:— superstition. Acts 25:19

G1479 - ἐθελοθρησκεία ĕthĕlŏthrēskĕia, eth-el-oth-race-ki´-ah; from 2309 and 2356; voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e. sanctimony:—will worship. Colossians 2:23

G2356 - θρησκεία thrēskĕia, thrace-ki´-ah; from a der. of 2357; ceremonial observance:—religion, worshipping. James 1:26; Colossians 2:18

G2357 - θρῆσκος thrēskŏs, thrace´-kos; prob. from the base of 2360; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:—religious. James 1:26,27; Acts 26:5

G2360 - θροέω thrŏĕō thrŏ-eh´-o; from θρέομαι thrĕŏmai (to wail); to clamor, i.e. (by impl.) to frighten:—trouble Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:2

Strong, J. (2009). Vol. 1: A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (36). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

Religious2356 occurs only twice, here in James 1:26, and in Colossians 2:18 18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship2356 of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,

Religion2357 occurs 3 times; twice in James 1:26,27, and once in Acts 26:5 Acts 26:5 5 since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. Self-made Religion1479 occurs once in Col 2:23 Colossians 2:23 (NASB) 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Colossians 2:23 (KJV1900) 23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Superstition1175 or Religion1175 (depending on translation) occurs once in Acts 25:19 Acts 25:19 19 but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. Superstitous1174 or Religous1174 Acts 17:22 22 So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.

Matthew 5:17–20 I came to fulfill 17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 15:9 (Mark 7:7; Isaiah 29:13) Teaching precepts of men 9 ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTSG1778 OF MENG444.’”

Isaiah 29:13 Tradition learned 13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of traditionH4687. learnedH3925,H376 by rote,

Colossians 2:16–23 Self-made religion 16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasementG5012 and the worshipG2356 of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. 20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandmentsG1778 and teachingsG1319 of menG3588, G444? 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religionG1479 and self- abasementG5012 and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Matthew 24:6 (Mark 13:7) Do not be frightened 6 “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightenedG2360, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

2 Thessalonians 2:2 Do not become disturbed 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed G2360 either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

The Basis of Religion is Fear Men cultivate fear in others as a means to control them.

Direct Force– someone forces you to give them something you have – Armed Robber

Indirect Force – someone uses direct force against another person to make you fearful the same could happen to you – Terrorist

Reflected Danger – someone cultivates the danger from another to cause you to rely on them for protection – Government Propagandist

In many places in the Scriptures, the word ‘fear’ is used instead of ‘reverence’ or ‘awe’ This is a carryover of medieval religion that used fear. The words phobosG5401 and phobeōG5399 can mean ‘fear’, but they also mean ‘reverence’ or ‘awe-struck’ Intimidation Jesus told his Disciples not to be intimidated by the Jews. Peter echoed what Jesus taught him.

Matthew 10:28 Fear not 28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Note here that the fear of God is for those who are destined for hell and not for his children.

1 Peter 3:14 Do not fear 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, Children of God Romans 8:14–15 Sons 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fearG5401 again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

1 Corinthians 2:12–13 Freely given Spirit of God 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

2 Timothy 1:7 Power and Love 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

1 John 4:18 (1 John 4:16-21) Perfect love casts out fear 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

Galatians 5:22–23 Love leads to Self-control 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

2 Peter 1:5–7 Self-control comes from Love 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self- control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

Fear Control Law

Love Self-control Liberty

Jesus condemns Jewish Lawyers Matthew 23:13–36 Woe to you 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation. 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’ 17 “You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? 18 “And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.’ 19 “You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? 20 “Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. 21 “And whoever swears by the temple, swears both by the temple and by Him who dwells within it. 22 “And whoever swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. 24 “You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 “You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 “So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 “So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 “Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. 33 “You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell? 34 “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, 35 so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 “Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

New Covenant Theology These are the texts it is based on – Legalist use this and “Law of Liberty” to interpret a new system of laws.

Hebrews 8:7–13 (citing Jeremiah 31:31–34) The new covenant 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. 8 For finding fault with them, He says, “BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH; 9 NOT LIKE THE COVENANT WHICH I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS ON THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; FOR THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DID NOT CARE FOR THEM, SAYS THE LORD.

10 “FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL

AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:

I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS,

AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS.

AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD,

AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.

11 “AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN,

AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’

FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM.

12 “FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES,

AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE.” 13 When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.

Luke 22:20 the new covenant of My blood 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. 1 Corinthians 11:25 the new covenant of My blood 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 2 Corinthians 3:6 the new covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Hebrews 9:15 the new covenant of My blood 15 For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Hebrews 12:24 the new covenant of My blood 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

James 2 Contents James 2 1 James 2:1-9 The Sin of Partiality ...... 62 James 2:10-13 The Curse of Law vs The Law of Liberty ...... 66 James 2:14–26 Faith and Works ...... 66

James 2:1-9 The Sin of Partiality 1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 1:9-11 Honor the brother of humble circumstances 9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

James 4:6–16 Be humble, submit to God 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. 11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

Luke 14:7–14 Take the last place parable 7 And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. 10 “But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. 11 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. 13 “But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Deuteronomy 15:7–11 Be generous with the poor 7 “If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; 8 but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.

9 “Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.

10 “You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. 11 “For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

Psalm 62:9–10 Do not seek profit by cheating 9 Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie; In the balances they go up; They are together lighter than breath. 10 Do not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. Proverbs 17:5 Mocking the poor mocks God 5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 19:1 Poor man with integrity 1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.

Luke 1:51–52 The Proud humbled 51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.

Luke 9:46–48 The least is the greatest 46 An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”

Acts 10:34 God does not show partiality 34 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,

James 2:10-13 The Curse of Law vs The Law of Liberty For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

See notes on James 1:25–27

James 2:14–26 Faith and Works 14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. 18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Matthew 25:31–46 Judged by actions not words 31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ 41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ 44 “Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ 45 “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Luke 3:10–11 What shall we do? 10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”

1 Corinthians 7:18–19 Circumcision is nothing 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.

Romans 3:19–31 We have all sinned and fallen short 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. 31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Rom. 3:20; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 4:3; Rom. 5:1; Rom. 4:5

Romans 3:20 No flesh will be justified by law 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:28 Justified by faith 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

Romans 4:3 Abraham saved by faith 3 For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Romans 5:1 We are justified by failt 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 4:5 Faith credits us with righteousness 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

James 2:20 Faith without works is dead 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

James 2:24 Not by faith alone 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

James 2:26 Faith without works is dead 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Thayer Definition: G4102 πίστις pistis faith, faithfulness 1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it 1a) relating to God 1a1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ 1b) relating to Christ 1b1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God 1c) the religious beliefs of Christians 1d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same 2) fidelity, faithfulness 2a) the character of one who can be relied on

G4102 πίστις pistis faith, faithfulness 1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it 2) fidelity, faithfulness

G2041 ἔργον ergon work, works, deeds 1) business, employment, that which any one is occupied 1a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking 2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind 3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work

G692 ἀργός argos , useless, idle, lazy 1) free from labour, at leisure 2) lazy, shunning the labour which one ought to perform

G1344 δικαιόω dikaioō justified, vindicated, aquitted 1) to render righteous or such he ought to be 2) to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered 3) to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

James 3 Contents James 3 ...... 1 James 3:1 Incurring a Stricter Judgement ...... 71 James 3:2–12 Do not stumble in what you say ...... 78 James 3:13-18 Wisdom from Above ...... 79

James 3:1 Incurring a Stricter Judgement 1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. Admonitions against would-be Teachers Matthew 23:2–8 The Pharisees want to be teachers 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4 “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. 5 “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6 “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. 8 “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.

John 3:10 Are you the teacher of Israel? 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?

Romans 2:17–24 The blind lead the blind 17 But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth, 21 you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written. 1 Timothy 1:3–7 Do not teach speculations 3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

Romans 16:17–18 Watch those who teach decisive doctrines 17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

2 Corinthians 11:4 A different doctrine 4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.

Galatians 1:6–7 Distorting the Gospel 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

1 Timothy 6:2–5 Teaching controversy 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles. 3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

Commandments and Examples for Christian Teachers Matthew 28:19–20 Teach them all that I commanded 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 13:1 Teachers in Antioch 1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

1 Corinthians 12:28–29 Some are appointed teachers 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?

Ephesians 4:11 Some are appointed teachers 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

2 Timothy 4:3 Tickled Ears 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,

Hebrews 5:12 You ought to be teachers 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

1 Timothy 2:7 Paul appointed a teacher 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2 Timothy 1:11 Paul appointed a teacher 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.

Jesus was frequently addressed as Teacher/Master/Rabbi Teacher Matthew 8:19 Teacher (a Scribe) 19 Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”

Matthew 9:11 Your Teacher (Pharisees) 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”

Matthew 12:38 Teacher (Scribes & Pharisees) 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”

Matthew 22:16 [Mark 12:14, 19; Luke 20:21 ] Teacher (Disciples of the Pharisees & Herodians) 16 And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.

Matthew 22:24 [Luke 20:28 ] Teacher (Sadducees) 24 asking, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER.’

Matthew 22:36 [Mark 12:32] Teacher (Lawyer) 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

Matthew 26:18 [Mark 14:14; 22:11] Teacher (Jesus himself) 18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ”

Mark 4:38 Teacher (Disciples) 38 Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Mark 5:35 [Luke 8:49] Teacher (Synagogue Officials household) 35 While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?”

Mark 9:17 [Luke 9:38] Teacher (Someone from the Crowd) 17 And one of the crowd answered Him, “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute;

Mark 9:38 Teacher (Apostle John) 38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” Mark 10:17, 20 [Luke 18:18] Teacher (Rich Young Ruler) 17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

…

20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.”

Mark 10:35 Teacher (Apostles James & John) 35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.”

Mark 13:1 Teacher (Disciple) 1 As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”

Luke 3:12 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”

Luke 7:40 Teacher (Simon, the Pharisee) 40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.”

Luke 10:25 Teacher (Lawyer) 25 And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Luke 11:45 Teacher (Lawyer) 45 One of the lawyers said to Him in reply, “Teacher, when You say this, You insult us too.”

Luke 12:13 Teacher (Someone from the Crowd) 13 Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”

Luke 19:39 Teacher (Pharisees) 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”

Luke 20:39 Teacher (Scribes) 39 Some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”

Luke 21:7 Teacher (Disciples) 7 They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”

John 8:4 Teacher (Scribes and the Pharisees) 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. John 11:28 Teacher (Martha) 28 When she had said this, she went away and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”

John 13:13–14 Teacher and Lord (Jesus, Disciples) 13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

3544. νομικός nomikos; from 3551; relating to law, learned in the law:—Law(1), lawyer(3), lawyers(5).4 Luke 10:25

John 1:38 Rabbi (which translated means Teacher 4461. ῥαββί rhabbi; of Heb. or. [7227b]; my master, my teacher:—Rabbi(15). 1320. διδάσκαλος didaskalos; from 1321; an instructor:—Teacher(41), teacher(10), teachers(8).

Rabbi Matthew 26:25 Rabbi (Judas) 25 And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”

Matthew 26:49 Rabbi (Judas) 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Mark 9:5 Rabbi (Peter) 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Mark 11:21 Rabbi (Peter) 21 Being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.”

Mark 14:45 Rabbi (Judas) 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

John 1:38 Rabbi – Teacher (Disciples) 38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?”

4 Thomas, R. L. (1998). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : Updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc. John 1:49 Rabbi (Apostle Nathanael) 49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”

John 3:2 Rabbi (Nicodemus) 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

John 3:26 Rabbi (John the Baptist) 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.”

John 4:31 Rabbi (Disciples) 31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”

John 9:2 Rabbi (Disciples) 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?”

John 11:8 Rabbi (Disciples) 8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?”

John 20:16 Rabboni – Teacher (Mary) 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher).

Matthew 23:7–8 Rabbi (Jesus – saying that only God is our Teacher) 7 and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. 8 “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.

John 6:25 Rabbi (The Crowd) 25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”

Matthew 10:24–25 A disciple is not above his teacher 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 “It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!

Matthew 17:24 Jesus called ‘Teacher’ 24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?”

James 3:2–12 Do not stumble in what you say 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.

4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHftn4fpOgM/U3- VJkv8McI/AAAAAAAAsbk/xVbcGzzCvQw/s1600/Saltwater+iny4jutrusifon.JPG http://www.themaritimesite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/tide-line2.jpg

pseudodidaskaloi (G5572), 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 4:3 nomodidaskalos (G3547), Luke 5:17; Acts 5:34; 1 Tim 1:7; Luke 5:17; 1 Tim 1:7 heterodidaskaleō (G2085), 1 Tim 6:3; 1 Tim 1:3

James 5:12 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. James 3:13-18 Wisdom from Above 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 4 Contents James 4 ...... 1 James 4:1–3 The Source of Quarrels ...... 79 James 4:4–5 Friendship with the World ...... 82 James 4:6-10 Humble Yourselves in the Presence of the Lord ...... 83 James 4:11-12 Do not speak against a Brother ...... 83 James 4:13-16 As the Lord wills, not You ...... 83 James 4:17 Not doing the Right Thing you know is Sin ...... 83

James 4:1–3 The Source of Quarrels 1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. Quarrels 3 John 9–12 Diotrephes, who loves to be first argues 9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. Asking with wrong motives, or according t God’s Will 1 John 3:21–22 Do the things pleasing in his sight 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

1 John 5:14–15 Ask according to His Will 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

Matthew 7:7–12 Ask, God will answer 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! 12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 11:9–10 Ask, and it will be given 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 “For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

James 1:5–8 Ask God for Wisdom 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Romans 12:10–12 Be devoted in Love and in Prayer 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

Philippians 2:3–4 Do not seek your own selfish desires 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

James 4:4–5 Friendship with the World 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Hosea 3:1 Unfaithful Israel sought the world 1 Then the LORD said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.”

John 15:18–19 The world hate me, and will hate you 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

Galatians 1:10 Seeking the favor of God rather than Men 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Romans 8:9–11 You live in the Spirit, not the Flesh 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

James 4:6-10 Humble Yourselves in the Presence of the Lord 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:11-12 Do not speak against a Brother 11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? James 4:13-16 As the Lord wills, not You 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. James 4:17 Not doing the Right Thing you know is Sin 17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 5 Contents James 5 ...... 1 James 5:1–3 Worldly Treasures will perish ...... 84 James 5:4–6 Cheating Others to gain Wanton Pleasures ...... 85 James 5:7-11 Be Patient ...... 87 James 5:12 Do not make Oaths ...... 87 James 5:16–18 The Prayer of a Righteous Man ...... 88 James 5:19-20 Restoring the Fallen ...... 88

James 5:1–3 Worldly Treasures will perish 1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!

Matthew 6:19–21 Do not store up Treasures on Earth 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 6:24–25 Woe to those who use riches for their own comfort 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. 25 “Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

1 Timothy 6:8–10 The love of Money is a root of Evil 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

James 5:4–6 Cheating Others to gain Wanton Pleasures 4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Revelation 17:1–6 The Harlot living in luxury 1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, 5 and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” 6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly.

Leviticus 19:13 Do not cheat a hired man 13 ‘You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of a hired man are not to remain with you all night until morning.

Jeremiah 22:13 Woe to him who cheats a wage earner 13 “Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness And his upper rooms without justice, Who uses his neighbor’s services without pay And does not give him his wages,

Malachi 3:5 Judgement against those who cheat wage earners 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts.

Exodus 22:22–24 Do not afflict Widows or Orphans 22 “You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 “If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; 24 and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless. Exodus 22:25–27 I will hear those whom you cheat when they cry out 25 “If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest. 26 “If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you are to return it to him before the sun sets, 27 for that is his only covering; it is his cloak for his body. What else shall he sleep in? And it shall come about that when he cries out to Me, I will hear him, for I am gracious.

Proverbs 23:10–11 I will hear the case against cheaters 10 Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless, 11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.

Jeremiah 5:25–27 Condemnation to those who become rich by deceit 25 ‘Your iniquities have turned these away, And your sins have withheld good from you. 26 ‘For wicked men are found among My people, They watch like fowlers lying in wait; They set a trap, They catch men. 27 ‘Like a cage full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit; Therefore they have become great and rich.

Jeremiah 5:28-29 Those who do not defend the poor will be punished 28 ‘They are fat, they are sleek, They also excel in deeds of wickedness; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the orphan, that they may prosper; And they do not defend the rights of the poor. 29 ‘Shall I not punish these people?’ declares the LORD, ‘On a nation such as this Shall I not avenge Myself?’

LordG2962 of SabaothG4519 2962. κύριος kuriŏs, koo´-ree-os; from κῦρος kurŏs (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by impl. Mr. (as a respectful title):—God, Lord, master, Sir. 4519. σαβαώθ sabaōth, sab-ah-ōwth´; of Heb. or. [6635 in fem. plur.]; armies; sabaoth (i.e. tseba-oth), a military epithet of God:—sabaoth 5 The one who has the authority to set things right. What would you change if you had the power to set things right?

James 5:7-11 Be Patient 7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

James 5:12 Do not make Oaths 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

James 3:5–12 We are condemned by what we swear to 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

5 Strong, J. (2009). Vol. 1: A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (44). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. James 5:16–18 Confession and the Prayer of a Righteous Man 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. Confess your Sins 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.

Matthew 3:4–6 John’s Baptism of Confession and Repentance 4 Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; 6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.

Acts 19:17 Those who believed confessed their Sins 17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.

1 John 1:9 Confessed Sins will be forgiven 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Prayer of a Righteous Man The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Genesis 20:7 Abraham prays 7 “Now therefore, restore the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

Numbers 21:7 Moses prays for the repentant people 7 So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and you; intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people.

Psalm 34:15 The cry of the righteous 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.

Proverbs 15:8 The Prayer of the upright 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. Daniel 2:17–19 Daniel prayed 17 Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, 18 so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven;

John 9:31 God hears those who do His Will 31 “We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.

Acts 12:5–7 The Church prays for Peter 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. 6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.

James 5:19-20 Restoring the Fallen 19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

1 John 5:14–17 Pray for the sin not leading to death 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.