JACOB Chapter 1

Introduction 

The letter of Jacob/James, the Lord's brother, to Jewish diaspora and Christians in general, sometimes in A.D 45-50, which makes it the oldest letter. He urges Jewish and all Christians to demonstrate their faith through work of selfless-Love. James was not a believer (John 7:3-5) until after the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19). He became the head of Jerusalem-church. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit. James was martyred in approximately A.D. 62.

James 1

Greetings to Jewish Christians out of the twelve tribes of Isreal

1 James, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ; to the diaspora of (Isrealis) twelve tribes: Cheer up in God.

Right attitude under trials of your Faith

2 To my brethren, lead everybody with joy, and whenever you encounter various trials, -  

3 absolutely know that the testing of your Faith will work out cheerful endurance.

4 so, have cheerful endurance to be perfect in the work, at least to be of full age even in whole-parts, missing out not even in one part. 

5 however, if your wisdom is missing anything, ask from God who simply give to all, and never find fault and it will be given.

6 ask also in Faith, dissecting through nothing. For those who are dissecting are like waves of sea, tossed by wind and scattered/ripped up.

7 because the man should not feel/imagine that, he will receive anything from the Lord. 

8 A double-minded fellow-man is unstable/unsettled in all his ways.

Brethren under trial should know that even Rich people could be depressed

9 Moreover, a brother who boast of his elevated (state) could be in a depressed (state).

10 because wealthy people could be in depression, like passing away of flowers of grass;

11 for, the sun will rise up, together with the heat-radiation, and dry up the grass. Even the good make-up of its appearance will perish and its flowers will drop away. Likewise, even the wealthy people in their journeys, could wither.

12 Supremely blessed is the fellow-man who endure trial, and become approved/a cadet; for he will receive the crown of Life, which is promised to those who love HIM.

Right Attitude under Temptation of sin 

13 No man being tempted should say, (he is) tempted by God. For, God is infinite to evil/does not experience evil; so, HE tempts no man.

14 but each man is tempted, by being enticed by his own lust/passionate desire and be entrapped.

15 having been seized/caught by his passionate desire/lust, it will then give birth to sin; and the sin will consummate to bring forth death. 

Preach to all that will listen 

16 My beloved brethren, do not be misled/deceived;

17 The act of giving good things from above is to everybody of full age. And from the FATHER, are the gifts/donations which came down to everyone, a Light along side WHOM, there is no variation/transmutation (of phase), or turning of shadow.

18 Who produce/bring us forth by words of Truth, for us to be certain persons who HE is willing to be unto HIM, the first fruits/beginners of the originally-formed creatures.

19 be aware, my beloved brethren, as man should be swift unto hearing but slow unto speaking/preaching, be slow unto anger with everybody 

20 because, the anger of God would not have fully-worked out the Justification of fellow-men.

Be Doers and not only hearers of the words of the "Law unto Liberty"

21 By this reason, put away all filthiness, excesses and wickedness. And by meekness, the words can be implanted/engrafted to save your soul.

22 Moreover, become Doers of the words, and not only the hearers who misreason/lead into false reasoning by themselves.

23 Because, if any man is a hearer and not a doer of the words, he is like a fellow-man who grasp the concept/fully-consider his genesis on the face of a mirror.

24 because, having fully considered/understand himself and go away, he immediately neglect, of what kind of person he is.

25 Moreover, those who are complete/full grown, and have leaned over/deviated/digressed to the "Law unto Liberty/freedom" and are not in oblivion/negligence of the work (of love), but stay near and become hearers and doers; these ones will be supremely blessed in their actions/performances.

Follow the rule because even Religion has rule

26 if anyone thinks to be religious, but does not bridle/control his language/tongue, he is deceiving his heart and his religion is vanity.

27 a clean religion and undefiled with God and the FATHER, is this: to inspect orphans and widows in their afflictions and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Jacob Chapter 2

Jacob 2

Beware of partiality and judge with "law unto liberty" which is by love, mercy, compassion etc

1 My brethren, do not have partiality of glory among those who are of Faith unto our Lord, Jesus Christ;

2 For, in case, a fellow man in golden rings and a gorgeous dress (esthetics) enters into your synagogue and a poor man also enters in a shabby dress;

3 howbeit, to be looking upon him who wears gorgeous dress, and you speak to him, sit well here, and you say to the poor man, stand there, or sit under my footrest.

4 haven't you dissected/discriminated among yourselves, and become an evil judge by your thoughts?

5 Listen up, my beloved brethren: hasn't God elected the poor people of the world, who are wealthy in Faith, to be heirs of the kingdom which is promised upon those who Love HIM?

6 howbeit, for you to maltreat the poor man; are not these rich men who oppress you and drag you to their judgment-court (criterion)?

7 Are they not blaspheming the virtuous Name, called/invoked upon you?

8 if though indeed, you are Kingly/Queenly/King-like/of Royal, yu will do well by completing/finishing the law, according to the scripture, by selflessly-Loving your neighbours as yourself (Lev 19:18).

9 But, if you show partiality, you engage in sin, and should be convicted under the law as violators.

10 for, whoever has been keeping the whole law, but fail one among all, is guilty.

11 Because the One who said, do not commit adultery, even said, do not murder. So If you do not commit adultery (Ex. 20:13-14, Deut 5:17-18) but murder, you become violator of the law (of Moses).

12 In the way, you preach, even do likewise, as though, you are about to be judged through "the Liberty of  the Law". 

13 Because, merciless judgment is for those who shows no mercy. Mercy will boasts/exult over judgment.

Faith unto Christ, without work of Selfless-Love is like a body without spirit or a vehicle without engine 

14 how is it of benefit, my brethren, in case, anyone says, hold on to things of faith but does not have a deed/work (of Love)? Shall he be able to save him by faith? No.

15 In case of a possession, and a brother or a sister are without clothes and lack daily food,

16 so, for anyone out of you, to tell them, Go in peace; be warmed and be satisfied; but never give them needful things of the body (deeds of love), of what benefits is it?

17 it is likewise for Faith, provided it has no work (of love), it is dead against itself. 

18 but, should someone say, hold on to your things of faith and I will hold on to work/deed (of love), show me your Faith, separately from the work (of Love), and I will show case Faith to you from my work/deeds (of love).

19 You believe that God is ONE, you do well! Even the demons believe, what to shudder/freak about!

20 but, oh, what an empty man to know that Faith/persuasion is dead separately apart from the desired works (of Love)? 

21 was our father, Abraham not justified out of deed (of love), by offering up Isaac, his son, upon the altar?

22 Look at that, his Faith worked together with his work (of love ); and from (his) work (of love), his Faith was made complete.

23 And the scripture was fulfilled, saying, Abraham also believed God, and Justification was reckoned (counted) unto him (Gen 15:6). And he was called a friend of God. (Is. 41:8, 2Chr 20:7)

24 Clearly discern that a man will be justified from deeds (of love) and not only from faith.

25 Similarly, even Rahab (cannanitess), the harlot; was she not also justified from deed (of love) by admitting the messengers under her roof, and send them out by another way?

26 For, just as a body without spirit is dead; likewise, even faith apart from deeds (of love) is dead.

Jacob Chapter 3

Jacob 3

Mind your tongue/language

1 My brethren, do not become teacher who know so much, because you will receive the greatest judgment.

2 For, many people will fail once and for all. If anyone does not err in words, that is a perfect full grown fellow-man, who is capable of controlling/curbing even the whole body.

3 Moreover, if we put a head-stall (a curb) unto the mouth of a horse, it is unto persuading it, and for us to direct all its body.

4 Behold, even the ship, being so vast in size, is being directed and pushed under fierce wind, by small rudder, wherever the momentum/force of the man steering it is willing.

5 see the size of fire that will kindle a size of materials/matters; even tongue is likewise a small member of the body and could boast of great things.

6 A tongue, positioned within members of our body could defile the whole body. And at genesis, tongue has also kindled the wheel/circuit of injustice/wrongdoings in the world but it shall be kindled/inflamed under Gehenna fire.

7 All natural kinds of wild animals in addition to natural kind of birds even the reptiles in the sea could be tamed and it is of human to tame/subdue things.

8 but tongue of men can no man tame, irrepressible/unrestrainable, full of evil and deadly virus/poison.

9 You bless the Supreme Lord and the FATHER by it, and by the same (tongue)  you curse men, against becoming the resemblance of God.

10 My brethren, for blessing and likewise curse to be proceeding out of the same mouth; this ought not to be happening.

11 should a fountain, whether at all, gush out sweet and bitter out of the same opening?

12. My brethren, can a fig tree produces olive-berries? Or vine, figs? No. Not even salty-water will produce fresh (water).

Worldly Wisdom for evil actions, reflect the fruits of demons

13 Who is wise and knowledgeable among you; by wisdom, meekness will show in return, from his virtuous works/deeds;

14 he will not be bitter with respect to the Truth. But if you you take pride in lies, you will have jealousy and intrigue/contention in your heart, 

15 Those things are not of the widom, which come down from above, but they are earthly/terrestrial, psychic/paranormal and demonic.

16 For, where there are envy/jealousy and contention, all practicable-things (pragma) there, will be vicious/nefarious things and of confusion. 

Heavenly wisdom for good actions reflect the good fruits by justification of God

17 But, the wisdom from above, is first of all, pure indeed, peaceful, gentle, reasonable/persuade-able, impartial sincere/without hypocrisy and then, full of mercy and good fruits, 

18 moreover, the sowers are of Peace, and they will produce fruits of Peace by Justification.

Jacob Chapter 4

Jacob 4

Pray aright 

1 From where is the war and from where is the strife in you? Is it not right there fighting war with you, out of the gratification/pleasure of the parts of your body?

2  you make war and kill by being jealous and do not have, you fight but can not succeed. You long after and do not have, because you do not ask.

3 You ask but do not receive, because you ask, at least to expend it wrongly on your pleasure/gratification.

James addressed the adulterers: say no to pride, say yes to humility

4 oh you the adulterous ones! Are you not aware that friendship with the world, is enmity to God? Therefore, whoever, in case, is willing to be a friend to the world is positioned to be an enemy of God.

5 Or do you think, the scripture says in vain that; The SPIRIT WHO dwell within us, yearn towards jealousy? (Ezek 39:25)

6 the great part is the giving of Grace. By this reason, it is said, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (Prov 3:34)

7 Therefore, be submissive to God. However, withstand/oppose the devil, and it will flee away from you.

8 Draw near to God and HE will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners and sanctify your heart, you double-minded.

9 realize your misery/be bothered and mourn and weep; switch/convert your mourning unto laughter, and sadness/downcast unto joy. 

10 be humble before the SUPREME Lord, and you will be elevated. (the address to adulterers end).

Judge no one

11 Brethren, do not slander/preach against one another. Those who speak against a brother or judge him will be judged by the law; not for being a judge, but for the law on speaking against a brother. So, if you are to judge by the law, you should be doer of the law. 

12 There is ONE lawgiver/legislator and a Judge, who is able to save and fully-destroy. But who are you to be judging your neighbour?

Honor God in your prospects, just say: God willing (Insha Allahu).

13 Now, to those who go to do things, and say today or next day, we will travel into that city, and trade there for a year, and make profit; -

14 by no Zoe-life, will you understand what kind of tomorrow it will be? Because, some are as vapour which appears toward a little while, and then disappears.

15 instead of you to say, in case, the SUPREME Lord desire, we will live, and do this or that also.

16 But, now in your braggadocio/arrogance, you are boasting. All of such boasting is evil.

17 it is a sin then, to be aware of doing virtuous things, and never do it.

JACOB Chapter 5

Jacob 5

Rich men are not to oppress any longer

1 Now; you Rich men, be led to analyze/solve by weeping upon the suffering/misery that will supervene/come upon you.

2 Your wealth shall be rot-eaten and your garment will become rotten.

3 Your gold and silver (money) will be corroded, and their rust will be a testimony unto you and you will be devoured as your flesh is treasured up for fire, in the last days.

4 Behold, the workers under you, are calling out, having harvested in your farm, and are defrauded of their wages; The cries for help of those who have harvested will enter into the ears of the SUPREME LORD of Tsabaoth (heavenly Armies);

5 you indulge your heart in luxury upon the earth, and waste/squander in butchery/slaughter shop, even to be nourished for days;

6 you condemn and slay the Righteous; who is not opposing you.

Perseverance and humility 

7 Therefore, brethren, be patient/forbear long, until the return of the Lord. Behold, a farmer wait for the early and the later rain, until he receives precious things of the land, by forbearing long upon it. 

8 you should be patient also, set fast your heart resolutely in one direction for the return of the Lord draws near.

9 Brethren, do not grumble against one another, at least do not judge. Behold, the Judge is standing towards the door.

10 Brethren, take to the model/example of the patience of the Inspired Speakers (Prophets) who are preaching the Name of the Lord in hardship;

11 Behold, those who bear trials are counted supremely blessed. You have heard of cheerful patience of Job, and have seen the ultimate end of the Lord, because, the SUPREME Lord is compassionate and even multi-compassionate to many.

Never swear

12 however, My brethren, do not swear on oath in front of all, neither by heaven nor by the earth, or other certain things; but your yes should be yes, and (your) No should be No, lest you fall under judgment. (Matthew 5:37)

Take your place in Christ Jesus to do deliverance by yourself and for one another by the imperial authority given in Jh 20:23 by the Lord.

13 Is anyone among you undergoing hardship? Make prayer. Is anyone cheerful? Sing on a stringed-musical instrument (psallo);

14 Is anyone among you sick? Summon the Presbyters (Elders) of the church, to anoint him with olive oil, and make prayer upon him in the Name of the Lord.

15 And if he is tired of faith and committed sin, the wish of the Lord is to save and raise him up. So forgive him/let him go of it.

16 And having acknowledged/openly confessed the sin, then, wish/pray for one another to be healed/cured anyhow. The petition/supplication for each other by a Righteous man has force/strength to be effective/energetic on many.

17 EliJah was a man of similar experience to us, who made prayer; not to rain upon the land, and by an oratory prayer, it did not rain for three years and six months.

18 And he made prayer again, and the sky gave rain, and the land produced fruits.

Never give up on fellow Christians who are in error

19 My brethren, in case anyone within you wander away from the Truth, and someone bring him back;

20 know absolutely that the one who bring back a sinner out of his way of delusion, has saved his soul from death, and cover up sins to the fulness.