The Letter of James: Literary Relationships

Introduction Old Testament Jewish Literature Greco-Roman Literature Jesus Tradition Paul 1 Peter Hebrews Johannine Writings Introduction This article discusses the most common possible literary relationships between the Letter of James and earlier and contemporary writings. In some cases, such as the Jesus tradition, James may be using oral tradition. In most cases literary dependence is …

Commentary on Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History 3.39

Text In H.E. 3.39, Eusebius of Caesarea provides both information about Papias and quotations from Papias: (1) There are extant five books of Papias, which bear the title Expositions of Oracles of the Lord. Irenaeus makes mention of these as the only works written by him, in the following words: "These things are attested by …

Authorship, Date, and Provenance of 1 Peter

Introduction In the case of 1 Peter the issues of authorship, date, and provenance are inter-related. A decision on one item can influence one's decision on another item. The traditional view is that the apostle Peter wrote the epistle in Rome prior to his martyrdom, which occured around AD 65 (Tertullian, Scorp. 15; Origen in …

Commentary on 1 Peter 5:12-14

Notes (NET Translation) 5:12 Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. Silvanus/Silas was often Paul's partner in ministry (Acts 15:22-34; 16:19-29; 17:4-15; 18:5; 2 Cor 1:19; 1 …

Commentary on 1 Peter 5:1-11

Notes (NET Translation) 5:1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: 5:2 Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, …

Commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-19

Notes (NET Translation) 4:12 Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. The phrase "trial by fire" is a metaphor referring to the purification or refining of God's people (Prov 27:21; Ps 66:10; Zech 13:9; Mal 3:1-4; Rom 5:3-5; Jas …

Commentary on 1 Peter 4:7-11

Notes (NET Translation) 4:7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. Verses 5-6 ended with a reference to the final judgment. Verse 7 picks up from there by noting that the end (to telos) of all things is near. How, then, is "the end" …

Commentary on 1 Peter 4:1-6

Notes (NET Translation) 4:1 So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin, 4:2 in that he spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires. The …

Commentary on 1 Peter 3:18-22

Notes (NET Translation) 3:18 Because Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God, by being put to death in the flesh but by being made alive in the spirit. The Greek term hapax ("once [for all]") indicates that Christ's death and resurrection were unique and definitive (Achtemeier …

Commentary on 1 Peter 3:13-17

Notes (NET Translation) 3:13 For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? Recall v. 12 (NET): "For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil." Verse 13 continues this …