James 5 Study Notes
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5:10-11 By suffering and patience, James means suffering with patience or patience in hardship.
5:12 Do not swear is an exhortation to truthfulness, not a universal prohibition against oath-making (see Rm 1:9; 2Co 1:23; Gl 1:20: Php 1:8; 1Th 2:5,10, where Paul used oaths; cp. Mt 5:33-37).
5:13-14 James used a series of questions followed by commands as an effective way of exhorting the congregation to prayer and worship. Suffering in v. 13 is not a reference to physical illness; it is instead a spiritual burden caused by misfortune or poor choices. Elders, who functioned in various capacities in the early church, should anoint any sick person with oil and pray over him. Olive oil was considered a cure-all ointment in the ancient world, but for James the real healing power is in prayer.
5:15 The prayer of faith echoes 1:5-8. Save refers to physical healing. The Lord will raise him up does not indicate that death is at hand (v. 14), but that once healed by the power of God, the sick person could get up and walk (Mt 9:5-7; Mk 1:31; 2:9-12; 9:27; Ac 3:7). He will be forgiven indicates that perhaps the illness was connected with sin, and the prayers of the elders could bring spiritual healing as well.
5:16 Pray for one another echoes the prayers of the elders, and these should lead to both physical and spiritual healing (i.e., forgiveness). Prayer is not a magical incantation or a guarantee of healing, but when offered fervently by a righteous person, God will respond in a way that best fits his good purposes.
5:17-18 James cited a biblical personality, Elijah, who prayed effectively (see 1Kg 17:1; 18:41-46). The illustration is intended to encourage his audience that their prayers could lead to similar results.
5:19-20 James turned to the priority of reclaiming those who had strayed from the faith. Someone turns and whoever turns both reflect an effort to bring a straying believer back to an authentic Christian faith and lifestyle. Cover a multitude of sins probably refers to God’s forgiveness (see Ps 32:1; 85:2).