Page 87 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

B. Interpretation

Recall that interpretation answers the question, “What does this mean?”

Applying skills of interpretation that were learned in your study of hermeneutics, carefully
determine the meaning of the text by working through the six steps of the exegetical method.

1. Context Study

a. Historical-cultural Context

This book was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus (cf.Ma.13:55). While an
unbeliever during a part of Jesus’ earthly ministry (cf.Jn.7:1-5), he is seen in Acts 15 as a
prominent leader of the early church. The book was written prior to A.D. 49 to Jewish
believers who had been scattered as a result of persecution against Christians. These
were new converts who possessed a basic understanding of salvation; however, they
had not had the opportunity to receive much teaching on how they were to live now
that they were Christians.

b. Literary Context

James wrote this letter to encourage his brothers and sisters in the Lord, especially in
light of the various trials and temptations they were experiencing as a result of having
trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior. In the letter James discusses various subjects such as
finding joy in the midst of suffering, the importance of seeking wisdom from God, acting
on the wisdom God provides, brotherly love, the nature of true saving faith, self-control
as it relates to one’s use of his tongue, the need for genuine humility and submission to
God, and the significance of faithfulness and prayer.

In the passage preceding these verses James discussed the importance of seeking God
for wisdom in the midst of trials and temptation. He described how this wisdom from
God is given liberally to all who ask in faith and that believers ought to be attentive to
this wisdom in the daily grind of life.
In the passage immediately following these verses James discussed the nature of true
religion, describing it in terms of a person who has control of his tongue, cares for
widows and orphans, and avoids sin.

The verses in question appear to illustrate the difference between two types of people –
those who are doers of the Word and those who are hearers only. It seems obvious from
this passage that God wants His followers to be doers. An illustration is given which
seems to describe the futility of being a hearer only. In contrast, the passage ends with a
statement indicating that doers of the Word are those who will experience God’s
blessing.

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