The Book of James: Exegetical Commentary Series (Faith, Love and Hope)

An Exposition of the Book of James

The messages contained in this book were prepared under the sponsorship of American Mission to Greeks, New York City [now Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel, Chattanooga, TN]. The Mission felt that in appreciation for what the Christians of the United States have been doing for the people of Greece, both spiritually and materially, it should give them something of value from the original Greek New Testament. This study is probably one of the most extended expository works on that much neglected, though eminently practical, book of James.

In the author's preface, Dr. Zodhiates writes: "I am happy to confess that I never experienced so much conviction by the Spirit of God as during the time that I prepared these expositions of the book of James. The study of James has greatly changed my life and thought. I now send these studies forth with the prayer and hope that they will aid in making great changes in the lives of many, whatever their place in life may be. We Christians often allow our confession to become mere lip service. The gospel of Jesus Christ, however, demands that our daily lives give evidence that we really mean what we confess. And it is precisely at this point that the book of James is needful, for it is actually a treatise against 'Christian' hypocrisy. In these studies I have sought to bring within everyone's comprehension the depths of thought of the Greek text. The studies therefore will be of value both to the preacher and to the general Christian reader and worker."

He continues, "Although these studies are based on the Greek text of James, they are not technical or specialized. Their main purpose is to touch and influence the life of the reader, to apply the message of James to practical life. This is a book on Christian conduct. We want to find out how God wants us to behave. But to do that, we have to be sure of the meaning of the words which God inspired James to write."