James 5:10
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Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
the prophets--who were especially persecuted, and therefore were especially "blessed." example of suffering affliction--rather, simply, "of affliction," literally, "evil treatment."
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle denounces the judgments of God upon those rich men who oppress the poor, showing them how great their sin and folly are in the sight of God, and how grievous the punishments would be which should fall upon themselves (Jam 5:1-6). Hereupon, all the faithful are exhorted to patience under their trials and sufferings (Jam 5:7-11). The sin of swearing is cautioned against (Jam 5:12). We are directed how to act, both under affliction and in prosperity (Jam 5:13). Prayer for the sick, and anointing with oil, are prescribed (Jam 5:14, Jam 5:15). Christians are directed to acknowledge their faults one to another, and to pray one for another, and the efficacy of prayer is proved (Jam 5:16-18). And, lastly, it is recommended to us to do what we can for bringing back those that stray from the ways of truth.
Open source ↗5:10 This verse reflects on Matt 5:11 and Luke 6:23 (see study note on Jas 1:22-23).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—
Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.
But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.
“I have struck your sons in vain; they accepted no discipline. Your own sword has devoured your prophets like a voracious lion.”
But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “At least there will be peace and security in my lifetime.”
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”
But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”