James: a Reader's Companion: Choosing to Be Cheerful

By Michael Cannon Loehrer

James the Just held a position of prominence in Jerusalem during the early days of the Christian era. The impact of his life guided critical decisions made in first-century churches, while the influence of his words continues to shape modern Christianity. This readers companion to Holy Scripture offers to bring to life the New Testament Epistle of James.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490877839

Michael Cannon Loehrer

Michael Cannon Loehrer holds an AB from California State University, Fresno, a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Biola University. He served in pastoral ministry for nearly forty years. Presently, he is an adjunct professor of Bible at Multnomah University, Reno, Nevada.

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Copyright © 2006, 2015 Michael Cannon Loehrer.

The author previously circulated an e-file version of this book under the pen name I. M. Leavenson on Scribd.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

All Scripture quotations are the author’s translation from the original language following the Byzantine text type.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-7782-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-7783-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015906430

WestBow Press rev. date: 05/06/2015

Contents

Dedication

The Historical Characters

The Imaginary Characters

An Approximate Scriptural Chronology

The Historical Setting

The Format Of This Volume

Section One

The Background Of James

Prologue

A Near-Death Experience

Youth Revisited

Early Morning Meditations

Good Grief

The Riddle

Praise In The Portico

Comrades With James

Reasons For Writing

Section Two

The Book Of James

James 1:1-2: Rejoicing In Trials

James 1:2-3: Perspective Through Trials

James 1:4: Enthusiastic Endurance

James 1:5: Insight For The Inexperienced

James 1:6-8: Double-Minded Doubting

James 1:9-11: Discontentment And Lordship

James 1:12-15: Guilt, Blame And Accusations

James 1:16-18: The Importance Of The Truth

James 1:19-20: The Abuse Of Anger

James 1:21-22: Reasons For Abusing Anger

James 1:23-25: Hearing And Heeding

James 1:26-27: Checking Your Condition

James 2:1-4: Faith And Equality

James 2:5-9: Why We Want Wealth

James 2:8-13: The Law As An Orientation Point

James 2:14-17: Losing Sight Of Living Faith

James 2:18-26: Compliance Versus Complacency

Rest For The Weary

James 3:1-2: Seeking Significance

James 3:3-6: The Fiery Tongue

James 3:7-12: Taming The Tongue

James 3:13-18: Sources Of Wisdom

James 4:1-3: The Strife From Seeking Satisfaction

James 4:4-10: The Solution To Strife

To Flee Or Not To Flee

James 4:11-12: Stimulating Selfishness

James 4:13-17: Seeking Success

James 5:1-6: Calling Off The Search

James 5:7-12: Back To Patient Endurance

James 5:13-18: The Tongue As A Remedy

James 5:19-20: Reasons For Restoring

Section Three

The Burial Of James

Escaping Death

The Death Of James

Epilogue: The Burial Box

Dedication

To the Noble Christians of the Persecuted Churches

The Historical Characters

Most of the characters in the story you are about to read are make-believe. However, there are a few actual historical figures that provide genuine substance to this tale. Since many characters carry Jewish names, I have provided some help to pronounce them in English—not as they would be spoken in a Jewish culture, because when we read we speak to our inner ear, and it is difficult to stay with a story if we continuously stumble over names, even if only in our minds.

Ananus the Younger: (Ah-NAN-us) He was the youngest son of Ananus the Elder (called Annas in the Bible). The senior Ananus was father of a dynasty of high priests, which dominated the chief priests of Jerusalem during the first century. The chief priests were an informal though influential clique comprised of all priests with a high social standing, in addition to a group of temple overseers—including temple treasurers and administrators—as well as the captain of the Temple. They were led by the then present high priest in conjunction with all previous high priests still living. This group formed the heart of the sect of the Sadducees, who were the super-performing, high-power Jewish elite of Jerusalem. Ananus the Elder was also father-in-law to Caiaphas, both of whom were largely responsible for the death of Jesus. This same Ananus had five sons, all of whom served as high priest, an occurrence without parallel in Jewish history. Ananus the Younger, his fifth son, held the office for only a few months due to his cruelty in killing James. Yet he was very influential among the supreme council of judges, whom he convened to execute James and his friends. A few short years later, as anarchy reigned in Jerusalem, the Zealots and Idumaeans would kill Ananus and—after desecrating his body—fling it over the city walls as forage for the dogs and jackals.

Flavius Josephus: (37-100) (FLAY-vee-us Joh-SEE-fus) This Jewish historian, surnamed Joseph Ben Matthias, though not a character in this story, was a priest in training at the time of James’ murder and could well have been an eye-witness to his execution in AD 62. He would later include the account of James’ death in his writings. At this point in Josephus’ life he was about twenty-five years of age. A few years later he would fight the invading Romans as a general in the army of Israel, and fiercely defend the Galilean region of his homeland. Upon his defeat, the Romans took him captive, but then released him when he accurately foretold that his captor would become emperor. Thereupon he would be spared and later sponsored to write his history of the Jewish people, and his account of the War between the Romans and the Jews. He would then take the name of his benefactor, Titus Flavius Vespasianus. He remained in Rome from AD 69-96, where he wrote his histories.

James the Just: This oldest of Jesus’ half-brothers was variously identified as the Just, because his lifestyle was so highly respected. He reputedly prayed so passionately for the people that his knees became calloused like a camel’s. Centuries later he would become a model for ascetics due to his austere lifestyle. He had reportedly been appointed by the apostles to lead the church of Jerusalem, and did so energetically from the 40’s to the 60’s in the first century. He, like Paul, desperately sought to promote peace among Jewish and Gentile believers while the church was in its infancy. Ultimately he was stoned and then clubbed to death for his efforts by a once God-fearing nation turned brutal by ruthless self-righteousness.

Kepa of Kerala: (KEEP-ah of Ker-AH-lah) One of the first converts in India through the Apostle Thomas’ ministry in AD 52-53. He was a nephew of King Bana Varma Perumal. He later became the first overseer of the churches of Kerala district. Some of these churches continue down to this very day. Though he was a historical figure, the account of his visit to Jerusalem in this story is fictitious.

Thomas the Apostle: The proverbial doubter of the Gospels, also known as the Twin, successfully evangelized India after spending some years ministering in Persia. Initially he went to the court of King Gondophares in North India and preached there for a few years. After learning of the death of Mary, the mother of Jesus, tradition has it that he returned to Jerusalem (circa AD 48). On his second journey, he sailed to the Malabar Coast, landing on November 21, AD 52 at Maliankara. He established seven churches in the Kerala district, and after laboring there for many years he went to Coromandel Coast, and established the church of Mylapore. Then he returned and visited all the churches of Kerala before going back to Mylapore. Upon his return, the temple servants of the goddess Kali conspired to kill him. While he was praying in a cave, they shot him with arrows, severely wounding him. He was then thrust through with a lance by assassins sent from King Masdai. He died on the third of July, AD 72. He was buried near the Mylapore beach where the San Thome Cathedral now stands.

Simeon: A younger brother to James, he became the second leader of the Jerusalem church upon the murder of James by Ananus the Sadducee. According to tradition, the apostles and disciples met at Jerusalem and unanimously chose Simeon, who probably had already been assisting James. Not many years after James death, Simeon would lead Jerusalem’s Christians to escape to the trans-Jordan city of Pella, before Vespasian would enter Judea with orders to destroy Jerusalem. Still under Simeon’s guidance, they would later return to Jerusalem after the destruction of the Temple and settle among the ruins. Due to continued unrest of messianic visionaries, the emperors Vespasian and later Domitian would command all who were of the lineage of David to be put to death, but Simeon would evade their searches. However, when Trajan would thereafter continue this search, certain Jews would betray Simeon to the Roman governor in Palestine. He would then be condemned and crucified in AD 107, at well over a hundred years of age, having led the church of Jerusalem for over forty years.

The Imaginary Characters

The characters listed below are simply make-believe to give the story some substance, since so few actual details have come down to us.

Zamaris: (ZAM-ahr-us) Imagine that this older man’s ancestors came from Babylon to Jerusalem during the days of Herod the Great as did many others. After living in Jerusalem through the peaceful and prosperous years of the century, he moved to Rome with his family to join his brother there (Malka’s father—see below) in a business venture, filled with optimism. However, before moving to Rome, he became a follower of the Way, while attending the festivities of Pentecost at the beginning of the church. When he departed for Rome, he left behind his eighteen year old son, Nashon, with his sister’s family. He and his kinfolk would occasionally make the pilgrimage back to the Holy City. As the story begins, he returns to Jerusalem once again, this time with his niece, Malka. Imagine him as a very sweet old man, though a little heavy set from indulging his appetites over the years.

Malka: (MAHL-kah) Picture this single, thirty-five year old woman, not yet a spinster, though rather homely, as incredibly engaging and lovable. As Zamaris’ niece, she kindly accompanies him as they journey from Rome to Jerusalem. Her name means queen and she indeed exudes the quiet poise of royalty. She is well educated and quite intelligent, but carries it with a genteel humility. She and her uncle bear a scroll by Luke and Paul written while under house arrest in the eternal city. They have also been making a copy as they traveled to Jerusalem.

Nashon: (Nah-SHONE) Visualize a self-made man devoted to his work and somewhat estranged from his family due to his ambitions. Though he is the first-born son of Zamaris, he and his father have never really been close since childhood. The distance between them began when Zamaris claimed to have found the Messiah, and increased when Nashon refused to accompany the family to Rome. Unusual for this time period, Nashon never married in order to devote his time and attention to his all-consuming business ventures.

Eben: (EH-ben) This middle-aged man is a close and constant friend of Simeon. His name means stone. It is a Hebrew form of Peter. I depict him as unshakably loyal. Do not consider him a deep thinker, but rather a person who loves to help others.

Gera: (GEHR-ah) Think of a young man in his early twenties. He is a devoted husband and dutiful father. His name means a grain, and though he is small in stature, he is very courageous. He accepted Christ at an early age through the ministry of Simeon.

Ahlai: (Ah-LYE) Envision her as frail and fearful. Her name strangely means, Oh, would that, conveying the idea of a wish. She is committed to her husband, but her heart really belongs to her children. She wants to please everyone, and struggles with divided loyalties. She too received Christ as her Savior as a youth through Simeon’s ministry.

Shayna: (SHAY-nah) She is lovely in appearance, even in advanced years. Her name means beautiful. She has remained single after her husband died in a tragic accident after only a few years of marriage. She recently came into a large fortune after living in poverty most of her life. She is almost as well known now for her generosity as she was for her kindness when she had nothing.

Gavriella: (Gav-ree-EL-lah) She was given the name of an angel (Gabriel) early in life, though her early years were anything but angelic. Her name means woman of God, and so she has become under the discipleship of Shayna. She oversees Shayna’s female servants and has charge over all domestic aspects of her home. Her nickname is Gavri. She has a lot of responsibility and an equal amount of authority. She runs the home effectively and efficiently.

Azariah: (Az-ahr-RYE-ah) He is Shayna’s slave. He is a eunuch and very loyal to Shayna and loves Gavriella like a sister. He oversees the male slaves and is guardian of the home. His name means, The Lord’s help. His nickname is Az. He is allowed a lot of freedom in Shayna’s home. He is rather easy going, but fiercely protective.

An Approximate Scriptural Chronology

The following chronology provides a reasonable estimation about how things unfolded in the early days of the history of the church. The following are bits of information gleaned from various traditions and historical records conjoined with passages of Scripture. The purpose is to portray the first generation of Christianity as expansive through faith and suffering.

AD 30: James personally sees the resurrected Christ (1 Cor. 15:7) and is present at the commissioning of the Church, Acts 1:14. The gospel begins to spread from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and to Jews everywhere, Acts 1:1-8:4.

AD 30-44: The apostles lead the early church of Jerusalem, Acts 2:42-43, et al.

AD 36: Stephen is stoned (Acts 6:8-8:4). The gospel spreads to Samaria, Acts 8:5-40.

AD 41-43: The gospel spreads to non-Jewish people (Gentiles), Acts 9-11. James’ influence grows in Jerusalem.

AD 43: Paul goes to see Peter in Jerusalem, and visits with James, Gal. 1:18-19.

AD 44: Peter identifies James as a leader, when John’s brother James is martyred by King Herod Agrippa I. As he escapes, Peter directs that James be informed of these events, Acts 12:17.

AD 45-47: Paul begins his first missionary journey with Barnabas to Cyprus and Galatia, using Jewish synagogues among the Diaspora as his starting point, but having success largely among Gentiles, Acts 13-14.

AD 49 or 50: A council at Jerusalem is convened on how to deal with Gentile believers. James settles the dispute, Acts 15:13, 19a. He and the apostles graciously commend Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles. James kindly extends the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas, Gal. 2:9.

AD 50-51: To promote peace and enhance evangelistic efforts among the Jews, James encourages believing Jews to continue observing the Mosaic Law, even after the Jerusalem council. This leads some of his followers to stir up trouble in the Antioch church, Gal. 2:12. James writes his letter to Jews dispersed throughout the world, probably to counteract their hostility toward Paul’s ministry, realizing that the influence of the Sadducees upon the Jews is what caused them to behave with an ever-growing degree of arrogance and hostility, and probably others did too. Although James would try to make it clear that walking in obedience to the faith is the fulfillment of the law (Jas. 2:8-24), and while Paul taught the same thing (Rom. 1:5; 13:9-10; 16:26), at this point they would attempt to minimize any confusion between the distinct groups they were targeting by keeping their ministries relatively separate, Gal. 2:11-21. Due to unrest in Rome, Emperor Claudius expels the Jews, including Christians, who were still considered a Jewish sect at this time.

AD 51-57: Paul goes on his second and third missionary journeys to Asia Minor and Greece, beginning in the synagogues among the Diaspora, but extending his efforts largely to the Gentiles, Acts 15-18.

AD 52: Thomas returns to India after the death of Jesus’ mother, Mary, to begin a very fruitful evangelistic ministry.

AD 58: The Jerusalem church by this point in time has obviously long been led by James, in conjunction with the elders. The apostles have been off ministering elsewhere, Acts 21:18. Paul journeys to Jerusalem. James, sensing increasing hostility in the city, and desiring to maintain peace, urges Paul to comply with Jewish customs and regulations while there, Acts 21:18-26. Paul is pleased to conform, that he might win his own people to Christ (1 Cor. 9:19-21), but he is seized, imprisoned, and eventually tried before Felix, Acts 20-23.

AD 59-60: Paul is imprisoned at Caesarea (Acts 23-24), tried before Procurator Festus and King Agrippa II, and ultimately sent to Rome, Acts 25-26.

AD 62: General Vespasian serves on the Roman Senate, and accompanies Nero on a trip to evaluate problems in the eastern portion of the Roman Empire. Procurator Festus dies. Ananus is immediately appointed high priest and quickly convenes the Sanhedrin, or a portion of it, and executes James in Jerusalem.

AD 63: Paul is acquitted and released from Rome. Gessius Florus succeeds Albinus as governor of Judea. Rome burns under Nero. Christians are blamed. Joseph of Arimathea travels to Glastonbury on the first Christian mission to Britain.

AD 63-67: Paul at this point might have initially traveled to Spain upon his release, but certainly does travel to Greece and Asia Minor (Turkey), where he is seized in Nicopolis of Epirus, and taken to Rome. Nero persecutes the Christians in Rome. Peter is crucified head down and Paul is beheaded there.

AD 66-68: Vespasian is commissioned by Nero to deal with the Judean problem, which he does until Nero commits suicide. A struggle for the throne ensues.

AD 69: Vespasian becomes emperor and leaves his son Titus to complete his mission in Judea, and takes Josephus back with him to Rome.

AD 70: Sunday, August 10, AD 70 Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem falls to Vespasian’s son Titus on the very same day of the Jewish calendar (Tisha B’Av) that the first Temple fell in 586 BC.

The Historical Setting

The general time frame of this story is spring/summer AD 62, some thirty odd years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and specifically the last few weeks of James’ life. The story begins toward the end of spring festivities in the city of Jerusalem with the magnificent Temple of Herod almost complete. After serving as a leader in the Jerusalem church for over twenty years, James would soon be executed.

Caesar would send Albinus from Alexandria to Judaea as Procurator upon the death of Festus. But, before he could arrive, King Agrippa II would remove Joseph from the high priesthood and install Ananus the Younger. He was perhaps the most daring and vicious of all of Ananus the Elder’s sons, but he would only hold the office for three months and later die in disgrace.

James served as overseer of Jerusalem’s Christian assemblies from the 40’s to the 60’s during the first century. He was known as James the Just, and was the oldest of Jesus’ four brothers. Ananus would shortly have him stoned for breaking the law. He would finally be beaten to death with a launderer’s club.

Since neither the high priest nor the Sanhedrin had the authority to command capital punishment at this time, Ananus’ decision was viewed as begrudging murder. Only the Procurator of Judea could properly exercise such authority. Therefore King Agrippa II, at the outcry of the people, would shortly thereafter take the high priesthood from Ananus and give it to Jesus the son of Damneus. But the untimely death of Procurator Festus would have more far reaching consequences than the execution of James.

Albinus, Festus’ replacement, would soon ignore inter-Jewish rivalries, so long as they offered him bribes. He would then release from jail all who could afford ransom, so that large numbers of rebels roamed the countryside. Moreover, numerous gangs would terrorize the populace and ultimately incite rebellion against Rome. Roman legions, under the direction of Vespasian, would then invade the country in AD 66 and besiege Jerusalem. In AD 70 his son Titus would demolish the Temple.

The Format of this Volume

Throughout the text of this work you will find font style and size variations as in the following examples:

Written around AD 50 Prior to citing a passage from an ancient document an estimate of the date of writing is offered to distinguish it from the chronology of events which unfold in the story.

James, a willing slave of God…. (James 1:1) At the beginning of each chapter, there is a fresh translation of the passage cited from the original language in which it was written.

Author’s Comments: These comments offer insights related to the history, culture and language of the first century intended to establish and enhance the setting of the story. These are sort of like user-friendly footnotes; a way to provide some helpful information that cannot readily be given in the course of dialog.

Negative Outline: HOW BELIEVERS BECOME STRONG IN THE FLESH

Every Chapter of the main section on the Book of James begins with an outline of the text set in negative terms so that the reader can relate