James

MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series

by John F. MacArthur Jr., James the Just

Faith without works is dead. This truth, which emphasizes the fact that spiritual fruit will accompany genuine belief, lies at the heart of this epistle. As captivating as it is convicting, the book of James outlines the practical implications of a living faith.

Join John MacArthur as he explains each verse in a way that is both doctrinally precise and intensely practical. Taking into account the cultural, theological, and Old Testament contexts of each passage, MacArthur tackles interpretive challenges and fairly evaluates differing views, giving the reader confidence in his conclusions.

The MacArthur New Testament Commentary series comes from the experience, wisdom, and insight of one of the most trusted ministry leaders and Bible scholars of our day. Each volume was written to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, dealing thoroughly with every key phrase and word in the Scripture without being unnecessarily technical. This commentary will help to give a better, fuller, richer understanding of God's Word, while challenging the reader to a vibrant personal spiritual walk.

A great resource for pastors, teachers, leaders, students, or anyone desiring to dig deeper into Scripture

Genres: Theology, Reference, Christian, Christianity

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Michael Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

John MacArthur is a great preacher and teacher of the Word; however, I was immensely disappointed in this commentary. As a devotional commentary, it would be very helpful as an introduction to James. The problem is that it doesn't so much comment on the text as James, as much as it uses James as a launch pad to discuss topics brought up by James, often only tangentially related to James. The comments are primarily some definitions of the Greek words, but even these definitions are often tendentious. There is some exegesis (usually), but this is followed by a pastiche of verses that ostensibly explicate or expand on the topic. These catenas of Scripture passages keep MacArthur from focusing on the text and the message of James, preferring rather to discuss what Paul or John or a Puritan preacher said about the same or a related topic. James is a powerful book. His message deserves to be heard on its own.
If you are a pastor, I implore you, please do not make this your study tool of choice. Recommend it to your people for their reading, but feed yourself with meatier works.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another commentary! But rather than a cold academic one, this is a commentary comprised of sermons preached by Dr. John MacArthur in Grace Community Church during the 40 years it took him to preach through the entire New Testament.

The approach is expositional, with enough exegetical work to underpin excellent and clear interpretation and application. MacArthur's general approach to the book of James is to see the author as providing evidence or proof of genuine faith in contradistinction to false faith. Any reader should find this approach helpful.

Another 5-star recommendation from me.

[Rod Innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great commentary. It covers every verse (even every word) in the book of James. Sometimes commentaries explain the easy things and don't take on the difficult parts. MacArthur does not do that. You may not agree with his conclusion. I don't always, but I clearly see his reasoning. There are also times when he gives various interpretations of a passage and suggests the most likely in his view. I have many commentaries by John MacArthur. I plan to read others. He is a very respected Bible scholar, and I learned a lot from this book and expect to learn from others as well.

[Karla Ticona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un súper comentario para estudiar el libro de Santiago.
Un libro a su vez lleno de la sabiduría de un maestro, hermano de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, quien además estudió la palabra, fue grandemente influenciado por los Proverbios, la Torah y el sermón del Monte.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would be a shame to let academic-sounding words such as exegesis, hermeneutics, and exposition to deter you from reading this commentary as if it might be a boring read. This commentary on James is for any Christian who wants to understand God’s Word better. There is such perspicuity to this work that I recommend it for devotional purposes to the layman as much as I do to pastors for creating and preaching sermons. Each chapter’s message is homiletical, stirring the soul in heart wrenching conviction of God’s high standards of righteous living effecting the transformation of a sinner to Christ-like character. I never knew James’ letter as being a checklist of 13 tests to prove genuine saving faith before. James’ epistle, especially 5:13-18, makes much more sense to me now, and I will forever look at this epistle with greater appreciation, clarity, and understanding.

[Esequiel Contreras Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let your yes be yes and your no be no!

This is perhaps where I have failed the most.

I have learned and to some extent disciplined myself to live a better life but the old nature is always lurking.

Pray that God grants me the grace it takes to live a life of faith.

Esequiel Contreras
May 2016
San Antonio, Texas

[Tim Chavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the main commentary I used to teach the book of James to my Sunday School class. It is an excellent commentary. As MacArthur always does he goes into great details. It took me over 6 months to teach the book of James with most of my notes coming from Mac Arthur's book. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the book of James.

[Will Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great balance of solid exegesis and pastoral application.

[Scott Guillory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful commentary on James! Great resource to come back to time and time again!