As noted in the previous section (5:7-12), suffering is to be endured by the Christian with endurance. James now commends Christians to avail themselves of the power of God through prayer.
Our text begins with three questions. The first two are simple: “Is anyone among you suffering?” And “Is anyone cheerful (both from verse 13)?” Both questions ought to be very naturally responded to in the life of the Christian. Suffering is dealt with in prayer (see also 1 Pt. 5:7), and cheerfulness gives way to praise (see also Col. 3:16). The Christian directs his attention to God whether in tribulation or joy! Perhaps some had learned the skill of being patient through trials and therefore were able to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). What a challenge to pursue growth to that degree if need be!
The third question seems simple enough at first, but quickly becomes more challenging. James asks if any of them are sick and suggests that such an individual respond by calling for the elders to pray as well as anoint them with oil (v. 14).
Before proceeding, we should consider that this is a rather obscure passage that poses difficulties for us that it likely did not for the original audience. We certainly cannot investigate these matters deeply in this brief lesson, but I will present a few very brief thoughts for your consideration before we get back to the thrust of James’ message.
One consideration here is whether James is referring to physical or spiritual sickness. The word “sick” (astheneo) can refer to either the physical or spiritual depending on the context. The ESV translates this word as “weak” regarding the state of some Corinthians who had not correctly observed the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Cor. 11:30). Is Paul teaching that they became physically sick (or physically died) as a direct result of their sinful observance of the Lord’s Supper? I personally doubt such an interpretation (though I’m not being dogmatic about it), and lean toward James 5 and 1 Corinthians 11 having reference to a spiritual condition.
One other reason for favoring this interpretation has to do with the overwhelmingly spiritual work of elders as seen in the NT. And going forward in our text of James 5, it is spiritual weakness and sin that is alluded to all the way to the end of the chapter.
The main emphasis of this entire section has to do with the power of prayer. Elders ought to pray for members, the physically sick as well as for matters of spiritual weakness. Members ought to ask them, and others, for prayers. We all ought to pray for one another. Why? Because the prayer of God’s children has great power (v. 16). The power itself, of course, resides in what God is able to do.
The example is given of how powerfully prayer was used by God in the life of the prophet Elijah. In Kings 17:1, Elijah prayed for rain, and God granted rain. In 1 Kings 18:1, the prophet called for the rain to cease, and it ceased. We should not take from this that God will act in such a manner today, but that Elijah was every bit as human as we are, and God heard and responded to His prayer. If we believe in the power of prayer, that God can work through His providence, we will be a praying people, and we will especially pray for our brethren. While it is certainly good and right to prayer for their physical well-being, let’s not forget to be devoted to praying for their faithfulness to the Lord! This leads right into the last two verses of the book that we will plan to finish with next week. In the meantime, be sure to pray for your brethren!
Daren Schroeder
