Santiago 1

Santiago 1:1

Si Santiago, na alipin ng Diyos at ng Panginoong Jesu-Cristo,
Sa labindalawang tribo na nagkalat sa ibang bansa: Pagbati.

(a) Santiago, Several men named James are mentioned in the New Testament, but it is traditionally believed that this James was James the Just, the step-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55, Mark 6:3, Gal. 1:19). As a younger man, James did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:5). However, after the risen Lord appeared to him (1 Cor. 15:7), James became a new man. Later he became the letter-writing leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13, 21:18, 25, Gal. 2:9). According to Josephus, James was martyred for his faith in AD62 (Antiquities, 20.9.1).

(b) Isang alipin ng Diyos. James’ humility is astonishing. Although he was an apostle (Gal. 1:19), he introduces himself as a servant (see pagpasok for Rom. 1:1). Although he grew up in the same household as Jesus, he says nothing about his pedigree. His performance and reputation do not matter. What matters is Jesus our Lord and Christ.

(c) Panginoong Hesukristo; tingnan mo pagpasok for Jas. 2:1.

(d) Sa labindalawang tribo of Israel. The Jews were known as the twelve tribes because Israel had twelve sons (Rev. 21:12). James does not address his letter to a specific church but to the scattered Jews. He writes about subjects that were well-known to the Jews, including Abraham (Jas. 2:21–23), the law (e.g., Jas. 2:9–11), and faith in the one true God (Jas. 2:19). Yet it would be a mistake to dismiss James’ letter as irrelevant to our modern age. The themes James expounds on – faith, salvation, and wisdom – are timeless and universal. We all need to hear the gospel according to James.

(e) Nagkalat sa ibang bansa. In New Testament times, there were Jews living all over the world, and many of them visited Jerusalem during the major festivals. On the Day of Pentecost, there were Jews “from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). Jews who came to Jerusalem encountered Jewish Christians and heard about the Messiah who had risen from the dead. Some became believers who carried the good news back to their homes. These new believers needed training, so James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, wrote a letter that they could take with them. This letter would have been copied and circulated among the expatriate Jewish communities.

James expected that his letter would be read out in the assemblies or synagogues (see Jas. 2:2) because that’s where Jews met. For this reason, James wrote for two audiences; (1) those who had received the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ and are known as God’s friends (Jas. 2:1, 23), and (2) those foolish fellows (Jas. 2:20) and sinners (Jas. 4:8) who lack saving faith (Jas. 2:14) and remain enemies of God (Jas. 4:4). So one letter, two messages. Failure to distinguish between these two audiences and messages has led some to wrongly conclude that James was confused about grace or that he preached a message of grace plus works. Some have even suggested his letter should not be in the Bible!

What we take from James’ letter depends on which message we hear. Those who love the Lord are encouraged to rejoice and persevere in trials (Jas. 1:2–3), and patiently await the Lord’s return (Jas. 5:7–8) knowing that we will receive a crown of life (Jas. 1:12). In contrast, those who are relying on their own righteousness hear that their faith is dead and useless (Jas. 2:17, 4:4), and that they need to humble themselves, submit to God, and receive the word that can save their souls (Jas. 1:21, 4:7, 10).

(f) Pagbati. This customary salutation (Acts 15:23, 23:26) can be contrasted with the “grace and peace” greetings of the church epistles (see pagpasok for Rom. 1:7). Paul, Peter and Jude greeted fellow believers with warm affirmations of grace and peace. In contrast, those New Testament letters which were written for wider audiences (Hebrews, James, 1 John), lacked these affectionate greetings.

Santiago 1:2

Isaalang-alang ninyo na buong kagalakan, mga kapatid, kapag kayo ay nakatagpo ng iba't ibang pagsubok,

(a) Isaalang-alang ang lahat ng kagalakan. Hindi masayang bagay ang magdusa sa mga pagsubok; ang kagalakan ay dumarating sa pagtuklas ng mga bagong bagay tungkol sa pag-ibig at kabutihan ng Diyos sa gitna ng ating mga pagsubok.

From time to time, we all experience trials that test our faith. An immature believer sees only the trial, but a mature believer has learned to views trials as opportunities to grow in grace. They rejoice because they know that what the enemy intends for evil, God will repurpose for good (Gen. 50:20, Rom. 8:28).

(b) Mga kapatid; tingnan mo pagpasok for Jas. 1:16.

(c) Iba't ibang pagsubok, mga pagsubok o pagsubok. Ang pagsubok ay isang krisis na tutukso sa iyo na tanungin ang mga pangako, proteksyon, at probisyon ng Diyos.

A trial is Abraham wondering whether God told him to offer up his son (Jas. 2:21). Sinabi ba talaga ng Diyos iyon? It’s Rahab taking in the spies of Israel (Jas. 2:25). Ililigtas ba ako ng Diyos? It’s Job losing everything (Jas. 5:11). Nasaan ang Diyos? Maaaring magkaiba ang mga pangyayari, ngunit ang anumang pagsubok ay isang krisis ng pananampalataya kung ito ang dahilan upang tayo ay magtanong, maaari ba akong magtiwala sa Diyos?

Santiago 1:3

Yamang nalalaman na ang pagsubok sa inyong pananampalataya ay nagbubunga ng pagtitiis.

(a) Alam. Sa ilalim ng lumang tipan, ang diin ay sa ginagawa, ngunit sa bagong tipan ang diin ay sa nakakaalam. Knowing Christ in your daily life is the essence of wisdom (1 Pet. 1:5).

(b) Ang pagsubok sa iyong pananampalataya. Kapag dumaan ka sa mga pagsubok, ang mga kahanga-hangang katangian ng iyong bigay-Diyos na pananampalataya ay nahahayag.

The trials of life are not to see whether we are made of the right stuff or whether we can manufacture iron-clad faith, for we can’t manufacture faith at all. Faith is something to receive (2 Pet. 1:1). Faith that endures is a gift from God, and we get it from hearing the good news of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8). Because Christ endured, you will endure.

(c) Pagsubok. Ang orihinal na salita (dokimion) ay nangangahulugan ng pagpapatunay sa paraan ng pagsusuri at pag-apruba ng ginto ng isang assayer.

God’s gifts are flawless and perfect (Jas. 1:17), but you won’t know how good God’s gifts are until their qualities have been revealed in the fire of life’s trials and hardships. It is only in the furnace of your afflictions that you discover your God-given faith is more precious than gold (1 Pet. 1:7).

(d) Nagbubunga ng pagtitiis. Jesus is the Living and Enduring Word who gives you the strength to endure (1 Pet. 1:23). When you allow the word of the Lord to take root in your heart, you will endure.

Malamang na mahirap para kay James ang pamumuno sa isang simbahan sa pinakarelihiyosong lungsod sa mundo. Bagaman siya ay pinag-usig at sa huli ay pinaslang ng mga tiwaling lider ng relihiyon, siya ay nagtiis at pinanatili ang pananampalataya. Hindi nagtiis si James dahil mayroon siyang malaking lakas, ngunit dahil natuto siyang umasa sa dakilang biyaya ng Diyos (tingnan ang pagpasok for Jas. 4:6).

The apostle Paul had a similar testimony. He and his companions were tested far beyond their ability to endure. At times, their trials were so severe that they thought they were going to die (2 Cor. 1:8). Yet they endured because they had a revelation of the God who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9).

Karagdagang pagbabasa: "Ang pagsubok ng iyong pananampalataya”

Santiago 1:4

At hayaan ang pagtitiis na magkaroon ng sakdal na resulta, upang kayo ay maging sakdal at ganap, na walang kulang.

(a) Pagtitiis ay hindi isang resulta na pinagsisikapan kundi isang bunga na ating ibinubunga habang tayo ay nagpapahinga sa hindi sumusukong pag-ibig ng ating Ama.

The love of God endures all things (1 Cor. 13:7). As we abide in his love we endure too.
Hindi tayo nagtitiis na maging mga Kristiyano; nagtitiis tayo dahil tayo ang mga mahal na anak ng Diyos at alam natin na walang makapaghihiwalay sa atin sa pag-ibig ng ating Ama.

(b) Ang perpektong resulta nito. Kapag natutunan mong magtiwala sa Diyos sa iyong mga pagsubok, ikaw ay magiging ganap na mature.

Madaling magtiwala sa Diyos sa magagandang panahon, ngunit gagamitin ng ating Manunubos ang mga pagsubok sa buhay upang ipakita ang kanyang pagmamahal at biyaya sa atin sa bago at mas malalim na mga paraan. Hindi basta-basta nangyayari. May prosesong kasangkot at ito ay nagsisimula sa pagkakaroon ng tamang saloobin (isipin itong lahat ng kagalakan; talata 2), at tamang pag-iisip (alam na ang pagsubok sa iyong pananampalataya ay humahantong sa mabubuting bagay; talata 3). Tamang-tama ay makarating tayo sa isang lugar ng kapahingahan sa pag-ibig ng ating Ama. Ito ay isang paghahayag ng dakilang pag-ibig ng Diyos para sa atin na nagbibigay-kapangyarihan sa atin upang lumago at magtiis.

(c) Perpekto at kumpleto. Ang orihinal na salita para sa perpekto (teleios) ay isang pang-uri na nangangahulugang kumpleto, kaya maaari itong basahin bilang "ganap na kumpleto at walang kulang." Kapag matiyaga kang dumaan sa mga pagsubok sa buhay na nagtitiwala sa Panginoon, ikaw ay ganap na maunlad at mature.

(d) Lacking nothing. You are complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). In him, you lack nothing, but you may not realize you lack nothing until you’ve been tested by the trials of life. Sometimes we have to exhaust all our resources and strength before we realize just how strong we are in him (see 2 Cor. 12:10).

Santiago 1:5

Datapuwa't kung ang sinoman sa inyo ay nagkukulang ng karunungan, ay humingi sa Dios, na nagbibigay sa lahat ng sagana at hindi nanunumbat, at ito ay ibibigay sa kaniya.

(a) Karunungan ay ang kakayahang gumawa ng mabubuting pasya at tamang paghuhusga. Ang karunungan ay ang kaalaman kung paano lumakad sa pabor at kalooban ng Diyos.

Wisdom is only as good as the knowledge on which it is based which is why we can distinguish between earthly and heavenly wisdom (Jas. 3:15–17). Wisdom that comes from above is informed by the supernatural insight and revelation of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

When we go through trials, it is easy to get disoriented and lose our way. The temptation is to take matters into our own hands and do what seems right in our own eyes, but in that way lie death and disaster (Pro. 14:12). A better option is to ask the Father for the wisdom that comes from above. His wisdom releases the righteousness and favor of heaven into our lives (1 Cor. 1:30).

(b) Magtanong sa Diyos. Asking is how we receive (Matt. 7:7).

Manmade religion says, “You do not have because you are not good enough.” To this wisdom replies, “You do not have because you do not ask” (Jas. 4:2). Religion says you need to get cleaned up before you approach the Lord. But grace replies, do not hesitate to come to the throne of grace in your hour of need (Heb. 4:16).

(c) Diyos, na nagbibigay. The devil wants you to think that God is a taker, but Jesus revealed a Father who loves to give us good things (John 3:16). Every good gift comes from him (Jas. 1:17). The only thing he’ll take from you is your sin, guilt and shame.

(d) Generously. The One who gave us his Son will freely give you an abundance of what you need (Rom. 8:32).

Religion portrays God as mean and stingy, but our Father’s generosity has no limits. He who provides you with everything you need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), has abundantly supplied you with an entrance into his kingdom (2 Pet 1:11).

(e) Nang walang panunumbat. God will never judge you or condemn you. He will never withdraw his presence or withhold his favor from you. How can he when he has already blessed us with every blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3)? The issue is not ibibigay ba ng Diyos? ngunit matatanggap mo ba?

Minsan maramdaman mong nabigo ka nang husto kaya hindi ka nangahas na lumapit sa Panginoon. "Nagkamali ako. Kailangan kong itama ito.” Labanan ang tuksong iyon! Ang iyong priyoridad ay hindi ang kumilos kundi ang magtanong. Bago ka gumawa ng anuman, humingi ng karunungan sa Panginoon. Manalig sa Banal na Espiritu at hayaan siyang gabayan ka pabalik sa landas na nagbibigay-buhay.

(f) Ay ibibigay. Walang kung, ngunit, at marahil pagdating sa sobrang sagana na biyaya ng Diyos. Ang iyong Ama ay hindi inaasahan na ikaw ay tumalon sa mga hoop o magsasakripisyo para makuha ang kanyang pabor. Nagbibigay siya dahil likas na sa kanya ang magbigay.

Santiago 1:6

Ngunit dapat siyang humingi nang may pananampalataya nang walang anumang pag-aalinlangan, sapagkat ang nag-aalinlangan ay parang alon sa dagat, na itinataboy at itinataboy ng hangin.

(a) Magtanong nang may pananampalataya. The only condition for receiving is believing (Matt. 21:22, Mark 11:24). Faith is not wishful thinking, and asking in faith does not mean saying the right words or praying a special prayer or confessing your sins. Asking in faith is being confident of your Father’s goodness towards you (1 John 5:14). It is resting in his love knowing that your heavenly Father has great dreams and good gifts for you (Jer. 29:11, Jas. 1:17). See also the pagpasok para sa Pananampalataya.

(b) Nang walang anumang pagdududa. Ang pagdududa ay isang faith-killer. Pinapakain natin ang ating pananampalataya at ginugutom ang ating mga pagdududa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaalala sa ating sarili ng mahahalagang pangako ng Diyos. (tingnan pagpasok for 2 Pet. 1:4).

(c) Ang surf sa dagat. Ang nag-aalinlangan at nag-aalinlangan sa kawalan ng katiyakan ay may isip na parang dagat na hinahampas ng bagyo.

Santiago 1:7

Sapagkat ang taong iyon ay hindi dapat umasa na tatanggap siya ng anuman mula sa Panginoon,

(a) Yung lalaking yun. Ang nag-aalinlangan (tingnan ang nakaraang talata).

(b) Tumanggap. It’s not that God withholds his grace from doubters, for our Father is a generous giver who freely gives to all who ask in faith. But when we doubt his goodness, we have trouble receiving or enjoying what he provides. An example: The gospel declares that everything you need for life and godliness comes to you by grace through your knowledge of him who called us (2 Pet. 1:3). But if you doubt this good news, perhaps because you think you need to pray or confess more before God will bless you, then you will have trouble receiving the grace that has already been provided. The remedy is to abandon your dead works, renew your doubting mind, and receive in faith.

Santiago 1:8

pagiging isang taong may dalawang isip, hindi matatag sa lahat ng kanyang mga paraan.

(a) Dalawang isip. Ang magkaroon ng dalawang pag-iisip ay hindi sigurado, at kapag hindi ka sigurado hindi ka makakalakad sa pananampalataya.

When describing faith, the epistle writers use words like certain, sure, persuaded, and convinced (see Rom. 4:21, Heb. 11:1). But those who are trusting in their own goodness or religious performance are seldom certain or convinced about the grace of God. They may have a partial grasp. “I’ve been saved by grace.” But their dead works testify to their uncertainty and unbelief. “Now it’s up to me to maintain my salvation.” See also (see pagpasok for Jas. 4:8).

(b) Hindi matatag. Ang orihinal na salita (akatastatos) is sometimes translated as restless (e.g., Jas. 3:8). Those who have not learned to abide in the love of God are restless and unstable. They are tossed and turned by every wind of teaching (Eph. 4:14). One day they’re thanking God for his grace; the next they’re back under law. Because they have not entered the rest of the Lord, they drift through life bearing little fruit.

Santiago 1:9–10

Ngunit ang kapatid sa mababang kalagayan ay dapat magpuri sa kanyang mataas na posisyon; at ang taong mayaman ay magmamapuri sa kaniyang kahihiyan, sapagka't siya'y lilipas na gaya ng namumulaklak na damo.

(a) Ang kapatid ng mababang kalagayan. Ang taong walang-wala – walang pera, walang reputasyon, walang katayuan.

(b) kaluwalhatian. Ang orihinal na salita (Halika na) ay nangangahulugan ng pagmamayabang. Ipinagmamalaki natin ang Panginoon na itinataas ang mababa at nagbibigay ng biyaya sa mga mapagpakumbaba.

(c) Ang mataas niyang posisyon. We boast because God has chosen the poor nobodies to shame the rich somebodies (1 Cor. 1:27–28, Jas. 2:5).

In the eyes of the world, the rich are winners and the poor are losers. But in the kingdom of grace, the losers have the advantage. “Blessed are you who are poor and woe to you who are rich” said Jesus (Luke 6:20, 24). It’s not that God has anything against the rich, but the rich are often too invested in the fleeting pleasures of this world to give much thought for the better life that Christ offers. “It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:23).

(d) Ang mayaman. Yaong mga nagwagi sa mata ng mundo. Tingnan mo pagpasok for Jas. 5:1.

(e) Luwalhati sa kanyang kahihiyan. Ang pagiging mababa ay hindi ang katapusan ng mundo. Ang pagkabangkarote, iskandalo, at mga pagsubok sa buhay ay maaaring humantong sa magagandang resulta kung ang mga ito ay magwawakas sa iyong mga mapagkukunan at magdudulot sa iyo na umiyak sa Diyos. Ang pinakamasamang bagay na nangyayari sa atin ay maaaring maging maluwalhating pagbabago kung aakayin tayo nitong umasa sa Panginoon.

(f) Namatay. Life is short (Jas. 4:14). Don’t invest in treasure that rusts, but live with eternity in mind.

Santiago 1:11

Sapagka't ang araw ay sumisikat na may nakapapasong hangin at tinutuyo ang damo; at ang kaniyang bulaklak ay nalalagas at ang kagandahan ng kaniyang anyo ay nasisira; gayundin ang mayamang tao sa gitna ng kanyang mga gawain ay maglalaho.

(a) Ang araw brings heat and hardship (Jon. 4:8). Money and power offer no real security against life’s trials. Just as the sun withers the grass, the hardships of life undo us all.

(b) Nalalanta ang damo. The rich man fades away because his heart is bound to the transitory treasures of this earth. In contrast, those whose hearts have embraced the word of the Lord endure forever (Is. 40:7–8).

(c) Ang mayaman; tingnan mo pagpasok for Jas. 5:1.

(d) Sa gitna ng kanyang mga hinahabol. While the rich are busy pursuing wealth and influence, death will come (Luke 12:20–21).

(e) Maglalaho. Tatanda at mamamatay at malilimutan.

Santiago 1:12

Mapalad ang taong nagtitiyaga sa ilalim ng pagsubok; sapagka't sa sandaling siya'y sinang-ayunan, ay tatanggap siya ng putong ng buhay na ipinangako ng Panginoon sa mga umiibig sa Kanya.

(a) Mapalad ang taong nagtitiyaga sa ilalim ng pagsubok. The trials of life teach us to rely on God (Jas. 1:3), and the more we rely on God the more we experience his peace, joy, and all his blessings.

Ang pagtitiis ng Kristiyano ay walang kinalaman sa pagiging matatag sa harap ng kahirapan. Ang pananampalatayang Kristiyano ay aktibo; ito ay isinasaalang-alang (talata 2), ito ay nakakaalam (talata 3), ito ay nagtatanong (talata 5). Ang pananampalataya ay sumandal sa Panginoon, tumatanggap ng kanyang biyaya at umunlad. Tingnan din ang pagpasok for Jas. 5:11.

(b) Naaprubahan. Ang orihinal na salita (dokimos) ay ang adjectival na bersyon ng pangngalan na pagsubok (dokimion) from verse 3. It means proving in the way an assayer tests and approves gold. Just as life’s trials prove that your faith is good-as-gold (Jas. 1:3), they also prove that ikaw are as good-as-gold and safe in the Lord’s mighty hands (John 10:28–29, 1 Cor. 1:8, 2 Cor. 1:21). Nothing life throws at you can separate you from your Father’s great love (Rom. 8:38–39).

(c) Ang korona ng buhay ay ang buhay na walang hanggan na mayroon ka sa pakikipag-isa kay Haring Hesus. Kabaligtaran ng kumukupas na korona ng makamundong kayamanan, ang mga umiibig sa Panginoon ay napuputungan ng buhay na walang hanggan.

Kung ikaw ay pinalaki na may relihiyosong pag-iisip, maaari mong basahin ang talatang ito bilang isang uri ng pagsubok sa kaligtasan. "Kung ako ay madapa, hindi ako tatanggap ng korona ng buhay." Sa madaling salita, kailangan mong gumanap at manaig para makuha ang korona. Ngunit sa bagong tipan tayo ay naninindigan sa pagganap ni Kristo. Kami ay nasubok at naaprubahan kay Kristo. Tayo ay ginawang matuwid sa Diyos dahil sa ginawa ni Kristo. Hindi pumapasok ang iyong pagganap. Ang iyong bahagi ay tanggapin nang may pasasalamat ang koronang inialay.

(d) Sa mga nagmamahal sa kanya. Ang korona ng buhay na walang hanggan ay ibinibigay sa mga nagmamahal sa Panginoon, anuman ang mga pagsubok na ating kinakaharap at kung gaano kahusay ang ating pagharap sa kanila.

Karagdagang pagbabasa: "Ang lahi ba ng Kristiyano ay isang marathon?”

Santiago 1:13

Huwag sabihin ng sinuman kapag siya ay tinutukso, “Ako ay tinutukso ng Diyos”; sapagkat ang Diyos ay hindi maaaring matukso ng kasamaan, at Siya mismo ay hindi tumutukso sa sinuman.

(a) Natukso. Ang orihinal na salita (peirazo) is sometimes translated as tested (e.g., Rev. 2:10).

(b) “Ako ay tinutukso ng Diyos.” Huwag mong sisihin ang Diyos sa iyong mga problema.

Kapag nawalan tayo, maaari nating isipin na, “Sinusubok ako ng Diyos.” Siya ay hindi. Ang Diyos ay isang Tagapagbigay, hindi isang magnanakaw (tingnan pagpasok for Jas. 1:5).

(c) Siya mismo ay hindi tinutukso ang sinuman. Kung may masamang dumating sa iyo, makatitiyak kang hindi ito mula sa Panginoon. Ang mga tumutukso o sumusubok sa iyo ay ginagawa ang gawain ng Manunukso (ibig sabihin, ang diyablo, tingnan mo pagpasok for Matt. 4:3).

Karagdagang pagbabasa: "Ang Diyos ba ang may-akda ng kasamaan?”

Santiago 1:14

Ngunit ang bawat isa ay tinutukso kapag siya ay nadadala at naaakit ng kanyang sariling pagnanasa.

(a) Ang bawat isa ay tinutukso. We are all tempted from time to time. Even Jesus was tempted in all things yet remained without sin (Heb. 4:15). It is not a sin to be tempted, but when we yield to temptation it can lead to sin.

(b) Nadala. Ang orihinal na salita (excelko) ay maaaring mangahulugang kinaladkad palayo. Ang ating mga pagnanasa ay maaaring makaakit sa atin sa gulo hanggang sa tayo ay makaladkad na parang isda na kawit.

(c) Naengganyo. Ang orihinal na salita (deleazo) means entrap. It is the desires of our flesh that ensnare us. This is why we are exhorted to present our bodies as slaves to righteousness (Rom. 6:19), and as holy and living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). Your “body of sin” is not evil, but it is the battleground where you engage with sin (see pagpasok for Rom. 6:6). By the grace of God, it is a battle you can win (see Tit. 2:11–12).

(d) Naengganyo ng sarili niyang pagnanasa. Ang iyong mga pagnanasa ay hindi maaaring tuksuhin ako at ang aking mga pagnanasa ay hindi maaaring tuksuhin ka. Kapag nahulog tayo sa kasalanan, wala tayong ibang masisisi kundi ang sarili natin at ang ating mga pagnanasa.

Santiago 1:15

At kapag ang pita ay naglihi, ito ay nanganak ng kasalanan; at kapag ang kasalanan ay naganap, ito ay nagdudulot ng kamatayan.

(a) Nagsilang ng kasalanan. Sin doesn’t spring out of thin air but is conceived and birthed within. The best way to avoid giving birth to sin is not to get pregnant in the first place. When your flesh remembers old desires that you once had, remind yourself that you are a new creation with new desires (2 Cor. 5:17). Reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Christ (Rom. 6:11). Remind yourself that you are done with that inferior way of life (Gal. 5:24, 1 Pet. 1:14), and you are righteous in him (2 Cor. 5:21).

(b) Nagdudulot ito ng kamatayan. Sin comes with a price tag (Rom. 6:23).

Kapag naghasik tayo sa laman tayo ay umaani ng kapahamakan. Manloko sa iyong asawa at maaari mong sirain ang iyong kasal. Dayain ang iyong mga supplier at maaari mong sirain ang iyong negosyo. Ang mga kahihinatnan na ito ay ganap na pinahihirapan ng sarili at walang kinalaman sa banal na kaparusahan.

While sin may destroy you and everything you love, it will never cause God to kick you out of his family. Since you were not qualified by your good works, you cannot be disqualified by your bad works. The Holy Spirit within you is God’s pledge or guarantee that he will bring to completion the good work he has begun in you (2 Cor. 1:22, Php. 1:6).

Santiago 1:16

Huwag kayong padaya, mga minamahal kong kapatid.

(a) Huwag kang magpapalinlang. Huwag magpaloko. Huwag bilhin ang kasinungalingan na nagsasabing “Pinahihirapan ako ng Diyos.” Huwag tularan si Job na sinisi ang Diyos sa kanyang pagdurusa (tingnan pagpasok for Jas. 1:19).

(b) Mga minamahal na kapatid. Sumulat si James mula sa isang lugar ng pag-ibig.

Although James says some hard things in his letter, occasionally referring to people as foolish, adulterers, and enemies of God (Jas. 2:20, 4:4), his words are motivated by love. He cares deeply for his readers, and his tone reminds us of Jesus.

(c) Mga kapatid. Sa mga sulat ng Bagong Tipan, ang salita mga kapatid often implies Christian brothers and sisters, but not always (e.g., Heb. 2:17, 7:5). When James is commending his brethren for holding to the faith of Christ (Jas. 2:1), he is speaking to his Kristiyano magkapatid. Ngunit kapag hinahamon niya ang kanyang mga kapatid dahil sa kanilang kawalan ng pananampalataya o kawalan ng kakayahan na sundin ang Kautusan ni Moises, nakikipag-usap siya sa kanyang hindi ligtas. Hudyo brothers (Jas. 2:14, 4:11). As usual, context matters (see pagpasok for Jas. 1:1).

Santiago 1:17

Ang bawa't mabuting bagay na ibinigay at ang bawa't sakdal na kaloob ay mula sa itaas, na bumababa mula sa Ama ng mga ilaw, na sa kaniya'y walang pagbabago o palipat-lipat na anino.

(a) Ang bawat mabuting bagay ay ibinigay. Ang Diyos ang Tagapagbigay sa likod ng bawat mabuting regalo. Siya ang tunay na Pinagmumulan ng buhay at pag-ibig, kapayapaan at kagalakan, kapahingahan at kasiyahan, kaginhawahan at kasiyahan, pag-asa at seguridad, mga pamilya at kaibigan, mga bituin at paglubog ng araw. Lahat ng magagandang bagay ay may mga fingerprints niya.

(b) Bawat perpektong regalo. Binibigyan ka ng Diyos ng perpektong pag-ibig, perpektong kapatawaran, at perpektong kabanalan. At binibigyan ka ng Diyos ng kanyang ganap na katuwiran na hindi maaaring mapabuti. Anumang mga gawa o sakripisyo na maaari mong idagdag sa kanyang mga regalo ay makakabawas lamang sa kanilang pagiging perpekto. Ngunit kung tinanggap mo ang kanyang mga sakdal na kaloob ikaw ay magiging perpekto kay Kristo, kumpleto sa lahat ng paraan

(c) Ang Ama ng mga ilaw. God is our Father (Jas. 3:9), and his children shine like lights in a dark world (Matt. 5:14, Php. 2:15).

(d) Walang variation. God never changes (Heb. 13:8). “For I, the Lord, do not change” (Mal. 3:6). God does not bless you one day and curse you the next. He does not give good gifts only to take them away again (Rom. 11:29). He is good all the time.

Santiago 1:18

Sa pagsasagawa ng Kanyang kalooban ay inilabas Niya tayo sa pamamagitan ng salita ng katotohanan, upang tayo ay maging isang uri ng mga unang bunga sa Kanyang mga nilalang.

(a) Inilabas niya kami. Isinilang ka na sa bagong buhay ng Diyos Ama.

Just as sin gives birth to death (Jas. 1:15), God gives birth to new life. You are not a Christian because you attend Sunday School or prayed a prayer. You are a Christian because you opened your heart to the Lord and he gave you his life-giving Spirit (Rom. 8:9, 2 Cor. 1:22). You have been born again of the imperishable word (1 Pet. 1:23).

(b) Ang salita ng katotohanan ay ang Buhay na Salita o Hesukristo.

The word of truth is synonymous with the word of the kingdom (Matt. 13:19) or the word of God (Luke 8:11) or the word of life (1 John 1:1). The word of truth is not the Bible or even the gospel, although those things reveal the word. Jesus is the Truth that comes from God and saves us (John 1:14, 14:6, Jas. 1:21).

(c) Mga unang prutas. Lahat ng nilikha ay tutubusin simula sa atin.

God is making all things new, and the outcome will be new heavens and a new earth (Rev. 21:5). In the present age, the church is a prophetic picture of what is to come. See pagpasok for 2 Pet. 3:13.

Santiago 1:19

Alam ninyo ito, mga minamahal kong kapatid. Ngunit ang bawat isa ay dapat na maging mabilis sa pakikinig, mabagal sa pagsasalita at mabagal sa pagkagalit;

(a) Mga minamahal na kapatid; tingnan mo pagpasok for James 1:16.

(b) Mabilis marinig. Listen before talking. Several Old Testament proverbs make a similar exhortation (e.g., Pro. 10:19, 13:3, 15:2, 17:27).

(c) Mabagal magsalita. When we are hurting or going through trials, the temptation is to complain and give voice to anger and bitterness. But when we do that we are articulating unbelief in the Redeemer. We are essentially saying, “I don’t trust God to bring good out of my situation.” We are speaking like Job when he voiced his fears (Job 3:25), expressed self-pity (Job 10:1), and wished himself dead (Job 7:15, 17:13–16). Like others who have gone through intense pain, Job blamed God for his suffering (Job 2:10, 6:4, 7:20, 27:2).

Job later came to regret his words. “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand” (Job 42:3). Like Job, we do not have the full picture. In the midst of our trials, we can’t see all the good things God has planned. This is why we should be slow to speak and quick to hear what the Lord says.

Karagdagang pagbabasa: "Sampung maliit na alam na katotohanan tungkol kay Job”

(d) Mabagal sa galit. Anger is a lit stick of dynamite that can hurt us if we cling to it and hurt others if we let it loose (see Job 5:2, Pro. 16:32). Anger is a powerful emotion that needs to be handled with care (Eph. 4:26). When we allow anger to dictate our actions, it is easy to stumble and give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27).

May mga kawalang-katarungan sa mundo na nararapat ng madamdaming tugon, ngunit sa tuwing tayo ay tumutugon sa ating mga damdamin, tayo ay tumutugon sa lumang paraan ng laman. Ang maakay ng espiritu ay maging mabagal sa pagkagalit at hindi madaling magalit.

Santiago 1:20

sapagkat ang galit ng tao ay hindi nakakamit ng katuwiran ng Diyos.

(a) Ang galit ng tao. Kapag galit tayo, gumagawa tayo ng masasamang desisyon, nagsasalita ng mga kalokohan, at nagagalit sa ibang tao. Ang galit ay isang lehitimong damdamin, ngunit hindi ito isang kasangkapan na ginagamit ng Diyos. Ang kaharian ng Diyos ay itinayo sa kapayapaan at katuwiran, hindi sa galit at poot.

Yet some think anger is useful for getting people to repent. For this reason, angry preachers portray an angry God who is angry at you and your sin. But the God Jesus revealed is not like this. God reaches out to us in love, not anger. It is his kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

(b) Ang katuwiran ng Diyos maaaring ihambing sa gawa ng tao na katuwiran (tingnan pagpasok for Matt. 6:33). Our righteousness will never qualify us for the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20), but anyone, even the worst sinner, can receive the gift of God’s righteousness (see pagpasok for Rom 5:17).

Santiago 1:21

Kaya't, na isinasantabi ang lahat ng karumihan at lahat ng natitira sa kasamaan, sa pagpapakumbaba ay tanggapin ang salitang itinanim, na makapagliligtas sa inyong mga kaluluwa.

(a) Isinantabi ang lahat ng karumihan. We put aside the old life, and put on the new self which has been created in the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:22–24).

(b) Karumihan... kasamaan. We lay aside anger, rage, malice, deceit, hypocrisy, enmity, hatred, drunkenness, immorality, bitterness, jealousy, envy, covetousness, slander, profanity, tantrums, etc. (e.g., Gal. 5:19–21, Eph. 4:31, Col. 3:8, 1 Pet. 2:1). All these things proceed from a selfish and unregenerate heart (Mark 7:20–23).

(c) Kababaang-loob ang tanging saloobin na maaaring tumanggap ng biyaya ng Diyos (tingnan pagpasok for Jas. 4:6).

(d) Upang matanggap ang salita of truth is to believe in your heart the good news about Jesus (Rom. 10:9). It is not merely hearing about the grace of God, but receiving it by faith (2 Cor. 6:1, Heb. 4:2). It is working out, in your circumstances, the grace and power which God has provided (2 Pet. 1:3).

(e) Ang salitang itinanim ay kahalintulad sa “binhi na inihasik” o “mensaheng ipinangaral.” Ito ang mabuting balita ni Jesu-Kristo.

(f) Iligtas ang iyong mga kaluluwa. Ang salitang nagliligtas is not the Bible but the word of truth or the word of Christ (Jas. 1:18). It is Jesus, the Living Word revealed in the gospel of grace. See pagpasok for Acts 4:31.

Santiago 1:22

Ngunit patunayan ninyo ang inyong sarili na mga tagatupad ng salita, at hindi mga tagapakinig lamang na dinadaya ang kanilang sarili.

(a) Mga tagatupad ng salita. Do the work of God and believe in the One he sent (John 6:29).

To prove yourself a doer of the word is to live in total dependence on the grace of God. It’s refusing to rely on yourself and your righteousness and leaning wholly on Jesus, the word of truth (Jas. 1:18).

(b) Hindi lamang mga tagapakinig. Huwag lamang makinig ngunit gawin kung ano ang sinasabi ng salita. Ilagay ang iyong pananampalataya kay Jesus at hayaan ang Espiritu ni Kristo na kumbinsihin ka na si Jesus ay ang iyong pagtubos at katuwiran mula sa Diyos.

(c) lokohin ang kanilang mga sarili. Ang mga tumatanggi sa ebanghelyo bilang walang katuturan o hindi kailangan ay dinadaya ang kanilang sarili.

Many people consider themselves good or godly, but if they reject the word of truth they are living under a lie. They may believe in God, as the Jews did, and they may even have some kind of faith. But if their faith is unaccompanied by the “work” of believing in the One he sent, theirs is a dead and useless faith (Jas. 2:14).

Why do some harden their hearts to the word of truth? Sometimes it’s because they cannot accept that their good works and sacrifices count for nothing in the economy of grace. To hear that God justifies sinners makes them angry. When Paul proclaimed the gospel of grace in the synagogues, the religious Jews often turned on him (e.g., Acts 17:1–5, 18:4–6, 19:8–9). They were hearers of the word but not doers. They refused to accept his message.

To those who have heard the gospel but not responded to it in faith, James presents a clear call to action: Receive the word (see previous verse). In other words, draw near and submit to God (Jas. 4:8, 10). Humble yourself and receive his grace (Jas. 4:6).

Santiago 1:23–24

Sapagkat kung ang sinuman ay tagapakinig ng salita at hindi tagatupad, siya ay tulad ng isang tao na tumitingin sa kanyang likas na mukha sa salamin; dahil minsang tumingin siya sa sarili niya at umalis, nakalimutan na niya agad kung anong klaseng tao siya.

(a) Hindi isang gumagawa. Hindi nila ginagawa ang hinihiling ng Panginoon. Sila ay tumatangging maniwala sa Isa na kaniyang isinugo.

To be a doer of the word is to heed the call of God. The Lord says “Come” and we come (Matt. 11:28). The Lord says “Repent and believe the good news” and we repent and believe (Mark 1:15). The Lord says, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him” and we listen (Matt. 17:5).

(b) Salamin. To look in the mirror is to see your true state. When Jesus told the self-righteous Laodiceans that they were “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,” he was showing them their true condition (Rev. 3:17). In our natural state, we are all wretched and miserable, stained with sin and without hope. We all need grace.

(c) Nakalimutan. Ang tumingin at makalimot ay walang aksyon. Naririnig nito ang mabuting balita ngunit walang ginagawa tungkol dito.

(d) Anong klaseng tao siya. Unless the Lord cleans us we remain dirty sinners (Jas. 4:8). Unless we make up our minds about God and receive from his abundant supply, we remain graceless and double-minded (Jas. 1:8, 4:8).

Santiago 1:25

Ngunit ang sinumang tumitingin nang mabuti sa sakdal na kautusan, ang batas ng kalayaan, at nananatili rito, na hindi naging tagapakinig na nakalilimutin kundi isang mabisang tagatupad, ang taong ito ay pagpapalain sa kanyang ginagawa.

(a) Ang perpektong batas. Ang walang kapintasan at perpektong pamamahala ni Jesu-Kristo.

Look into the mirror of the old covenant law, and you will see all your flaws and imperfections. Use this mirror to make yourself clean, and you will not succeed, for the law makes nothing perfect (Heb. 7:19). But when you see what Christ has done – by one offering he has perfected those who are sanctified (Heb. 10:14) – you will discover that you are complete in him (Col. 2:10).

(b) Ang batas ng kalayaan is another name for the word of truth (Jas. 1:18) or the implanted word that can save you (Jas. 1:21). It is the Lord Jesus, the Living Word of God whose rule sets us free. The law of liberty describes what Jesus has done (perfectly fulfilled or completed the law) and the fruit he will bear in our lives (liberty) when we yield to him.

Under the old covenant, people looked into the mirror of the law and saw their faults. But in the new covenant, we look to Jesus and see his glory. The old law demanded perfection but the law of liberty is perfect on your behalf. The Law of Moses bound people with heavy demands (Acts 15:10), but the law of liberty makes us free (John 8:36, Gal. 5:1).

(c) Sinusunod ito. Ang ibig sabihin ng manatili ay tumira o magpahinga kay Hesus.

Under the old covenant, to abide by the law meant keeping all the rules. But in the new covenant, to abide in the law of liberty is to abide or dwell in Christ (1 John 4:15).

To abide in Christ is to rest in his love (John 15:9). It’s living with the complete dependence that a branch has for a vine and realizing that apart from him we can do nothing. The opposite of abiding is trusting in yourself, relying on your own efforts, and trying to make things happen. It’s striving in your own strength instead of looking to the Lord as your source and supply.

Tingnan mo pagpasok para sa Pagmamasid.

(d) Isang mabisang gumagawa ay isang taong naglalagay ng kanilang pananampalataya kay Kristo at kumukuha ng banal na buhay mula sa kanilang espirituwal na pagkakaisa sa kanya (tingnan pagpasok for Jas. 1:22).

(e) pinagpala. Those who trust in the Lord are blessed and fruitful, while those who rely on themselves are cursed and barren (Jer. 17:5–8).

One of the great lies of religion is that you will be blessed if you keep the rules. But those who rely on their law-keeping curse themselves (Gal. 3:10), because to live under the law is to live under a ministry of condemnation and death (2 Cor. 3:7, 9). Those who look into the law of liberty are blessed because their sins have been forgiven and all demands against them have been fully satisfied in Christ (Rom. 4:7–8). Those who abide in Christ are blessed with the blessings of Abraham (Gal. 3:9). Indeed, all the blessings of heaven are theirs (Eph. 1:3).

Santiago 1:26

Kung ang sinuman ay nag-iisip na siya ay relihiyoso, ngunit hindi pinipigilan ang kanyang dila kundi dinadaya ang kanyang sariling puso, ang relihiyon ng taong ito ay walang halaga.

(a) Relihiyoso. Ang pagiging relihiyoso ay ang pagkaalipin. Nang sabihin ni Pablo sa mga taga-Atenas, “Nakikita kong napakarelihiyoso ninyo,” ang ibig niyang sabihin ay “Nakikita ko na kayo ay mapamahiin at sumasamba sa maraming diyus-diyosan” (tingnan ang pagpasok for Acts 17:22). He was saying they were in bondage. The Jews to whom this letter was addressed were not idol-worshippers, but they were the most religious people on earth. They were bound by the Law of Moses, the traditions of the elders, and their fear of divine punishment.

Karagdagang pagbabasa: "10 paraan na ang relihiyon ay masama para sa iyo”

(b) Hindi pinipigilan ang kanyang dila. Since no one can tame the tongue (Jas. 3:8), an untamed tongue proves that our attempts at self-improvement are futile.

(c) Nililinlang ang sariling puso. Niloloko niya ang sarili niya.

(d) Relihiyon, whether based on idols or rules, is no substitute for faith in the Risen Christ. Paul used the word “religion” to describe the ritualized worship of the Jews (Acts 26:5), and that is the same meaning that is implied here.

(e) Walang halaga ang relihiyon dahil wala itong kapangyarihang baguhin ang puso. Ang dila ang patunay. Walang taong relihiyoso, gaano man kabuti ang intensyon, ang nakapagpaamo ng kanilang dila. Tingnan mo pagpasok for Jas. 3:8.

Santiago 1:27

Ang dalisay at walang dungis na relihiyon sa paningin ng ating Diyos at Ama ay ito: dalawin ang mga ulila at mga babaing balo sa kanilang kagipitan, at panatilihin ang sarili na hindi madungisan ng sanglibutan.

(a) Purong at walang dungis na relihiyon. If you consider yourselves religious, take care of the poor and downtrodden. Don’t get so hung up on minor issues of ritual and ceremony that you neglect larger issues of mercy and justice (Matt. 23:23).

James is not trying to balance grace with works; he’s raising funds for starving widows and orphans. When James led the church in Jerusalem, Judea experienced a severe famine (see entry for Acts 11:28). Paul collected money from the Gentile churches for the starving saints in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:1–7, 9:1–15; Rom. 15:14–32), while James challenged the scattered Jews to contribute as well.

Karagdagang pagbabasa: "Purong relihiyon”

(b) Ama. Like Jesus before him, James refers to God as our heavenly Father (Jas. 3:9).

Religious people tend to view God as a lawgiver and judge (Jas. 4:12). James writes so that we might know that God is our Father who delights to give us good gifts (Jas. 1:17). All the New Testament writers referred to God as Father (See pagpasok for Matt. 5:16).

(c) Mga ulila. Ang ulila ay isang taong hindi kilala ang kanilang ama.

We are all lost orphans in need of a Father, and Jesus shows us the way (John 14:6). When Jesus told the disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18), he was referring to the revelation of God the Father that comes to us via the Holy Spirit (Gal. 4:6).

(d) Mga balo sa kagipitan. Obligado ang relihiyosong mga Judio na tulungan ang mga balo at ulila, ngunit sinamantala nila sila. Sa paggawa nito, inihayag nila na ang kanilang relihiyon ay isang walang kwentang pakunwaring.

Under the old covenant, there were strong laws protecting widows (e.g., Ex. 22:22, Deu. 14:28–29, 16:10–11, 24:19–21, 26:12–13). These laws had teeth. If you neglected to care for widows, you could be punished with death making your wife a widow (Ex. 22:22–24). Yet instead of protecting widows, the law teachers of Jesus’ day exploited them (Luke 20:46–47). Instead of giving to widows, the religious leaders took money from them (Mark 12:41–42).

Then Jesus came along and made a point of helping widows. The first time he met a widow, he raised her son from the dead (Luke 7:12–14). He told a story about a widow who got no justice (Luke 18:2–8). Jesus championed widows and the church he built did likewise (e.g., Acts 6:1, 1 Tim. 5:3). The contrast was clear: the best religion in the world failed to help widows and orphans, but those who had been arrested by the love and grace of God became their defenders.

Karagdagang pagbabasa: "Lisensya ba si grace para maging tamad?”

(e) Walang bahid. Walang dungis at walang sira ng mundo.

James’ call for pure and undefiled religion should not be interpreted as a challenge to make yourself holy. Just as no one can tame the tongue (Jas. 3:8), no one can live unstained by the world. Only the blood of Jesus can wash us white as snow (1 John 1:7, Rev. 7:14).

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3 komento

  2. I believe you need to make a correction about James in your commentary. He would not have been Jesus’ “step-brother” but His half-brother. They had the same mother. A step-brother would be the child of a step-parent (Joseph in this case) who had a different mother. Jesus and James were related by blood through their mother.

    Sumagot

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