The Grace Commentary – Your free verse by verse grace Bible resource!James 1

Santiago 1:1

Santiago, siervo de Dios y del Señor Jesucristo,
A las doce tribus que están dispersas en el extranjero: Saludos.

(una) Santiago, also known as James the Just, was the brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55, Mark 6:3, Gal. 1:19) and the leader of the church in Jerusalem. 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 prominent leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13, 21:18, Gal. 2:9). According to Josephus, James was martyred for his faith in AD62 (Antigüedades, 20.9.1).

(si) Un siervo de Dios. James’ humility is astonishing. Although he was an apostle (Gal. 1:19), he introduces himself as a servant (see entrada 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.

(d) A las doce tribus of Israel. James’ epistle was address to a Jewish audience. But did he write to Jews in general, or Jews who had converted to Christianity? The answer is both. James wrote to his “beloved brethren” who have faith in Jesus Christ (Jas. 1:16, 2:1), and he also wrote to those foolish fellows (Jas. 2:20) and sinners (Jas. 4:8) who lack saving faith (Jas. 2:14).

Like the epistle to the Hebrews and the first epistle of John, James’ epistle was written for two audiences (believers and unbelievers). So, one letter, two messages. Those who trust in Christ are encouraged to rejoice and persevere in trials (Jas. 1:2–3) knowing that they will receive a crown of life (Jas. 1:12), while those who trust in their own righteousness are told that their faith is dead and useless (Jas. 2:17).

James pulls no punches. Those unbelievers who have heard the word (or gospel) but not done it (heeded it) remain adulteresses and enemies of God (Jas. 4:4). They need to humble themselves (Jas. 4:10), submit to God (Jas. 4:7), and receive the word that can save their souls (Jas. 1:21). Christian, you are not a fool, sinner, or enemy of God. Strong words meant for the lost are not meant for you.

(mi) Dispersos en el extranjero. 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). In Judea, visiting Jews 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 home synagogues. These new believers needed training, so James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, wrote a letter to be read out in the assemblies or synagogues (Jas. 2:2). It was a general letter that addressed issues relevant to those who were in the faith and those who remained under the law.

(F) Saludos. This customary salutation (Acts 15:23, 23:26) can be contrasted with the “grace and peace” greetings of the church epistles (see entrada for Rom. 1:7). Paul, Peter and Jude greeted fellow believers with warm affirmations of grace and peace. In contrast, James and John, who wrote for mixed audiences that included unbelievers, did not.

Santiago 1:2

Hermanos míos, tened por sumo gozo cuando os halléis en diversas pruebas,

(una) Considéralo todo alegría. No es cosa de gozo sufrir las pruebas; la alegría viene al descubrir cosas nuevas sobre la bondad de Dios en nuestras pruebas.

From time to time, we all experience trials that test our faith. An immature believer sees only the trial, but someone who is learning to lean on the Lord has confidence that the Lord will bring good things out of their hurts and hardships (Rom. 8:28). A mature believer is someone who views trials as opportunities to grow in grace. They rejoice knowing that what the enemy intends for evil, God will use for good.

(si) Hermanos de religion; ver entrada for Jas. 1:16.

(C) Varios ensayos, tests or ordeals. A trial is a crisis such as the one Abraham experienced when God told him to offer up his son (Jas. 2:21). ¿Dios realmente dijo eso? It’s Rahab taking in the spies of Israel (Jas. 2:25). ¿Qué pasa si me atrapan? It’s Job losing everything (Jas. 5:11). ¿Donde esta Dios? Las circunstancias pueden diferir, pero en última instancia, cualquier prueba es una crisis de fe si nos lleva a preguntar: ¿Puedo confiar en Dios?

Santiago 1:3

sabiendo que la prueba de vuestra fe produce paciencia.

(una) La prueba de tu fe. Cuando pasas por pruebas, se revelan las cualidades de la fe que Dios te ha dado.

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 that endures is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8).

(si) Pruebas. La palabra original (dokimio) significa probar en la forma en que un ensayador prueba y aprueba el oro.

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 your trials. 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).

Dirigir una iglesia en la ciudad más religiosa del mundo debe haber sido difícil para James. No sabemos cuánto pasó este hombre justo, pero sabemos que soportó y mantuvo la fe hasta el día en que fue asesinado. Santiago no soportó porque era un gran hombre, sino porque había aprendido a confiar en la gran gracia de Dios (ver entrada for Jas. 4:6).

In the same way, Paul and his companions were tested far beyond their ability to endure. Their trials were so severe that they thought they were going to die (2 Cor. 1:8). Yet they endured the unendurable because they had a revelation of the God who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9).

Puede sentir que su prueba será su final, pero Dios quiere usar su prueba para darle una mayor revelación de sí mismo y de su gran amor. Cuando lo ves elevándose por encima de tu prueba y sosteniéndote con seguridad en su mano, encuentras la fuerza para resistir.

Otras lecturas: "La prueba de tu fe"

Santiago 1:4

Y que la paciencia tenga su perfecto resultado, para que seáis perfectos y completos, sin que os falte nada.

(una) Aguante is getting up every day and fixing your gaze on God, no matter what comes your way. It’s saying with Paul, “On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:10).

Because the love of God endures all things (1 Cor. 13:7) the key to enduring is knowing how much God loves us. We don’t endure to become Christians; we endure because we are dearly-loved children of God and we know that nothing can separate us from our Father’s love.

(si) Su resultado perfecto. Cuando hayas aprendido a confiar en Dios en tus pruebas, serás completamente maduro.

Our Redeemer uses the trials of life to reveal himself to us in new and exciting ways. He gives us beauty for ashes and joy for mourning (Is. 61:3), but it doesn’t happen without our participation. In three verses James gives us a template for finding the good in life’s trials. It starts with having the right attitude (consider it all joy; verse 2), and the right mindset (knowing that the testing of your faith leads to good things; verse 3). But ultimately we must find our rest in the love of the Father. It is a revelation of how much God loves us that enables us to endure all things.

(C) perfecto y completo. La palabra original para perfecto significa completo, por lo que podría leerse como “totalmente completo y sin nada”. Cuando pasas pacientemente por las pruebas de la vida confiando en el Señor, estás completamente desarrollado y maduro.

(d) sin nada. You are complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). In him, you lack nothing, but you won’t know you lack nothing until you’ve been tested by the trials of life. It is only when you have gone past your breaking point and exhausted all your resources that you find your heavenly Father, strong, smiling and ready to help (see 2 Cor. 12:10).

Santiago 1:5

Pero si alguno de vosotros tiene falta de sabiduría, que la pida a Dios, que da a todos abundantemente y sin reproche, y le será dada.

(una) Sabiduría is the ability to make good decisions and sound judgments. Wisdom is knowing how to walk in the favor and will of God.

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).

(si) Pregunta a Dios. 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) Dios, que da. 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) generosamente. 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).

(mi) Without reproach. 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 will God give? but will you receive?

Sometimes you may feel like you have failed so badly that you dare not approach the Lord. “I messed up. I need to make this right.” Resist that temptation! Your priority is not to act but to ask. Before you do anything, ask the Lord for wisdom. Lean into the Holy Spirit and allow him to guide you back onto the life-giving path.

(F) Will be given. There are no ifs, buts, and maybes when it comes to the super-abounding grace of God. Your Father does not expect you to jump through hoops or make sacrifices to earn his favor. He gives because it is in his nature to give.

Santiago 1:6

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

(una) Ask in faith. The only condition for receiving is believing (Matt. 21:22, Mark 11:24). Faith does not mean saying the right words or confessing your sins. To have faith is to be confident of your Father’s goodness towards you (1 John 5:14). See also the entrada for Faith.

(si) Without any doubting. La duda es un asesino de la fe. Alimentamos nuestra fe y matamos de hambre nuestras dudas al recordarnos las preciosas promesas de Dios.

Santiago 1:7

Porque ese hombre no debe esperar recibir nada del Señor,

(una) Ese hombre. El que duda (ver verso anterior).

(si) Recibir. It’s not that God withholds his grace from doubters, for our Father is a generous giver who freely gives to all. But when we doubt his goodness, we have trouble receiving what he provides. An example may help. The gospel declares that every blessing is ours in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Everything you need for life and godliness comes to you by grace through your knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:3). But if you doubt this good news, perhaps because you think you need to pray more, do more, 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 ask in faith.

Santiago 1:8

siendo hombre de doble ánimo, inestable en todos sus caminos.

(una) Doble sentido. To be in two minds is to be uncertain, and when you are uncertain you cannot walk in faith. (Faith is being certain and sure (see Heb. 11:1). Faith is being persuaded and convinced (see Rom. 4:21).) Those who are religious tend to be double-minded when it comes to grace (see entrada for Jas. 4:8).

(si) Inestable. La palabra original (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

Pero el hermano de circunstancias humildes debe gloriarse en su alta posición; y el rico ha de gloriarse en su humillación, porque como la hierba en flor pasará.

(una) El hermano de circunstancias humildes. La persona sin nada: sin dinero, sin reputación, sin estatus.

(si) Gloria. La palabra original (Vamos) significa jactarse. Nos gloriamos en el Señor que eleva a los humildes y da gracia a los humildes.

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 too invested in the fleeting pleasures of this world to give much thought for the better life Christ offers. “It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:23).

(d) Los ricos. Aquellos que son ganadores a los ojos del mundo. Ver entrada for Jas. 5:1.

(mi) Gloria en su humillación. La bancarrota, el escándalo e incluso la enfermedad pueden conducir a buenos resultados si te llevan al final de ti mismo y te hacen clamar a Dios. Las peores cosas que nos suceden pueden convertirse en puntos de inflexión gloriosos si nos llevan a confiar en el Señor.

(F) Fallecer. Life is short (Jas. 4:14). Live with eternity in mind.

Santiago 1:11

Porque sale el sol con un viento abrasador y seca la hierba; y su flor se cae y la hermosura de su apariencia se destruye; así también el rico se marchitará en medio de sus negocios.

(una) El sol 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.

(si) marchita la hierba. Life is short (Is. 40:6–7). As John Calvin said, man is here today and gone tomorrow.

(d) En medio de sus persecuciones. While the wealthy are preoccupied with other things, death will come (Luke 12:20–21).

(mi) Se desvanecerá. Envejecerá y morirá y será olvidado.

Santiago 1:12

Bienaventurado el hombre que persevera bajo la prueba; porque una vez aprobado, recibirá la corona de vida que el Señor ha prometido a los que le aman.

(un) Bienaventurado el varón que persevera bajo la prueba. 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.

La resistencia cristiana no tiene nada que ver con ser estoico ante las dificultades. La fe cristiana es activa; considera (versículo 3), descansa (versículo 4), pregunta (versículo 5). La fe se apoya en el Señor, recibe su gracia y prospera. Véase también el entrada for Jas. 5:11.

(si) Aprobado. La palabra original (dokimos) es la versión adjetival del sustantivo testing (dokimio) 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 tú 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) la corona de la vida es la vida eterna que tenéis en unión con el Rey Jesús. En contraste con la corona marchita de la riqueza mundana, los que aman al Señor son coronados con la vida eterna.

Aquellos con una mentalidad religiosa leen este pasaje como si presentara algún tipo de prueba de salvación. “Si tropiezo, no recibiré la corona de la vida”. “Tengo que hacer buenas obras para recibir una corona de vida”. En otras palabras, tienes que actuar y prevalecer para ganarte el favor de Dios. Pero en el nuevo pacto nos mantenemos firmes en la actuación de Cristo. Estamos probados y aprobados en Cristo. Puede que seas el creyente con el peor desempeño en el reino, pero en Cristo estás infinitamente más calificado que el bienhechor más religioso que jamás haya existido.

(d) A los que lo aman. La corona de la vida eterna se da a los que aman al Señor, independientemente de las pruebas que enfrentemos y de lo bien que las enfrentemos.

Otras lecturas: "¿Es la carrera cristiana un maratón?"

Santiago 1:13

Que nadie diga cuando es tentado: “Soy tentado por Dios”; porque Dios no puede ser tentado por el mal, y Él mismo no tienta a nadie.

(una) tentado. La palabra original (peirazo) means tested (e.g., Rev. 2:10).

(si) “Estoy siendo tentado por Dios”. No culpes a Dios por tus problemas.

Al enemigo le encantaría que pensaras que Dios tomó tu trabajo, tu salud o a tu ser querido para probarte y desarrollar tu carácter. Pero Dios es Dador, no ladrón (ver entrada for Jas. 1:5).

(C) El mismo no tienta a nadie.. Si algo malo se cruza en tu camino, puedes estar seguro de que no es del Señor. Los que os tientan o os prueban están haciendo la obra del Tentador (es decir, el diablo, mira entrada for Matt. 4:3).

Otras lecturas: "¿Es Dios el autor del mal?"

Santiago 1:14

Pero cada uno es tentado cuando es llevado y seducido por su propia lujuria.

(una) Cada uno es tentado. 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 temptation can lead to sin.

(si) llevado lejos. La palabra original (sobresalir) puede significar arrastrado. Nuestros deseos pueden atraernos hacia problemas hasta que seamos arrastrados como un pez en el anzuelo.

(C) Atraído por su propia lujuria. Tus deseos no pueden tentarme y mis deseos no pueden tentarte. Cuando caemos en pecado, no podemos culpar a nadie más que a nosotros mismos. El campo de batalla está dentro de nuestras propias mentes y cuerpos (ver entrada for Rom. 7:24).

Santiago 1:15

Luego, cuando la lujuria ha concebido, da a luz al pecado; y cuando el pecado se consuma, da a luz la muerte.

(una) Da a luz al pecado. Sin doesn’t spring out of thin air but is conceived and birthed in the heart. The best way to avoid birthing 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. 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).

(si) Da a luz la muerte. Sin comes with a price tag (Rom. 6:23).

Cuando sembramos para la carne cosechamos destrucción. Engañe a su cónyuge y puede destruir su matrimonio. Engaña a tus proveedores y puedes destruir tu negocio. Estas consecuencias son completamente autoinfligidas y no tienen nada que ver con el castigo divino.

While sin may destroy you and everything you love, it will never cause God to kick you out of his family. Since as 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

No os dejéis engañar, amados hermanos míos.

(una) Que no te engañen. No se deje engañar. No compre la mentira que dice “Dios me está haciendo sufrir”. No seas como Job, que culpaba a Dios de su sufrimiento (ver entrada for Jas. 1:19).

(si) Mi amado. We all stumble from time to time (Jas. 3:2) and when we do it’s easy to imagine that God is angry or disappointed with us. We need to remind ourselves that we remain his beloved and dearly-loved children (1 John 3:1). See also the entrada for Jas. 2:5.

(C) Hermanos de religion. In the New Testament, the word brethren normally implies Christian brothers and sisters (e.g., Heb. 2:11). When James is commending his beloved brethren for their faith in Christ (Jas. 2:1), he is speaking to his cristiano brothers. But when he is asking questions about the law (Jas. 4:11) or challenging his readers about their worthless religion and useless faith (Jas. 1:26, 2:20), he is speaking to his unsaved judío hermanos Una vez más, Santiago está escribiendo para una audiencia judía mixta de creyentes y no creyentes (ver entrada for Jas. 1:1).

Santiago 1:17

Todo bien dado y todo don perfecto es de lo alto, descendiendo del Padre de las luces, en quien no hay variación ni sombra que se mueva.

(una) Todo lo bueno dado. Dios es el Dador detrás de cada buen regalo. Él es la Fuente última de vida y amor, paz y alegría, descanso y realización, consuelo y placer, esperanza y seguridad, familias y amigos, estrellas y puestas de sol. Todas las cosas buenas llevan sus huellas dactilares.

(si) Cada regalo perfecto. Dios te da una justicia perfecta que no se puede mejorar. Él te da amor perfecto, perdón perfecto y santidad perfecta. Cualquier cosa que pueda agregar a sus dones solo restará valor a su perfección. Pero si recibís sus dones perfectos, seréis perfectos en Cristo, completos en todo.

(C) El padre de las luces. God is our Father (Jas. 3:9), and his children shine like lights in a dark world (Matt. 5:14, Php. 2:15).

(d) Sin variación. 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

En el ejercicio de su voluntad nos hizo nacer por la palabra de verdad, para que fuéramos una especie de primicias entre sus criaturas.

(una) Él nos dio a luz. Has sido engendrado por Dios Padre.

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).

(si) la palabra de verdad es la Palabra Viva o Jesucristo.

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).

God is making all things new, and the outcome will be a 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 entrada for 2 Pet. 3:13.

Santiago 1:19

Esto sabéis, amados hermanos míos. Pero todos deben ser prontos para oír, tardos para hablar y tardos para airarse;

(una) Amado; ver entrada for Jas. 2:5.

(si) Hermanos de religion; ver entrada for Jas. 1:16.

(C) rápido de escuchar. Listen before talking. Before speaking your mind, find out what the Lord says on the matter. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the wisdom you need (Jas. 1:5).

(d) lento para hablar. When we are hurting or going through trials, the temptation is to complain and speak with 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 who 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).

Happily, God did not hold Job’s words against him, and he delivered him from his sorrow. After Job came through his ordeal, he realized he had spoken rashly. “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand” (Job 42:3). James highlights the lesson we take from Job: In your trials, be quick to hear and slow to speak.

Otras lecturas: "Diez datos poco conocidos sobre Job"

(mi) Lento para la ira. Anger is a lit stick of dynamite that can hurt us if we cling to it and hurt others if we let it loose. Anger is a powerful emotion that needs to be handled it with care (Eph. 4:25). When we are angry, it is easy to stumble and give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27).

Hay injusticias en el mundo que merecen una respuesta apasionada, pero siempre que reaccionamos con nuestras emociones estamos respondiendo en la carne. Ser guiado por el espíritu es ser lento para la ira y no ser provocado fácilmente.

Santiago 1:20

porque la ira del hombre no alcanza la justicia de Dios.

(una) La ira del hombre. Cuando estamos enojados, tomamos malas decisiones, decimos tonterías y hacemos enojar a otras personas. La ira es una emoción legítima, pero no es una herramienta que Dios usa. El reino de Dios se basa en la paz y la justicia, no en la ira y la ira.

Some think that anger is useful for getting people to repent. Angry preachers portray an angry God who is angry at you and your sin. But the God Jesus revealed is nothing like this. God reaches out to us in love, not anger. It is his kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

(si) la justicia de Dios se puede contrastar con la justicia hecha por el hombre que proviene de vivir correctamente y guardar las reglas (ver entrada 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 entrada for Rom 5:17).

Santiago 1:21

Por tanto, desechando toda inmundicia y todo resto de maldad, recibid con humildad la palabra implantada, que puede salvar vuestras almas.

(una) Dejando a un lado toda inmundicia. 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).

(si) Suciedad… maldad. 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).

(d) Para recibir la palabra of truth is to believe the good news about Jesus. It is not merely hearing about the grace of God but receiving it by faith (2 Cor. 6:1, Heb. 4:2).

(mi) La palabra implantado es análoga a la “semilla sembrada” o al “mensaje predicado”. Son las buenas nuevas de Jesucristo.

(F) salven sus almas. los palabra que salva 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 entrada for Acts 4:31.

Santiago 1:22

Pero sed hacedores de la palabra, y no meros oidores que se engañan a sí mismos.

(una) hacedores de la palabra. Do the work of God and believe in the One he sent (John 6:29).

Recuerde, Santiago está escribiendo a una amplia audiencia judía que incluye a los incrédulos (ver entrada for Jas. 1:1). He’s writing to people who have heard the gospel and now need to respond to it. James presents a clear call to action: Receive the word (previous verse). In other words, draw near and submit to God and receive his grace (Jas. 4:6, 8, 10).

(si) No meros oyentes. No se limite a escuchar sino a hacer lo que dice la palabra. Pon tu fe en Jesús y permite que el Espíritu de Cristo te convenza de que Jesús es tu redención y justicia de Dios.

(C) engañarse a sí mismos. Aquellos que descartan el evangelio como irrelevante o innecesario se engañan a sí mismos.

Many people consider themselves good or godly, but if they reject the grace of God they are living under a lie. They have not received the word of truth. They may believe in God and speak about 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).

Santiago 1:23–24

Porque si alguno es oidor de la palabra y no hacedor, es semejante a un hombre que mira su rostro natural en un espejo; porque una vez que se ha mirado a sí mismo y se ha marchado, inmediatamente ha olvidado qué clase de persona era.

(una) no es un hacedor. No han hecho lo que el Señor les pide. No creen en Aquel que envió.

To do 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).

(si) Espejo. 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.

(d) que tipo de persona era. 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

Pero el que mira atentamente la ley perfecta, la ley de la libertad, y se atiene a ella, no habiéndose convertido en un oidor olvidadizo, sino en un hacedor eficaz, éste será bienaventurado en lo que hace.

(una) la ley perfecta. El reinado impecable y perfecto de Jesucristo. La palabra original para perfecto (teleios) means complete. In contrast with the neverending demands of the law, the Spirit of Christ completes us and makes us whole. “In him you have been made complete” (Col. 2:10).

(si) la ley de la libertad 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, but the law of liberty sets us free (2 Cor. 3:17, Gal. 5:1).

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. Everyone who confesses Jesus as the Son of God abides in him (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. See entrada para Permanecer.

(d) Un hacedor eficaz es alguien que pone su fe en Cristo (ver entrada for Jas. 1:22).

(mi) Bendecido. Bienaventurados los que confían en el Señor.

Those who rely on the Law of Moses are cursed because the law ministers condemnation and death (Gal. 3:10). But those who look into the law of liberty are blessed because they find 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

Si alguno se cree religioso, y no refrena su lengua, sino que engaña su propio corazón, la religión del tal es vana.

(una) Religioso. Ser religioso es estar en cautiverio. Cuando Pablo les dijo a los atenienses: “Veo que sois muy religiosos”, quiso decir: “Veo que adoráis muchos ídolos” (ver entrada for Acts 17:22). Christianity is not a religion, but this letter was read by some of the most religious people on earth – the law-keeping Jews (see Jas. 1:1). The Jews were not idol-worshippers, but they were bound by their reliance on laws and rituals and their fear of divine punishment.

Otras lecturas: "10 formas en que la religión es mala para ti"

(si) Engaña a su propio corazón. Se está engañando a sí mismo.

(C) Religión, 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.

(d) La religión no vale nada porque carece del poder de cambiar el corazón. La lengua es la prueba. Ninguna persona religiosa, por bien intencionada que fuera, logró domar su lengua. Ver entrada for Jas. 3:8.

Santiago 1:27

La religión pura y sin mácula delante de nuestro Dios y Padre es ésta: visitar a los huérfanos ya las viudas en sus aflicciones, y guardarse sin mancha del mundo.

(una) Religión pura e inmaculada. Si os consideráis religiosos, cuidad de los pobres y oprimidos

James was not trying to balance grace with works; he was trying to secure aid for starving widows and orphans. James led the church in Jerusalem when Judea was experiencing 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. His words remind us of Jesus who rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for being obsessed with minor matters while neglecting more important issues of mercy and justice (Matt. 23:23).

Otras lecturas: "Religión pura"

(si) Padre. En el antiguo pacto, Dios era visto como un juez que registraba todos tus pecados. Pero en la nueva alianza Jesús revela un Dios que os ama como un Padre. Todos los escritores de epístolas se hicieron eco de este tema. Ver entrada for Matt. 5:16.

(C) huérfanos. An orphan is someone who doesn’t know their father. 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 would come to them via the Holy Spirit. People invent all kinds of religions to get close to God, but the only “religion” God has is to reveal himself to an orphaned world.

(d) viudas en apuros. Los judíos religiosos estaban obligados a ayudar a las viudas y los huérfanos, pero los explotaban. Al hacerlo, revelaron que su religión era una farsa sin valor.

Under the old covenant, there were strong laws protecting widows: you couldn’t hurt them (Ex. 22:22); when harvesting, you had to leave crops and fruit for them (Deu. 24:19–21); once a year you had to invite them to a feast (Deu. 16:10–11); and every three years, you had to share your tithe of your produce with them (Deu. 14:28–29, 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 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, but those who had been arrested by the love and grace of God became their defenders.

Otras lecturas: "¿Es la gracia una licencia para ser perezoso?"

(mi) sin mancha. Sin mancha y sin corrupción por el mundo.

It is impossible for those in the world to keep themselves unstained and separate from it. For fourteen centuries, the religious Jews did everything they could to keep themselves spotless, but Jesus said they were like whitewashed sepulchres, full of dead men’s bones (Matt. 23:27). Only the blood of Jesus can wash us white as snow. If you wish to be found unstained and spotless, you need to found in Christ, the spotless Lamb of God (1 Pet. 1:19).

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