Comments on James 5 v1-6 are addressed above in the comments on ch. 4. v7-18 summarize the various statements made. We would assume these points he repeats are those he considers most important, or most serious. He emphasizes by repetition: exhorting patience (v. 7-11), prohibiting false speech (v. 12), encouraging love and unity within the ecclesia (v. 13-18). v13-18 is the kind of unity among the ecclesia James would like to see. Which is exactly the opposite of the contention he attacks in 2:1-13 and 3:13-4:12. The people ought to be humble and contrite with one another, confessing they are sinners rather than seeking to exalt themselves above one another. They should serve one another and seek for the well-being of all of the ecclesia. v19-20 The closing to the letter. James encourages the ecclesia to reach out to those who have gone astray for everyone's benefit. Obviously, if James is railing on them for certain matters, there are those who are guilty on those points. James doesn't want the recipients of the letter to shun or exclude the guilty, he wants them to reach out to them and bring them back. Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.