James

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholarsUse with caution
Bible Book: James
Type: Academic
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Theological Perspective: Non-Evangelical / Critical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Looking for alternatives? Compare James commentaries.

Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.1/10

Publication Date(s): 1998
Pages: 748
ISBN: 9780687278251
Faithfulness to the Text: 6.5/10
Close textual engagement, though theological framing differs from evangelical conviction.
Christ Centredness: 6.9/10
Christological themes are present but not always foregrounded pastorally.
Depth of Insight: 8.6/10
Displays considerable scholarly depth and interaction.
Clarity of Writing: 7.4/10
Clear within academic conventions, though occasionally technical.
Pastoral Usefulness: 5.9/10
Limited direct help for sermon shaping or application.
Readability: 7.1/10
Accessible to trained readers, demanding for others.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
748 pages
Type
Academic
Theo. Perspective
Non-Evangelical / Critical
Overall score
7.1 / 10

This treatment of James approaches the epistle through historical and literary analysis. Attention is given to structure, wisdom background, and ethical exhortation. The author reads James as a coherent theological voice within early Christianity, interacting with broader scholarly debate.

Strengths

The work is thorough in linguistic and contextual detail. It illuminates first century Jewish context and rhetorical movement, offering readers a disciplined reading of the text.

Limitations

The theological synthesis does not consistently reflect evangelical commitments, and some doctrinal tensions are resolved in ways that may not persuade confessional readers. Pastoral direction is limited.

How We Would Use It

Useful for understanding historical setting and scholarly perspectives. It should be paired with more pastorally driven expositions.

Closing Recommendation

An academically significant volume best suited for advanced readers who can weigh its conclusions carefully.

Where to buy
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Classification

  • Level: Advanced
  • Best For: Advanced students / scholars
  • Priority: Use with caution

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Commentary

  • Jamesby Daniel Doriani 8.6
  • Jamesby Thomas Manton 8.5
  • Jamesby Robert Johnstone 8.4

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Reviewed by

An Expositor

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