James 5:15
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the prayer of faith; shall save the sick - That is, God will often make these the means of a sick man's recovery; but there often are cases where faith and prayer are both ineffectual, because God sees it will be prejudicial to the patient's salvation to be restored; and therefore all faith and prayer on such occasions should be exerted on this ground: "If it be most for thy glory, and the eternal good of this man's soul, let him be restored; if otherwise, Lord, pardon, purify him, and take him to thy glory." The Lord shall raise him up - Not the elders, how faithfully and fervently soever they have prayed. And if he have committed sins - So as to have occasioned his present malady, they shall be forgiven him; for being the cause of the affliction it is natural to conclude that, if the effect be to cease, the cause must be removed. We find that in the miraculous restoration to health, under the powerful hand of Christ, the sin of the party is generally said to be forgiven, and this also before the miracle was wrought on the body: hence there was a maxim among the Jews, and it seems to be founded in common sense and reason, that God never restores a man miraculously to health till he has pardoned his sins; because it would be incongruous for God to exert his miraculous power in saving a body, the soul of which was in a state of condemnation to eternal death, because of the crimes it had committed against its Maker and Judge. Here then it is God that remits the sin, not in reference to the unction, but in reference to the cure of the body, which he is miraculously to effect.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
prayer--He does not say the oil shall save: it is but the symbol. save--plainly not as Rome says, "save" the soul. but heal "the sick": as the words, "the Lord shall raise him up," prove. So the same Greek is translated, "made (thee) whole," Mat 9:21-22. and if . . . sins--for not all who are sick are so because of some special sins. Here a case is supposed of one visited with sickness for special sins. have committed--literally, "be in a state of having committed sins," that is, be under the consequences of sins committed. they--rather, "it": his having committed sins shall be forgiven him. The connection of sin and sickness is implied in Isa 33:24; Mat 9:2-5; Joh 5:14. The absolution of the sick, retained in the Church of England, refers to the sins which the sick man confesses (Jam 5:16) and repents of, whereby outward scandal has been given to the Church and the cause of religion; not to sins in their relation to God, the only Judge.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick,.... That is, the prayer of the elders, being put up in faith by them, and in which the sick person joins by faith; such a prayer is a means of bringing down from God a blessing on the sick man, and of restoring him to his former health: and the Lord shall raise him up; from his bed of sickness, on which he is laid, and bring him forth to praise his name, and to fear and glorify him. And if he have committed sins; not that it is a question whether he has or not, for no man lives without sin, nor the commission of it; but the sense is, if he has been guilty of any sins, which God in particular has taken notice of, and on account of which he has laid his chastising hand upon him, in order to bring him to a sense of them, and to acknowledge them; which is sometimes the case, though not always, at the same time that his bodily health is restored: they shall be forgiven him; he shall have a discovery, and an application of pardoning grace to him: and indeed the removing the sickness or disease may be called the forgiveness of his sins, which is sometimes the sense of this phrase in Scripture, as in Kg1 8:34.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:15 a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick: This proverb is a generally true statement, subject to the will of God. Only prayers that embody true faith will be answered affirmatively by the Lord, and faith for a particular healing is a gift that comes from God. See also Mark 9:23; John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-27; 1 Jn 3:22; 5:14-15. • if you have committed any sins: James suggests that some illnesses might be caused by sin, and it is important that the sin also be confessed and forgiven (Jas 5:16; see Mark 2:3-12; John 5:14).
James 5:15
The Prayer of Faith
14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.15And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God Requires Honesty and Compassion - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:07JAS 5:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our iniquity and confessing our sins to one another for physical and spiritual healing. It highlights the need for humility before God and others, addressing wrong attitudes and jealousy towards fellow believers. The speaker urges listeners to examine their hearts, seek God's help in rooting out sin like jealousy and pride, and strive for genuine joy in others' blessings.
Spiritual Secrets of Smith Wigglesworth - Part 2 by George Storemont
By Smith Wigglesworth88553:25DEU 33:27PSA 119:11ISA 58:8MRK 11:22JHN 14:12ACT 2:4ROM 12:32TI 4:8HEB 12:2JAS 5:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, healing, and the power of God's Word. It shares stories of miraculous healings, the impact of faith in action, and the necessity of being men and women of the Book, rooted in the Word of God. The speaker highlights the intimate relationship with Jesus that Smith Wigglesworth had, leading to holy boldness and supernatural encounters.
Not Ashamed of the Gospel - Part 4
By Brother Yun80208:34MAT 5:10ACT 16:31ROM 1:16HEB 4:12JAS 5:15This sermon shares a powerful testimony of faith and healing, emphasizing the importance of believing in the Word of God and the miraculous power of Jesus to heal and transform lives. It highlights the impact of unwavering faith, prayer, and sharing the gospel even in challenging circumstances, leading to conversions and the spread of Christianity. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, the speaker's steadfast devotion to Jesus and willingness to suffer for the gospel ultimately leads to profound spiritual growth and the salvation of many.
What Is a Christian 12 Christian Is a Soldier
By James K. Boswell37852:10JOS 1:141CH 12:32MAT 6:331CO 3:152CO 4:62CO 4:8JAS 5:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a wholehearted and devoted life for God. He mentions the idea of a grand review or judgment that awaits every individual, where their entire life will be examined. The motives behind one's service to God will be tested, and the only acceptable motive is the love of Christ. The preacher urges the audience to surrender their lives completely to God and to strive for unselfishness and dedication in their service.
Characteristics of Effective Prayer
By Mike Bickle2555:29Faith and RighteousnessEffective PrayerJAS 5:15Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of effective prayer, sharing his personal journey from disdain to enjoyment of prayer. He highlights that prayer is not only about relationship with God but also about achieving results, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the example of Elijah. Bickle outlines four key characteristics of effective prayer: rooted in faith, grounded in good relationships, stemming from a lifestyle of righteousness, and earnestness. He encourages believers to understand that their prayers can have lasting impacts beyond immediate results, reinforcing the idea that every believer can access God's power through sincere prayer.
The Prayer of Faith: Five Principles
By Mike Bickle2552:29PrayerFaithISA 62:6MAT 8:13MAT 9:29MAT 17:20MAT 21:22MRK 9:23LUK 8:48PHP 4:6HEB 11:1JAS 5:15Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of faith in the Christian life, explaining that faith, hope, and love are foundational virtues in the kingdom of God. He warns against the extremes of exaggerated faith and cool unbelief, urging believers to cultivate their faith intentionally. Bickle highlights that faith is essential for experiencing God's promises and blessings, and he outlines five principles for praying in faith, including verbalizing requests, believing in the spirit, and persisting in prayer. He uses biblical examples, particularly Abraham's unwavering faith over 25 years, to illustrate the importance of maintaining faith despite challenges. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to engage in a relational dialogue with God, trusting in His timing and will.
Timeless Truths From Rend the Heavens
By Shane Idleman1749:18Spiritual WarfareDiligence in FaithDEU 28:232CH 7:14PSA 34:18ISA 40:31MAT 17:21ROM 8:28GAL 5:16HEB 11:6JAS 5:151PE 5:7Shane Idleman shares 'Timeless Truths From Rend the Heavens,' emphasizing the spiritual battles we face and the importance of seeking God diligently. He recounts testimonies of healing, restoration, and the transformative power of prayer and fasting experienced during the revival nights. Idleman highlights the necessity of obedience to God's Word and the dangers of complacency, urging believers to remain fervent in their faith and to actively pursue a relationship with God. He encourages the congregation to bring their struggles to God, reminding them that nothing is too hard for Him and that true healing and restoration come from a humble heart seeking His presence.
Mark 5:21
By Chuck Smith0FaithHealingMAT 9:20MAT 17:20MRK 5:21LUK 8:43JHN 14:13ROM 10:17EPH 3:20PHP 4:19HEB 11:1JAS 5:15Chuck Smith explores the profound question posed by Jesus, 'Who touched me?' amidst a thronging crowd. He emphasizes that while many were physically close to Jesus, only one woman, suffering from a long-term illness, touched Him with a faith that demanded a response. This woman's touch was different; it was a touch of faith that activated her healing, illustrating that true contact with Christ requires intentionality and belief. Smith encourages listeners to recognize the difference between merely being in proximity to Jesus and genuinely reaching out to Him in faith, as those who truly touch Him will be transformed.
Mark 5:25
By Chuck Smith0FaithHealingMAT 9:20MAT 17:20MRK 3:10MRK 5:25LUK 8:43JHN 14:13ROM 10:17HEB 11:1JAS 5:15Chuck Smith emphasizes the transformative power of faith through the stories of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood. Both individuals faced desperate situations, with Jairus seeking healing for his dying daughter and the woman enduring years of suffering and isolation. Their faith led them to Jesus, demonstrating that true faith can overcome obstacles and bring healing. Smith highlights the importance of touching Jesus with faith, as it is through this connection that miracles happen. Ultimately, the sermon reassures believers that even in delays, faith should remain steadfast.
A Miraculous Cure of Breast Cancer
By John Wesley0FaithHealingMAT 17:20MRK 11:24LUK 8:48JHN 14:13JAS 5:15John Wesley shares the miraculous healing of Mary Special, a young woman suffering from severe breast cancer. After enduring pain and unsuccessful medical treatments, she attended a prayer meeting where her faith was ignited. Following prayer, she experienced immediate relief from her pain and complete healing, which she attributes to her faith in God. Wesley emphasizes the undeniable transformation from illness to wellness, highlighting the power of faith and prayer in miraculous healing.
Beyond Human Hope
By David Wilkerson0Faith in CrisisMiraculous HopePSA 30:2ISA 41:10MAT 19:26MRK 9:23LUK 1:37JHN 4:46JHN 14:13ROM 10:17HEB 11:1JAS 5:15David Wilkerson emphasizes that there are moments in life when situations become utterly hopeless, requiring a miracle that only Jesus can provide. He illustrates this through the story of a nobleman whose son was gravely ill, highlighting the father's determination to reach Jesus for help. The nobleman's faith was tested, as Jesus pointed out that belief in Him was more crucial than merely witnessing miracles. Ultimately, the nobleman's faith led to the healing of his son, demonstrating that true hope lies in trusting Jesus as the source of life and salvation.
The Possibilities of Faith
By A.B. Simpson0Power of BeliefPossibilities of FaithMAT 21:22MRK 9:23JHN 3:16ACT 26:18ROM 15:13EPH 3:20PHP 4:13HEB 11:1JAS 5:151JN 5:14A.B. Simpson emphasizes the immense possibilities of faith, asserting that belief opens the door to salvation, sanctification, divine healing, and the power for service. He illustrates that faith is not only a personal journey but a collective force that can lead to the evangelization of the world and the fulfillment of God's promises. Simpson encourages believers to trust in God's omnipotence, highlighting that all things are possible to those who believe, regardless of their past or present circumstances. He calls for a deeper understanding of faith as a divine force that connects us to God's infinite resources, urging the church to rise to the challenge of faith in their mission. Ultimately, he reminds us that faith is the key to experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and the realization of His will in our lives.
Believing Prayer
By A.W. Tozer0The Power of PrayerFaithMAT 21:22MRK 11:24JHN 14:13JAS 5:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the inseparable connection between prayer and faith, asserting that true prayer cannot exist without faith. He highlights that while men may pray without faith, genuine faith naturally leads to prayer, which is essential for experiencing God's power in our lives. Tozer quotes Tennyson to illustrate the profound impact of prayer, suggesting that it is the driving force behind God's actions on earth. He encourages believers to recognize that prayer is an invitation to engage with the omnipotent God, making the impossible possible. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deeper exploration of the potential of prayer in the lives of faithful men and women.
All Hail
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual ProsperityHealthEXO 15:26PSA 30:2PRO 4:20ISA 53:5JER 29:11MAT 28:91TH 5:23JAS 5:151PE 2:243JN 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound meaning behind the greeting 'All Hail' spoken by Jesus to His disciples on the resurrection morning. This greeting is not just a simple salutation but a prayer for health and well-being, reflecting Christ's desire for His followers to prosper in both body and spirit. Simpson connects this message to the idea that true health encompasses more than physical wellness, resonating with the apostle John's wish for Gaius. The sermon encourages believers to embrace this promise of health and wholeness as part of their faith journey. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of Christ's compassionate care for His children.
Then the Ear"¦
By Stanley H. Frodsham0PSA 62:8PSA 63:8MRK 16:18ACT 8:26JAS 5:15Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the intense pursuit of God's heart, drawing inspiration from the attitude of Smith Wigglesworth in following hard after God. Despite facing trials and attempts by the enemy to hinder his zeal, Wigglesworth's faith and passion for soul-winning remained unwavering, leading to miraculous encounters and divine interventions in people's lives. Through stories of perseverance, faith, and divine healing, Wigglesworth's life exemplifies the power of trusting God wholeheartedly and being a vessel for His compassion and miracles.
(Secrets of Victory) 14. What God Did for jesus....
By Zac Poonen0PSA 34:17ROM 8:31ROM 8:37JAS 5:15Zac Poonen preaches about the comforting presence and love of God in times of burdens, despair, and fear, emphasizing the assurance that God's love for us is as deep as His love for Jesus, and He will help us overcome. He also highlights the victory over sin and evil through God's grace, enabling believers to walk in triumph like Jesus. Additionally, Zac Poonen speaks about God's power to heal in times of pain and sickness, assuring that God will provide and care for His children just as He did for Jesus. Lastly, he shares the glorious comfort of knowing Jesus as Lord and Elder Brother, where believers inherit all that God has and are secure in His unfailing love and protection.
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers Luke 17:11-19
By David Servant0MAT 8:2MRK 11:24LUK 17:11HEB 11:6JAS 5:15David Servant preaches on the story of the ten lepers who called on Jesus to be healed, highlighting their faith in His healing power. Their faith was evident in calling out to Jesus, obeying His instructions to go to the priests, and ultimately being healed. The one leper who returned to give thanks, a Samaritan, displayed even greater faith by obeying despite societal barriers. This story teaches us that God desires everyone to be healed and emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as our healer and acting on that faith.
Homily 7
By Clement of Rome0MAT 4:24ACT 3:6ACT 8:9ACT 10:38JAS 5:15Clement of Rome preaches about Peter's encounters in Tyre, Sidon, Beyrout, and Tripolis, where he heals the sick, confronts Simon the magician, and emphasizes the importance of repentance, faith, and following the path of salvation. Peter addresses the people, explains the reason for Simon's power, provides the remedy for their sins, and departs for Sidon to continue his mission of healing and teaching.
Faith Healing
By Daniel Steele0ISA 53:4MAT 7:22MAT 8:17ACT 28:51CO 12:41CO 13:2GAL 4:13COL 4:142TI 4:20JAS 5:15Daniel Steele preaches about the earnest effort to restore the lost extraordinary gifts of the Spirit in modern Christianity, focusing on healing by faith and the distinction between the grace of faith and the gift of faith. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that the gift of faith for healing is sovereignly bestowed by the Holy Spirit and is not morally obligatory like the grace of faith. Steele highlights the need for unwavering faith in God's will for healing, cautioning against the dangers of expecting unconditional healing through the exercise of faith. He concludes by advocating for a prayer of submission to God's will in times of sickness, rather than insisting on healing through faith alone.
Deliverance Deferred
By Daniel Steele0ROM 6:22ROM 7:15ROM 8:11CO 15:262CO 7:1PHP 3:12JAS 5:15Daniel Steele preaches about the various ills that believers may face in this world, despite the promise of deliverance from sin's moral character. He discusses spiritual warfare, the ongoing battle against temptations, and the need to draw strength from Christ. Steele emphasizes that while believers may struggle with internal conflicts, the ideal Christian life is one of freedom from sin and condemnation in Christ. He also addresses the reality of enduring infirmities, the scars of sin that remain, and the limitations of sanctifying grace in the present life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the prayer of faith; shall save the sick - That is, God will often make these the means of a sick man's recovery; but there often are cases where faith and prayer are both ineffectual, because God sees it will be prejudicial to the patient's salvation to be restored; and therefore all faith and prayer on such occasions should be exerted on this ground: "If it be most for thy glory, and the eternal good of this man's soul, let him be restored; if otherwise, Lord, pardon, purify him, and take him to thy glory." The Lord shall raise him up - Not the elders, how faithfully and fervently soever they have prayed. And if he have committed sins - So as to have occasioned his present malady, they shall be forgiven him; for being the cause of the affliction it is natural to conclude that, if the effect be to cease, the cause must be removed. We find that in the miraculous restoration to health, under the powerful hand of Christ, the sin of the party is generally said to be forgiven, and this also before the miracle was wrought on the body: hence there was a maxim among the Jews, and it seems to be founded in common sense and reason, that God never restores a man miraculously to health till he has pardoned his sins; because it would be incongruous for God to exert his miraculous power in saving a body, the soul of which was in a state of condemnation to eternal death, because of the crimes it had committed against its Maker and Judge. Here then it is God that remits the sin, not in reference to the unction, but in reference to the cure of the body, which he is miraculously to effect.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
prayer--He does not say the oil shall save: it is but the symbol. save--plainly not as Rome says, "save" the soul. but heal "the sick": as the words, "the Lord shall raise him up," prove. So the same Greek is translated, "made (thee) whole," Mat 9:21-22. and if . . . sins--for not all who are sick are so because of some special sins. Here a case is supposed of one visited with sickness for special sins. have committed--literally, "be in a state of having committed sins," that is, be under the consequences of sins committed. they--rather, "it": his having committed sins shall be forgiven him. The connection of sin and sickness is implied in Isa 33:24; Mat 9:2-5; Joh 5:14. The absolution of the sick, retained in the Church of England, refers to the sins which the sick man confesses (Jam 5:16) and repents of, whereby outward scandal has been given to the Church and the cause of religion; not to sins in their relation to God, the only Judge.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick,.... That is, the prayer of the elders, being put up in faith by them, and in which the sick person joins by faith; such a prayer is a means of bringing down from God a blessing on the sick man, and of restoring him to his former health: and the Lord shall raise him up; from his bed of sickness, on which he is laid, and bring him forth to praise his name, and to fear and glorify him. And if he have committed sins; not that it is a question whether he has or not, for no man lives without sin, nor the commission of it; but the sense is, if he has been guilty of any sins, which God in particular has taken notice of, and on account of which he has laid his chastising hand upon him, in order to bring him to a sense of them, and to acknowledge them; which is sometimes the case, though not always, at the same time that his bodily health is restored: they shall be forgiven him; he shall have a discovery, and an application of pardoning grace to him: and indeed the removing the sickness or disease may be called the forgiveness of his sins, which is sometimes the sense of this phrase in Scripture, as in Kg1 8:34.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:15 a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick: This proverb is a generally true statement, subject to the will of God. Only prayers that embody true faith will be answered affirmatively by the Lord, and faith for a particular healing is a gift that comes from God. See also Mark 9:23; John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-27; 1 Jn 3:22; 5:14-15. • if you have committed any sins: James suggests that some illnesses might be caused by sin, and it is important that the sin also be confessed and forgiven (Jas 5:16; see Mark 2:3-12; John 5:14).