James 5:19
Verse
Context
Restoring a Sinner
18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,20consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Err from the truth - Stray away from the Gospel of Christ; and one convert him - reclaim him from his error, and bring him back to the fold of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The blessing of reclaiming an erring sinner by the mutual consent and intercessory prayer just recommended. do err--more literally, "be led astray." the truth--the Gospel doctrine and precepts. one--literally, "any"; as "any" before. Everyone ought to seek the salvation of everyone [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth,.... Either from Christ, who is the truth, by departing from him, forsaking his ways, worship, and ordinances; or from the Scriptures of truth, not speaking according to them, and embracing notions that are contrary unto them; or from the Gospel, the word of truth, from the doctrine of faith, and from uprightness of life and conversation, after having made a profession of Christianity; for this is to be understood of one who has embraced the Christian religion, become a member of a church, and has walked in the path of truth and holiness, but now fallen into error, either in principle, or in practice, or both: and one convert him; or turn him from his error, to truth again; for this designs not first conversion, or the turning of a sinner from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, and from the evil of a man's heart and ways and from a dependence on his own righteousness, to the Lord Jesus Christ, to look to him for righteousness, life, and salvation, which is wholly and entirely God's work, and not man's; but conversion after backslidings; for a restoration from a fallen condition is sometimes so called, Psa 51:1 and which one brother may be an instrument of to another, by showing him, and setting before him, the evil of his errors, whether in principle or practice; and by instructing him in the doctrines of the Gospel, and in the duties of religion; and by reproving him in meekness, and according to the rules of Christ; which means are sometimes blessed for the gaining of such; and which may be called conversion: and also, this is sometimes done by praying for him; and which seems chiefly to be intended here; for from praying for the healing of the diseases of the body, the apostle proceeds to encourage the saints to pray for one another, for the healing of the diseases of the mind; and suggests, that if prayer avails to the one, it may to the other; and which is the most desirable, and the greatest blessing, as follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:19-20 These verses end the letter as a bookend (inclusio) counterbalancing the exhortation to endurance in 1:2-4.
James 5:19
Restoring a Sinner
18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,20consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Book of James
By Keith Daniel5.8K1:13:50Bible ReadingJAS 1:2JAS 1:5JAS 2:3JAS 2:7JAS 2:10JAS 5:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful cry to those who have drawn away from their relationship with God. The speaker urges listeners to draw near to God and return to a tender walk with Him. The sermon emphasizes that anything other than a vital relationship with God is agony and encourages individuals to come back to God and avoid straying from the truth.
(God Can Solve Every Problem) Royal Official's Son Healed
By Zac Poonen2.0K52:52JAS 5:19In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of a royal official whose son was healed by Jesus. The official had faith in Jesus' words and was able to sleep peacefully knowing that his son would be healed. The speaker emphasizes the importance of specific prayers and supplications, as well as having a childlike faith in Jesus' promises. The sermon also mentions the urgency of preaching the gospel and the reality of hell, as illustrated by the story of the rich man in hell pleading for someone to warn his brothers.
Does Prayer Really Matter
By George Verwer73453:25PrayerMAT 6:33ACT 12:12ACT 13:3JAS 5:19JUD 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the neglect of prayer in the Christian movement. He acknowledges the many distractions and activities that can easily take precedence over prayer. He criticizes the trend of reducing prayer time and prioritizing Bible study, highlighting the importance of both prayer and the word of God. The preacher encourages believers to saturate all their activities with prayer and emphasizes the need for a dedicated time of intercession.
How Are the Mighty Fallen
By Keith Daniel6241:08:49PSA 139:23EZK 3:18DAN 12:3MAL 2:6MAT 11:28ACT 20:26JAS 5:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and fulfilling the call of God, even in the face of opposition and attacks. It highlights the struggles faced by dedicated preachers and soul winners, the need for prayer and compassion for those who have fallen, and the encouragement to keep the focus on God's Word for strength and guidance. The message urges preachers to remain steadfast, seek restoration if fallen, and continue to win souls for Christ despite challenges and attacks.
Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 1
By Keith Malcomson0LEV 19:17PRO 20:1PRO 27:51CO 5:111CO 6:9GAL 5:21GAL 6:1EPH 5:11JAS 5:19Keith Malcomson addresses the controversial topic of alcohol consumption among Christians, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards social drinking within the church. He emphasizes the dangers of drunkenness, the biblical warnings against alcohol abuse, and the consequences of failing to address this issue within the Christian community. Malcomson delves into the biblical perspectives on wine, the facts about alcohol, the sin of drunkenness, the implications for Christian drunkards, and the importance of restoring fallen brothers who struggle with alcoholism.
Epistle 176
By George Fox0PRO 24:29EZK 22:29ROM 1:162CO 2:15GAL 5:131TI 4:12JAS 5:191PE 1:231JN 3:8REV 6:13George Fox emphasizes the importance of ministers being examples in wisdom, patience, righteousness, holiness, and godliness, urging them to avoid vain, youthful ways and quarrels over outward things that lead them away from the truth of God. He warns against ministers changing from the truth they first preached, as it confuses and misleads people, advocating for a steadfast commitment to the unchanging word and gospel of God. Fox encourages ministers to abide in the everlasting word that keeps them humble and free from worldly influences, walking in purity and wisdom to be a good example to others.
No Change - No Conversion
By Selwyn Hughes0MAT 18:3JHN 3:3ACT 3:19ACT 26:18ROM 16:52CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:221TH 1:9JAS 5:19Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the importance of spiritual conversion as the gateway to receiving divine forgiveness and eternal life. He highlights Jesus' words that being converted is essential to entering the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that all other distinctions in society are insignificant compared to being either converted or unconverted. Hughes expresses sadness over the NIV translation of Matthew 18:3, preferring the more powerful imagery of being 'converted' rather than simply 'changing.' He defines conversion as the shift from the kingdom of self to the kingdom of God, emphasizing that true conversion involves a significant change in one's life.
Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?
By Clement of Alexandria0MAT 9:13LUK 15:7LUK 19:10ROM 2:41CO 13:4JAS 5:191JN 1:9Clement of Alexandria preaches about the importance of repentance and true love, emphasizing the need to turn away from sin and embrace God's mercy and forgiveness. He highlights the power of sincere repentance and the transformative nature of love in one's life, urging believers to seek salvation through genuine faith and good deeds. Through a powerful narrative about Apostle John's encounter with a repentant sinner, Clement illustrates the profound impact of true repentance and the boundless mercy of God, encouraging listeners to turn away from sin and embrace the path of righteousness and love.
The Final Warning
By Asahel Nettleton0LEV 19:172SA 12:7PSA 141:5PRO 9:7MAT 7:6MAT 18:15JHN 16:82TI 3:16HEB 3:13JAS 5:19Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the care God has taken to reprove offenders through various means such as His people, parents, providence, His Word, ministers, and His Spirit. Nettleton warns of the danger of hardening one's neck against reproof, leading to sudden and irreversible destruction, as seen in biblical examples like Noah's generation, Pharaoh, and the inhabitants of Sodom. The sermon serves as a solemn reminder to both the aged and the young to heed reproof, as neglecting warnings only leads to a harder heart and a more hopeless state.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Err from the truth - Stray away from the Gospel of Christ; and one convert him - reclaim him from his error, and bring him back to the fold of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The blessing of reclaiming an erring sinner by the mutual consent and intercessory prayer just recommended. do err--more literally, "be led astray." the truth--the Gospel doctrine and precepts. one--literally, "any"; as "any" before. Everyone ought to seek the salvation of everyone [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth,.... Either from Christ, who is the truth, by departing from him, forsaking his ways, worship, and ordinances; or from the Scriptures of truth, not speaking according to them, and embracing notions that are contrary unto them; or from the Gospel, the word of truth, from the doctrine of faith, and from uprightness of life and conversation, after having made a profession of Christianity; for this is to be understood of one who has embraced the Christian religion, become a member of a church, and has walked in the path of truth and holiness, but now fallen into error, either in principle, or in practice, or both: and one convert him; or turn him from his error, to truth again; for this designs not first conversion, or the turning of a sinner from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, and from the evil of a man's heart and ways and from a dependence on his own righteousness, to the Lord Jesus Christ, to look to him for righteousness, life, and salvation, which is wholly and entirely God's work, and not man's; but conversion after backslidings; for a restoration from a fallen condition is sometimes so called, Psa 51:1 and which one brother may be an instrument of to another, by showing him, and setting before him, the evil of his errors, whether in principle or practice; and by instructing him in the doctrines of the Gospel, and in the duties of religion; and by reproving him in meekness, and according to the rules of Christ; which means are sometimes blessed for the gaining of such; and which may be called conversion: and also, this is sometimes done by praying for him; and which seems chiefly to be intended here; for from praying for the healing of the diseases of the body, the apostle proceeds to encourage the saints to pray for one another, for the healing of the diseases of the mind; and suggests, that if prayer avails to the one, it may to the other; and which is the most desirable, and the greatest blessing, as follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:19-20 These verses end the letter as a bookend (inclusio) counterbalancing the exhortation to endurance in 1:2-4.