James 5:20
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let him know - Let him duly consider, for his encouragement, that he who is the instrument of converting a sinner shall save a soul from eternal death, and a body from ruin, and shall hide a multitude of sins; for in being the means of his conversion we bring him back to God, who, in his infinite mercy, hides or blots out the numerous sins which he had committed during the time of his backsliding. It is not the man's sins who is the means of his conversion, but the sins of the backslider, which are here said to be hidden. See more below. 1. Many are of opinion that the hiding a multitude of sins is here to be understood of the person who converts the backslider: this is a dangerous doctrine, and what the Holy Spirit never taught to man. Were this true it would lead many a sinner to endeavor the reformation of his neighbor, that himself might continue under the influence of his own beloved sins and conversion to a particular creed would be put in the place of conversion to God, and thus the substance be lost in the shadow. Bishop Atterbury, (Ser. vol. i. p. 46), and Scott, (Christian Life, vol. i. p. 368), contend "that the covering a multitude of sins includes also, that the pious action of which the apostle speaks engages God to look with greater indulgence on the character of the person that performs it, and to be less severe in marking what he has done amiss." See Macknight. This from such authorities may be considered doubly dangerous; it argues however great ignorance of God, of the nature of Divine justice, and of the sinfulness of sin. It is besides completely antievangelical; it teaches in effect that something besides the blood of the covenant will render God propitious to man, and that the performance of a pious action will induce God's justice to show greater indulgence to the person who performs it, and to be less severe in marking what he has done amiss. On the ground of this doctrine we might confide that, had he a certain quantum of pious acts, we might have all the sins of our lives forgiven, independently of the sacrifice of Christ; for if one pious act can procure pardon for a multitude of sins, what may not be expected from many? 2. The Jewish doctrine, to which it is possible St. James may allude, was certainly more sound than that taught by these Christian divines. They allowed that the man who was the means of converting another had done a work highly pleasing to God, and which should be rewarded; but they never insinuate that this would atone for sin. I shall produce a few examples: - In Synopsis Sohzar, p. 47, n. 17, it is said: Great is his excellence who persuades a sick person to turn from his sins. Ibid, p. 92, n. 18: Great is his reward who brings back the pious into the way of the blessed Lord. Yoma, fol. 87, 1: By his hands iniquity is not committed, who turns many to righteousness; i.e. God does not permit him to fall into sin. What is the reason? Ans. Lest those should be found in paradise, while their instructer is found in hell. This doctrine is both innocent and godly in comparison of the other. It holds out a motive to diligence and zeal, but nothing farther. In short, if we allow any thing to cover our sins beside the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, We shall err most dangerously from the truth, and add this moreover to the multitude of Our sins, that we maintained that the gift of God could be purchased by our puny acts of comparative righteousness. 3. As one immortal soul is of more worth than all the material creation of God, every man who knows the worth of his own should labor for the salvation of others. To be the means of depriving hell of her expectation, and adding even one soul to the Church triumphant, is a matter of infinite moment; and he who is such an instrument has much reason to thank God that ever he was born. He who lays out his accounts to do good to the souls of men, will ever have the blessing of God in his own. Besides, God will not suffer him to labor in vain, or spend his strength for naught. At first he may see little fruit; but the bread cast upon the waters shall be found after many days: and if he should never see it in this life, he may take for granted that whatsoever he has done for God, in simplicity and godly sincerity, has been less or more effectual. After the last word of this epistle ἁμαρτιων, of sins, some versions add his, others theirs; and one MS. and the later Syriac have Amen. But these additions are of no authority. The subscriptions to this epistle, in the Versions, are the following: The end of the Epistle of James the apostle. - Syriac. The catholic Epistle of James the apostle is ended. - Syriac Philoxenian. The end. - Aethiopic. Praise be to God for ever and ever; and may his mercy be upon us. Amen. - Arabic. The Epistle of James the son of Zebedee, is ended. - Itala, one copy. Nothing. - Coptic. Nothing. - Printed Vulgate. The Epistle of James is ended. - Bib. Vulg. Edit. Eggestein. The Epistle of St. James the apostle is ended. - Complutensian. In the Manuscripts: Of James. - Codex Vaticanus, B. The Epistle of James. - Codex Alexandrinus. The end of the catholic Epistle of James. - Codex Vaticanus, 1210. The catholic Epistle of James the apostle. - A Vienna MS. The catholic Epistle of the holy Apostle James. - An ancient MS. in the library of the Augustins, at Rome. The end of the Epistle of the holy Apostle James, the brother of God. - One of Petavius's MSS., written in the thirteenth century. The same is found in a Vatican MS. of the eleventh century. The most ancient MSS. have little or no subscription.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let him--the converted. know--for his comfort, and the encouragement of others to do likewise. shall save--future. The salvation of the one so converted shall be manifested hereafter. shall hide a multitude of sins--not his own, but the sins of the converted. The Greek verb in the middle voice requires this. Pro 10:12 refers to charity "covering" the sins of others before men; James to one's effecting by the conversion of another that that other's sins be covered before God, namely, with Christ's atonement. He effects this by making the convert partaker in the Christian covenant for the remission of all sins. Though this hiding of sins was included in the previous "shall save," James expresses it to mark in detail the greatness of the blessing conferred on the penitent through the converter's instrumentality, and to incite others to the same good deed. Next: 1 Peter Introduction
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let him know,.... And observe it for his encouragement: that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way; who is the instrument of restoring a backsliding professor, for such an one is meant by a sinner, and not a profane person; or of turning a poor bewildered believer, who is got out of the way of truth and holiness, into the right way again; or of convincing him of the error of his way, whether it be in point of doctrine, or of duty; and so of bringing him to the fold of Christ again, from whence he has strayed: shall save a soul from death; not efficiently, but instrumentally, as in Ti1 4:16 for otherwise Christ is the only Saviour; and he will be the means of saving "a soul", which is of more worth than a world; and that from death, the second death which lies in the separation of the soul from God, and in a sense of his wrath; which apostasy threatens with, and leads unto, if grace prevents not. The Alexandrian copy and others, and the Vulgate Latin version read, "his soul"; but the common reading is more emphatic; the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, "his own soul"; and the Ethiopic version, "himself", as respecting him that is the instrument of the conversion of the other, and not the person converted: and shall hide a multitude of sins; either "his own", as the same versions read; and then the sense is, he shall be blessed with a discovery and application of the forgiveness of all his sins, though they have been many and great; or rather the sins of the person converted. Sin is only covered by the blood and righteousness of Christ; and thereby it is so covered, as not to be seen by the eye of vindictive justice and in such manner as that the persons of those who are covered therewith are all fair, without fault and unreproveable in the sight of God; and though their sins are many, even a multitude, they are blotted out as a thick cloud, and are abundantly pardoned; yea, all their sins are covered, be they ever so many, for God forgives all trespasses, for Christ's sake; and the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin, and his righteousness justifies from all: and whoever is an instrument of bringing a backslider to a sense of the evil of his ways, and to true repentance for the same; as he, upon such repentance, has his iniquities caused to pass from him, or, in other words, to be covered, as from the sight of God, so from his own; he may be said to be the instrument of this also. Next: 1 Peter Introduction
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 To save a sinner from death refers not merely to physical death but to eternal death, the punishment for departing from the truth of the Good News of Jesus Christ (see 1:12, 15; cp. Heb 6:4-8). If the sinful person listens and repents, eternal punishment will be averted (see also Gal 6:1; Jude 1:22-24).
James 5:20
Restoring a Sinner
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
(Messages) Repentance
By Basilea Schlink7.5K51:16RepentancePSA 51:17MAT 3:2ACT 3:192CO 7:10JAS 5:20REV 2:4REV 3:5During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, which brought joy and gratitude. However, a moment of revelation unsettled the speaker, leading them to realize the importance of repentance. The speaker emphasizes that repentance is the gateway to heaven and the heart of the Father, as preached by John the Baptist and Jesus himself. The speaker highlights the human tendency to be apathetic and indifferent towards our own sins, often blaming others or even God. They stress the need to recognize our lack of repentance and turn to God in faith, as He is able to create repentance in our hearts through His Holy Spirit. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross not only destroyed Satan's power but also the hardness of our hearts, enabling us to weep over our sins and the suffering we have caused. The call to repentance is both a command and a promise.
Luke 15:
By Welcome Detweiler1.1K38:02Lost SheepLUK 15:6JHN 10:11JAS 5:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the joy and happiness that spreads when a person trusts in Jesus as their Savior. The preacher suggests that the best way to make the world a better place is by bringing people to hear the gospel. The conversion of a lost soul brings rejoicing to the Godhead, heaven, and the individual who is saved. The preacher also highlights the importance of not giving up or becoming discouraged in the work of the Lord, as the devil tries to hinder Christians in their efforts. The sermon references verses from James, Luke, and the Psalms to support these points.
Can I Be Coverted Today
By Ian Paisley98132:49PSA 103:12ISA 38:17MAT 6:33ROM 6:23HEB 10:17JAS 5:201JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchangeable declaration that God can save sinners and bless those who minister the word for their salvation. The preacher refers to James 5:20, which states that those who convert sinners from their errors will save souls from death and cover a multitude of sins. The sermon highlights the need to conquer the results of sin and reflects on the number of seconds in a day that may be misspent in sin. The impeccable demonstration is presented as the conversion of sinners, which can completely and eternally change their ways. The preacher offers hope to sinners, emphasizing that through the grace of God, lost, blinded, dead, and bound souls can be saved and transformed.
Beware of the Leaven of Sin
By Shane Idleman70851:53PSA 51:10LAM 3:40MAT 16:6ROM 6:16JAS 5:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the leaven of sin, drawing parallels between leaven as false doctrine and sin in the Bible. It highlights the need to address sin in the church, home, and individually, stressing the significance of repentance and returning to the Lord to cleanse and renew one's relationship with God. The speaker encourages a proactive approach to spiritual growth through prayer, worship, and repentance to prevent the growth of sin in one's life.
Evangelism 06 Urgency of Soul Winning
By Welcome Detweiler42744:19PRO 11:30DAN 12:3MAT 6:33JAS 5:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of winning souls for God. He emphasizes the power of gospel tracks in spreading the truth and encourages believers to always carry them and be ready to share the way of salvation with others. The preacher also highlights the need for careful selection of tracks and books to ensure they accurately represent the message of God. He then addresses the issue of sin and the inability of humans to save themselves, emphasizing that only Jesus Christ can offer salvation.
Prayer That Prevails
By Paris Reidhead23936:09PrayerMAT 6:33COL 3:16COL 3:23JAS 5:13JAS 5:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of orienting one's life and will towards God's plan and purpose in order to prevail in prayer. Rather than simply asking God for things, the speaker encourages listeners to ask God to teach them how to pray about specific situations. The sermon also highlights the significance of praying about everything in one's life, big or small, and allowing the word of Christ to dwell richly in one's heart. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving in prayer, as it is a foundational block for prevailing prayer.
A Deacon Who Went Fishing on Sunday
By R.A. Torrey0EvangelismTransformationMAT 4:19MAT 28:19LUK 19:10JHN 3:16ACT 2:38ROM 10:132CO 5:171TI 2:4JAS 5:201PE 2:9R.A. Torrey shares a powerful story about Deacon Young, who exemplifies the true calling of a deacon by fishing for souls on a Sunday. During a service, a troubled sporting man, drawn by the Holy Spirit, finds himself captivated by the preaching and ultimately seeks salvation. After a heartfelt encounter in the inquiry room, he experiences conviction of sin and cries out to God for mercy, leading to his transformation and newfound peace in Christ. This sermon emphasizes the importance of outreach and the impact of one individual's obedience to God's call.
The Duty of a Pastor to His People.
By John Gill0Doctrinal IntegrityPastoral ResponsibilityMAT 25:29ACT 20:281CO 9:271TI 4:141TI 5:81TI 6:32TI 1:62TI 4:16JAS 5:201PE 4:11John Gill emphasizes the vital responsibilities of a pastor towards his congregation, urging them to take heed of themselves and their doctrine as outlined in 2 Timothy 4:16. He highlights the importance of self-care, doctrinal integrity, and the need for ministers to be exemplary in their conduct, as their actions significantly impact the spiritual well-being of their flock. Gill stresses that by adhering to these principles, pastors not only safeguard their own salvation but also play a crucial role in the salvation of those who hear them. The sermon serves as a solemn reminder of the weighty calling of pastoral ministry and the accountability that comes with it.
Holiness and Zeal for Souls
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Zeal for SoulsHolinessMAT 4:19MAT 28:19LUK 19:10JHN 15:16ROM 10:14PHP 2:13COL 1:281TH 5:162TI 4:2JAS 5:20Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the transformative power of holiness in the life of a believer, which ignites an unquenchable zeal for the salvation of souls. He illustrates how a clean heart, filled with the Holy Spirit, drives individuals to actively seek out opportunities to share the Gospel, often leading to profound encounters that can change lives. Brengle recounts personal stories that highlight the importance of speaking to others about their spiritual needs, as many are waiting for someone to guide them to Jesus. He encourages believers to embrace their role in God's mission, praying for the salvation and sanctification of others, and to be willing vessels for His work. Ultimately, Brengle calls for a commitment to holiness and a fervent desire to see every person perfected in Christ.
Self-Exertion
By J.C. Ryle0SalvationPersonal ResponsibilityPRO 1:24MAT 11:12LUK 13:24JHN 10:9JHN 14:6EPH 3:12HEB 9:8JAS 5:202PE 3:91JN 3:4J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of personal responsibility in seeking salvation through the 'narrow door' as taught by Jesus. He warns that many will attempt to enter but will not succeed, urging listeners to make every effort to pursue their spiritual well-being without delay. Ryle describes the narrow door as the only path to forgiveness and eternal life, highlighting the necessity of diligence, faith, and urgency in the Christian journey. He calls for a serious reflection on one's spiritual state and encourages believers to actively share the message of salvation with others. The preacher's message serves as a reminder of the urgency of faith and the consequences of spiritual neglect.
Self-Effort
By J.C. Ryle0SalvationPersonal ResponsibilityPRO 1:24MAT 11:12LUK 13:24JHN 10:9JHN 14:6EPH 3:12HEB 9:8JAS 5:202PE 3:91JN 3:4J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of personal responsibility in seeking salvation through the 'narrow door' as taught by Jesus in Luke 13:24. He warns that many will attempt to enter but will ultimately be unable to, highlighting the urgency of making every effort to pursue a relationship with Christ. Ryle describes the narrow door as the only way to salvation, which requires diligence, sacrifice, and a sincere desire to turn away from sin. He encourages believers to actively share the message of salvation with others, reminding them of the fleeting nature of time and the certainty of Christ's return. The sermon serves as a call to action for all to enter through the narrow door without delay.
Alive or Dead—which?
By C.H. Spurgeon0EvangelismSpiritual LifeMAT 28:19JHN 3:36JHN 14:6ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:1COL 3:3JAS 5:201JN 5:12C.H. Spurgeon addresses the distinction between spiritual life and death, emphasizing that true life is found in having faith in Jesus Christ. He reassures believers who may doubt their spiritual state, reminding them that possessing Christ is evidence of eternal life, while those without Him are spiritually dead, regardless of their outward morality. Spurgeon encourages the living to remain untainted by the dead and to actively share the message of salvation, urging them to pray for and reach out to those who are spiritually lost. He concludes with a call to action for Christians to live out their faith boldly in a world filled with spiritual death.
A Practical Illustration
By J. Wilbur Chapman0JAS 5:20J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the impact of personal work in the Church, sharing testimonies of individuals who were reached through personal evangelism efforts. These testimonies include stories of people returning to faith, overcoming struggles, and accepting Jesus as their Savior, highlighting the power of personal engagement in leading others to Christ.
Saved at Ninety-Two
By R.A. Torrey0SalvationGrace Of GodPSA 71:18ISA 46:4MAT 18:14LUK 15:10JHN 3:16ROM 10:9EPH 2:81TI 2:4JAS 5:202PE 3:9R.A. Torrey shares the inspiring story of a ninety-two-year-old man who, after decades away from religious gatherings, accepted Christ during a series of meetings in Warrnambool, Australia. This man's conversion, though late in life, brought him immense joy and a desire to share his newfound faith with others. Torrey contrasts this late conversion with the potential lifelong service of younger converts, emphasizing the value of early faith in Christ. The sermon highlights the grace of God that reaches even the oldest among us, reminding us of the joy in every soul saved, regardless of age.
He Who Is Saved
By Clement of Rome0JAS 5:20Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of giving counsel on continence, highlighting the significant impact it can have on saving souls and bringing salvation. He encourages believers to speak and hear with faith and love, trusting in God's promise to always be present and attentive. Clement urges the congregation to continue in righteousness and holiness, reminding them of God's readiness to give abundantly to those who ask. He warns that those who refuse to heed these words will face condemnation, underscoring the gravity of rejecting such valuable guidance.
Andrew, the Patron Saint of Soul-Winners
By Victor Maxwell0PRO 11:30DAN 12:3JHN 1:35JHN 6:1JHN 12:20JAS 5:20Victor Maxwell delivers a sermon on Andrew, the Patron Saint of Soul-winners, emphasizing the importance of being a humble and faithful disciple like Andrew who may not hold a prominent position but plays a crucial role in bringing others to Christ. Andrew's example teaches us that not everyone needs to be a Peter or a Paul; everyone can be an Andrew, impacting lives one by one. Through Andrew's life, we learn the power of personal evangelism, starting with our own family, friends, and even strangers, and the significant impact it can have on leading others to Jesus Christ.
School Life and Pastorate
By Martin Knapp0PRO 11:30MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 15:10ACT 20:24ROM 10:141CO 9:221TH 2:8JAS 5:201PE 4:8Martin Knapp emphasizes the importance of prioritizing soul-saving over acquiring knowledge, drawing inspiration from the spirit of true Methodism and the Gospel. He shares the story of a young man, Weber, who kept salvation first in his life, leading to impactful evangelistic work even during his school days. Weber's independence of surroundings, persistence in personal work, and love for laboring among the outcasts and lowly serve as valuable lessons for young converts and students. Despite facing opposition and challenges, Weber's faith, persistence, and prevailing prayer led to numerous conversions and impactful ministry work, showcasing the power of prioritizing soul-saving.
Life's Magnificent Obsession
By C. William Fisher0PRO 11:30PRO 24:11MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 9:221TH 2:8JAS 5:20JUD 1:23C. William Fisher preaches about the urgent and inescapable preoccupation with the supreme idea of soul winning, emphasizing that it is life's supreme endeavor enabling participation in God's redemptive purpose. He highlights the total response required, the divine assistance needed, and the command from Christ to go and make disciples. Fisher stresses the importance of being magnificently obsessed with winning souls to Christ, as it is the most urgent and inescapable endeavor of the Christian life.
Revivals and the Mid-Century Crusade
By C. William Fisher02CH 7:14PRO 11:30MAT 9:37ACT 5:42JAS 5:20C. William Fisher preaches about the crisis in evangelism faced by the Church of the Nazarene, emphasizing the need for a revival and a deeper spirituality to effectively win souls for Christ. He discusses the importance of member-participation in evangelistic efforts and the necessity of a God-centered approach in revivals. Fisher highlights the significance of personal responsibility in soul-winning and the need to conserve the results of revivals through continued spiritual care for new converts.
Greatest Danger Confronting the Church
By Russell DeLong02CH 7:14NEH 8:10PSA 51:10ISA 62:1MAT 24:12JAS 5:201JN 1:91JN 2:15REV 2:4Russell V. DeLong preaches about the greatest danger confronting the Church, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a passionate love for God above all else. Drawing from St. Matthew 24:12 and Revelation 2:4, he highlights the peril of losing one's first love for God, which renders all other admirable traits meaningless. DeLong urges church members to evaluate their spiritual health honestly, pointing out signs of lost love such as joylessness, lack of interest in spiritual matters, and a growing spirit of worldliness. He calls for repentance, emphasizing the need to return to God and revive the fervent love for Him to save both the Church and the nation from moral decay.
Compassion for the Lost
By Charles Bridges0DEU 9:181SA 15:11EZR 9:3EZK 9:4LUK 19:41ROM 9:1JAS 5:202PE 2:7Charles Bridges preaches on the compassion of Jesus towards those who do not keep God's law, emphasizing the need for Christians to have a tender concern for the honor of God and a pitying concern for sinners. He highlights biblical examples like Lot, Moses, Samuel, Ezra, and David, who were deeply grieved by the sins of others. Bridges urges ministers to weep and intercede for the rebellious, following the examples of prophets and apostles who expressed great heaviness and sorrow for the lost. He stresses the importance of having a spirit of weeping tenderness and compassion towards those perishing in sin, calling for action and prayer for their conversion.
The Destruction of Hardened Sinners
By Asahel Nettleton0LEV 19:17PRO 1:24PRO 29:1EZK 33:7LUK 13:32TI 4:2HEB 3:15JAS 5:20REV 3:20Asahel Nettleton preaches about the importance of receiving reproof and admonition with humility, contrasting the reactions of the humble Christian who values correction and the haughty sinner who rejects it. The sermon emphasizes the care God has taken to reprove offenders through various means such as His Word, ministers, providences, and the conviction and conversion of sinners. It warns about the consequences of hardening one's heart against reproof, leading to sudden and remediless destruction, highlighting the urgency for sinners to heed warnings and repent before it's too late.
Love to Souls
By Andrew Murray0EvangelismLove for SoulsMAT 28:19JAS 5:20Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role every Christian plays in the salvation of souls, urging believers to convert sinners from their ways to save them from death. He reflects on the early church's fervor in sharing Christ's love, contrasting it with the current state of many Christians who lack the desire to evangelize. Murray calls for a revival of love among believers, encouraging them to examine their hearts and pray for a passion to share the gospel. He highlights that true happiness comes from bringing others to Christ and urges Christians to be filled with God's love to fulfill this calling.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let him know - Let him duly consider, for his encouragement, that he who is the instrument of converting a sinner shall save a soul from eternal death, and a body from ruin, and shall hide a multitude of sins; for in being the means of his conversion we bring him back to God, who, in his infinite mercy, hides or blots out the numerous sins which he had committed during the time of his backsliding. It is not the man's sins who is the means of his conversion, but the sins of the backslider, which are here said to be hidden. See more below. 1. Many are of opinion that the hiding a multitude of sins is here to be understood of the person who converts the backslider: this is a dangerous doctrine, and what the Holy Spirit never taught to man. Were this true it would lead many a sinner to endeavor the reformation of his neighbor, that himself might continue under the influence of his own beloved sins and conversion to a particular creed would be put in the place of conversion to God, and thus the substance be lost in the shadow. Bishop Atterbury, (Ser. vol. i. p. 46), and Scott, (Christian Life, vol. i. p. 368), contend "that the covering a multitude of sins includes also, that the pious action of which the apostle speaks engages God to look with greater indulgence on the character of the person that performs it, and to be less severe in marking what he has done amiss." See Macknight. This from such authorities may be considered doubly dangerous; it argues however great ignorance of God, of the nature of Divine justice, and of the sinfulness of sin. It is besides completely antievangelical; it teaches in effect that something besides the blood of the covenant will render God propitious to man, and that the performance of a pious action will induce God's justice to show greater indulgence to the person who performs it, and to be less severe in marking what he has done amiss. On the ground of this doctrine we might confide that, had he a certain quantum of pious acts, we might have all the sins of our lives forgiven, independently of the sacrifice of Christ; for if one pious act can procure pardon for a multitude of sins, what may not be expected from many? 2. The Jewish doctrine, to which it is possible St. James may allude, was certainly more sound than that taught by these Christian divines. They allowed that the man who was the means of converting another had done a work highly pleasing to God, and which should be rewarded; but they never insinuate that this would atone for sin. I shall produce a few examples: - In Synopsis Sohzar, p. 47, n. 17, it is said: Great is his excellence who persuades a sick person to turn from his sins. Ibid, p. 92, n. 18: Great is his reward who brings back the pious into the way of the blessed Lord. Yoma, fol. 87, 1: By his hands iniquity is not committed, who turns many to righteousness; i.e. God does not permit him to fall into sin. What is the reason? Ans. Lest those should be found in paradise, while their instructer is found in hell. This doctrine is both innocent and godly in comparison of the other. It holds out a motive to diligence and zeal, but nothing farther. In short, if we allow any thing to cover our sins beside the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, We shall err most dangerously from the truth, and add this moreover to the multitude of Our sins, that we maintained that the gift of God could be purchased by our puny acts of comparative righteousness. 3. As one immortal soul is of more worth than all the material creation of God, every man who knows the worth of his own should labor for the salvation of others. To be the means of depriving hell of her expectation, and adding even one soul to the Church triumphant, is a matter of infinite moment; and he who is such an instrument has much reason to thank God that ever he was born. He who lays out his accounts to do good to the souls of men, will ever have the blessing of God in his own. Besides, God will not suffer him to labor in vain, or spend his strength for naught. At first he may see little fruit; but the bread cast upon the waters shall be found after many days: and if he should never see it in this life, he may take for granted that whatsoever he has done for God, in simplicity and godly sincerity, has been less or more effectual. After the last word of this epistle ἁμαρτιων, of sins, some versions add his, others theirs; and one MS. and the later Syriac have Amen. But these additions are of no authority. The subscriptions to this epistle, in the Versions, are the following: The end of the Epistle of James the apostle. - Syriac. The catholic Epistle of James the apostle is ended. - Syriac Philoxenian. The end. - Aethiopic. Praise be to God for ever and ever; and may his mercy be upon us. Amen. - Arabic. The Epistle of James the son of Zebedee, is ended. - Itala, one copy. Nothing. - Coptic. Nothing. - Printed Vulgate. The Epistle of James is ended. - Bib. Vulg. Edit. Eggestein. The Epistle of St. James the apostle is ended. - Complutensian. In the Manuscripts: Of James. - Codex Vaticanus, B. The Epistle of James. - Codex Alexandrinus. The end of the catholic Epistle of James. - Codex Vaticanus, 1210. The catholic Epistle of James the apostle. - A Vienna MS. The catholic Epistle of the holy Apostle James. - An ancient MS. in the library of the Augustins, at Rome. The end of the Epistle of the holy Apostle James, the brother of God. - One of Petavius's MSS., written in the thirteenth century. The same is found in a Vatican MS. of the eleventh century. The most ancient MSS. have little or no subscription.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let him--the converted. know--for his comfort, and the encouragement of others to do likewise. shall save--future. The salvation of the one so converted shall be manifested hereafter. shall hide a multitude of sins--not his own, but the sins of the converted. The Greek verb in the middle voice requires this. Pro 10:12 refers to charity "covering" the sins of others before men; James to one's effecting by the conversion of another that that other's sins be covered before God, namely, with Christ's atonement. He effects this by making the convert partaker in the Christian covenant for the remission of all sins. Though this hiding of sins was included in the previous "shall save," James expresses it to mark in detail the greatness of the blessing conferred on the penitent through the converter's instrumentality, and to incite others to the same good deed. Next: 1 Peter Introduction
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let him know,.... And observe it for his encouragement: that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way; who is the instrument of restoring a backsliding professor, for such an one is meant by a sinner, and not a profane person; or of turning a poor bewildered believer, who is got out of the way of truth and holiness, into the right way again; or of convincing him of the error of his way, whether it be in point of doctrine, or of duty; and so of bringing him to the fold of Christ again, from whence he has strayed: shall save a soul from death; not efficiently, but instrumentally, as in Ti1 4:16 for otherwise Christ is the only Saviour; and he will be the means of saving "a soul", which is of more worth than a world; and that from death, the second death which lies in the separation of the soul from God, and in a sense of his wrath; which apostasy threatens with, and leads unto, if grace prevents not. The Alexandrian copy and others, and the Vulgate Latin version read, "his soul"; but the common reading is more emphatic; the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, "his own soul"; and the Ethiopic version, "himself", as respecting him that is the instrument of the conversion of the other, and not the person converted: and shall hide a multitude of sins; either "his own", as the same versions read; and then the sense is, he shall be blessed with a discovery and application of the forgiveness of all his sins, though they have been many and great; or rather the sins of the person converted. Sin is only covered by the blood and righteousness of Christ; and thereby it is so covered, as not to be seen by the eye of vindictive justice and in such manner as that the persons of those who are covered therewith are all fair, without fault and unreproveable in the sight of God; and though their sins are many, even a multitude, they are blotted out as a thick cloud, and are abundantly pardoned; yea, all their sins are covered, be they ever so many, for God forgives all trespasses, for Christ's sake; and the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin, and his righteousness justifies from all: and whoever is an instrument of bringing a backslider to a sense of the evil of his ways, and to true repentance for the same; as he, upon such repentance, has his iniquities caused to pass from him, or, in other words, to be covered, as from the sight of God, so from his own; he may be said to be the instrument of this also. Next: 1 Peter Introduction
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 To save a sinner from death refers not merely to physical death but to eternal death, the punishment for departing from the truth of the Good News of Jesus Christ (see 1:12, 15; cp. Heb 6:4-8). If the sinful person listens and repents, eternal punishment will be averted (see also Gal 6:1; Jude 1:22-24).