What does James mean by " the word"?

[franklinmonroe]

In the Book of James in Chapter One he refers to "the word" several times (as in "be ye doers of the word", etc.). Since the NT was not yet written (James may have been the very first epistle) or compiled, "the word" cannot refer to the modern Bible as we know it.

By "the word" does he mean the Old Testament or the Law? Or, does he mean the gospel? Does he specifically mean the teachings of Christ and/or of the Apostles? Please substantiate your answer.

Thank you!

 

[37818]

In the Book of James in Chapter One he refers to "the word" several times (as in "be ye doers of the word", etc.). Since the NT was not yet written (James may have been the very first epistle) or compiled, "the word" cannot refer to the modern Bible as we know it.

By "the word" does he mean the Old Testament or the Law? Or, does he mean the gospel? Does he specifically mean the teachings of Christ and/or of the Apostles? Please substantiate your answer.

Thank you!

I think James was at the very least written after Matthew's gospel. James seems to parallel Matthew. (For an example: Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12.) So I am inclined to believe James refers to the written word.

 

[Pastor_Bob]

By "the word" does he mean the Old Testament or the Law? Or, does he mean the gospel? Does he specifically mean the teachings of Christ and/or of the Apostles? Please substantiate your answer.

I believe James is speaking here of the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, both His own teaching and the teaching passed on to His apostles (the apostles' doctrine - Acts 2:42).

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV)

I believe the "sayings" of Christ here and the "word" in James' epistle would be recognized by his readers, at that time, as being the same. For you and me today, it certainly applies to the written Word of God.

 

[franklinmonroe]

I think James was at the very least written after Matthew's gospel.

You would be in a minority position. Most conservative scholars would put James about 45AD and Matthew around 50AD.

James seems to parallel Matthew. ...

Indeed. That does not mean that James borrowed from Matthew. Instead, they could have had a common source.

 

[HankD]

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 

[canadyjd]

I believe James is speaking here of the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, both His own teaching and the teaching passed on to His apostles (the apostles' doctrine - Acts 2:42).

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV)

I believe the "sayings" of Christ here and the "word" in James' epistle would be recognized by his readers, at that time, as being the same. For you and me today, it certainly applies to the written Word of God.

I agree he is referring to a common oral tradition among the early Christain community. Few people could actually read.