James 5:13-15

[Wildwood]

Why do you think James tells us to pray if we are in trouble, but to ask the elders of the church (other Believers) to pray for us if we are sick?

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is 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. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well;...."

 

[dcyates]

Why do you think James tells us to pray if we are in trouble, but to ask the elders of the church (other Believers) to pray for us if we are sick?

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is 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. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well;...."

Intriguing question, Wildwood. The manner in which James deals with the subject of prayer in this section of his letter forms a chiastic structure:

A Prayer during a bad time: suffering
---B Prayer during a good time: happiness
A' Prayer during a bad time: illness

The Greek term used to designate the 'trouble' in v. 13 is kakopathei, and refers to external circumstances that result in anxiety and personal distress (Josephus, for example, utilises this term to refer to military misfortunes). In such circumstances, one should be fully capable of praying for oneself. Let's remember that in the ancient world (and even amongst practicing Jews today) prayer was seen as very much a physical activity. People never sat and prayed silently to themselves, as is the prevalent practice in our culture. Rather prayer was always out loud and often accompanied with physical gesticulations.

Conversely, the Greek word translated as 'sick' in v. 14 is astheneo, which could refer to any form of physical weakness, but when used in association with sosei tov kamnonta ('will deliver...' or 'will heal the sick one') it becomes clear it is intended to refer to an internal, physical ailment. Again, we need to consider the historical context. These people by no means enjoyed the benefits of modern medicine. For them, to get sick not infrequently led to severe illness resulting in death. Under such circumstances, one so afflicted was not likely capable of praying for oneself. This is further indicated by the need to "call the elders" so that they may come to the one who is sick. It is not the sick one going to the elders (as is often the case today), simply because they were not physically able to.

 

[Wildwood]

Thank you, dcyates.

Yes, I think it was partly because we might be too weak physically, but also emotionally and spiritually because being physically sick can weak a person emotionally and spiritually also.

I also think it is so that the elders can join their faith with ours, and encourage our faith. And also because by calling the elders, we are acting in obedience and demonstrating our faith.

 

[dcyates]

Thank you, dcyates.

Yes, I think it was partly because we might be too weak physically, but also emotionally and spiritually because being physically sick can weak a person emotionally and spiritually also.

I also think it is so that the elders can join their faith with ours, and encourage our faith. And also because by calling the elders, we are acting in obedience and demonstrating our faith.

Those are all excellent insights, Wildwood. You're, of course, quite correct concerning illness not being exclusively physical. And I like your point regarding those who are our spiritual elders in faith conjoining, and thus perhaps strengthening, our own faith through their prayers. (Although this should probably not be limited only to those times when we're sick.)

P.S. I like your maple leaf.

 

[Wildwood]

P.S. I like your maple leaf.

Thanks! I like the red maples in the fall. And, I also have family in BC.

 

[dcyates]

Thanks! I like the red maples in the fall. And, I also have family in BC.

Oh, neat. I used to live in Vancouver just a few years ago. (But have since moved to Alberta.)