Studies in the Epistle of James

by A. T. Robertson

[72]One may compare Paul’s habit of answering an imaginary objector in the development of his argument. See Romans 2:1; 9:20.

[73]Aorist tense and so punctiliar—know once for all—with almost a touch of impatience in the tense.

[74]See Lightfoot, loc. cit.

[75]In Hermas (Sim. 9:22) we read of teachers who “wish to be self-appointed teachers, fools though they are.”

[76]Cf. Hermas, Mand. 12. 1.

[77]Cf., however, John 3:8 and 1 Peter 3:17.

[78]The Midr. Rabb. on Levit. (xiv. 2) xvi has quanta incendia lingua excitat (Mayor).

[79]Cf. Jude 23. Cf. also James 1:27 and 2 Peter 2:13. One thinks of the smoke and soot of slander, besmirching all that it touches.

[80]Seneca (Ep. XIII. 2. 25) says: Non nascitur itaque ex malo bonun, non magis quam ficus ex olea.

[81]Cf. Jude 19. See also 1 Cor. 15:45 for a distinction between these words.