James 1:9 - Rejoicing in Trials

The brother in humble circumstances
This phrase refers to a believer who is experiencing poverty or low social status. In the early church, many Christians were from the lower classes, including slaves and the poor. The term "brother" emphasizes the familial bond among believers, transcending social and economic barriers. The Bible often highlights God's concern for the poor and marginalized, as seen in passages like Proverbs 19:17 and Luke 6:20. The early church, as described in Acts 2:44-45, practiced communal sharing to support those in need, reflecting the value placed on caring for brothers in humble circumstances.

should exult
To "exult" means to rejoice or take pride. This is a countercultural command, as society typically values wealth and status. The call to exult in humble circumstances aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often reversed societal norms, as seen in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). This rejoicing is not in the poverty itself but in the spiritual realities and promises that accompany faith in Christ. It reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as well as an eternal perspective that values spiritual riches over material wealth.

in his high position
The "high position" refers to the spiritual status and privileges of being a child of God. Despite earthly poverty, believers are heirs to the kingdom of God (Romans 8:17) and possess every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). This high position is rooted in the believer's identity in Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). The paradox of being lowly yet exalted is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations.

2. The Brother in Humble Circumstances
Refers to believers who are experiencing poverty or low social status. James addresses their spiritual status and encourages them to find joy in their exalted position in Christ.

3. The Early Church
The context in which James writes, where many believers faced persecution and economic hardship, making his message particularly relevant.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Exaltation in Humility
The Greek word for "exult" (kauchaomai) implies boasting or taking pride. Believers in humble circumstances are encouraged to take pride in their spiritual status, not their worldly condition.

True Riches in Christ
Earthly status does not determine one's value in God's kingdom. Believers are called to recognize their true riches in Christ, which surpass any material wealth.

Perspective Shift
James challenges believers to shift their perspective from worldly measures of success to spiritual realities. This involves seeing trials as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Community Support
The church is called to support and uplift those in humble circumstances, recognizing their value and encouraging them in their spiritual journey.

Joy in Trials
Embracing joy in difficult circumstances is a testament to faith and trust in God's promises. This joy is rooted in the assurance of God's love and eternal inheritance.

(9-11) Lowly-mindedness is the subject of the next paragraph. There is wide misapprehension of our state of trial: the poor and humble are apt to forget the honour thus vouchsafed to them, worthier in truth than the wealth of this world, which quickly fades away; and the rich and noble are often unmindful of the true source of their dignity, and that "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48).

(9) Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted (or, better, in his exaltation).--There is no praise from the plain St. James for the pride which apes humility, nor the affectation which loves to be despised. If it please God to "exalt," as of old, "the humble and meek," then anew should be sung a magnificat to Him. The lowly-minded doubt of the Virgin Mary, "How shall this be?" (Luke 1:24), was not reproved by the angel; while the question of blunt incredulity on the part of Zacharias was severely punished (Luke 1:20), and this diverse treatment thus experienced was deserved in either case. Both doubted, yet quite differently, and she of the lower degree rejoiced most in God her Saviour for regarding the lowliness of His handmaiden (Luke 1:47-48). Willingness thus for Christ's service, whether it be great or little, is the right condition of mind for all disciples, and specially the young, with readiness, nay gladness, for "duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call them." Pleasure will be naturally felt by most at the prospect of a rise in the world; but there are some finer spirits who fain would shrink from anything like exaltation; and to these the kindly Apostle writes that they may take heart, and not fear the greater dangers which of necessity accompany a higher call.

Verses 9-11. - A very difficult passage, three interpretations of which are given, none of them entirely satisfactory or free from difficulties.

(1) "But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate [i.e. his Christian dignity]; but let the rich [brother glory] in his humiliation" (i.e. in being poor of spirit, Matthew 5:3).

(2) "But let the brother," etc. (as before); "but the rich man [rejoices] in his humiliation" (i.e. in what is really his degradation; cf. "whose glory is in their shame," Philippians 3:19).

(3) "But let the brother,... but let the rich [grieve] in his humiliation." The ellipse of ταπεινούσθω in this last is very harsh and unexampled, so that the choice really lies between (1) and (2). And against (1) it may be urged . . . Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

The
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brother
ἀδελφὸς (adelphos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

in humble circumstances
ταπεινὸς (tapeinos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5011: Humble, lowly, in position or spirit (in a good sense). Of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. humiliated.

should exult
Καυχάσθω (Kauchasthō)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2744: To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

high position.
ὕψει (hypsei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5311: Height, heaven; dignity, eminence. From a derivative of huper; elevation, i.e. altitude, the sky, or dignity.

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James 1:9 Catholic BibleNT Letters: James 1:9 But let the brother in humble circumstances (Ja Jas. Jam)