Brother’s Keeper

Excerpt

In keeping with its literary, sermonic nature, the letter of James closes not with a series of greetings or personal notes, but with a call for action. James has given many commands in the course of his appeal; now he encourages every reader to intervene to help others obey these commands. When we see a brother who has “wander[ed] from the truth,” we are to “bring him back” (5:19). In doing so, we will be saving that sinner from spiritual death, the ultimate destination on that road that the sinner has chosen to follow (see 1:15). He will also “cover over a multitude of sins” (cf. Prov. 10:12; 1 Pet. 4:8). It is possible that this phrase refers to the sins of the one who does the turning back—an idea which is not unbiblical. But it is more likely that this is a further description of the forgiveness of sins granted to the sinner who has turned back from his way. More

Moo, Douglas. “James.” Evangelical Commentary on the Bible. Vol. 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995. 1162. Print. Baker Reference Library.