The Rhetoric of Rejuvenation: Restoring the “Weak” and “Wanderers” according to James 5:13–20

Abstract

The passage of Scripture under consideration in this study, James 5:13–20, is important for several reasons. First, this pericope occurs at  the very end of the letter, which is normally a position of topical prominence in the epistles— providing some information that the writer,  in closing, did not want his readers to forget. Second, both the form and the content of this text draw attention to its significance, that is,  being composed in a very dynamic rhetorical style and dealing with personal sin and forgiveness. Finally, this section includes a selection  of words, phrases, and even some complete statements that may have been misunderstood, mistranslated, and hence also misapplied in  the history of biblical interpretation, namely, with reference to the nature of the apparent “weakness” (ἀσθενέω) that James’s readers are  encouraged to “pray” (προσεύχομαι) about (vv. 14–15). In order to lay the necessary foundation for the present examination of this  concluding portion of the letter, an initial survey of some of the main contours of its inductive, oratorical organization is provided. This discourse overview provides intratextual support for the hypothesis that the passage concluding chapter five may be viewed as the  climax of James’s powerful epistolary exhortation, not simply an afterthought or an apostolic “PS.” Individual spiritual sickness is indeed a serious issue and needs to be dealt with proactively by fellow faith-motivated members of the Body of Christ (5:19–20).