The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
9 Let the brother of low degree. As Paul, exhorting servants submissively to bear their lot, sets before them this consolation, that they were the free-men of God, having been set free by his grace from the most miserable bondage of Satan, and reminds them, though free, yet to remember that they were the servants of God; so here James in the same manner bids...
Troubles may befal the best Christians. Satan uses afflictions to draw men to sin or deter them from duty, but in God's hand they trial and improve our graces; the gold enters the furnace to be purified. We need armor on every side because temptations lie on all sides.
AI summary
Commenting on James 1:2-12
Let the brother of low degree,.... By "the brother" is meant, not one in a natural, but in a spiritual relation; one of Christ's brethren, and who is of that family that is named of him; of the household of faith, and is in church communion: and whereas he is said to be of "low degree", or "humble", this regards not the affection of his...