My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Trials test our obedience to God, and since ambition, avarice, envy, gluttony, and countless lusts continually sprout in us, they must come in many kinds and often. When James bids us count affliction all joy, he means we must regard trials as gain, as occasions of joy, so that nothing in them should disturb our peace.
AI summary
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
These are not temptations to sin, which grieve us, but afflictions and persecutions, trials that prove the faith and graces of God's people. They came from many quarters: persecution by their countrymen, distress from Gentiles, confiscation of goods, imprisonment, scourging, death in various shapes.
AI summary