Second Reading

Millstone in a garden
Commentary on James 5:13-20

The first four chapters of James are not exactly comforting. In fact, the author’s blunt, [...]

a mighty fortress
Commentary on Romans 3:19-28

Many preachers, especially those in Lutheran and Reformed traditions, will feel at home with the [...]

Detail from
Commentary on Hebrews 7:23-28

The lectionary texts from Hebrews for the previous week, this week, and the coming two [...]

Lucas van Leyden: Detail from Inner left wing of a diptych with Christ as the Man of Sorrows
Commentary on Hebrews 5:1-10

Affluence, social status, academic degrees of all sorts, summa cum laude honors, and worldly wisdom [...]

threading a needle
Commentary on Hebrews 4:12-16

The preacher of Hebrews, whose focus is on God’s salvation history, includes 21st-century Christian believers [...]

judge's gavel
Commentary on Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the [...]

Children embracing with smiles
Commentary on James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a

Earlier in chapter 3, the author of James shocked readers [...]

Man looking sternly in rebuke
Commentary on James 3:1-12

In chapters 1 and 2 the author of James has made clear that certain outward [...]

Detail from
Commentary on James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17

James is a letter that does not pull any punches. [...]

Hand washing
Commentary on James 1:17-27

Lectionary editors do not always make the most helpful choices.1 James 1:17–27 exemplifies this. Rather [...]