THEOPHYLACT OF BULGARIA, ARCHBISHOP. ACCURATE EXPOSITION OF THE CATHOLIC EPISTLES.
WHY THE FOLLOWING EPISTLES ARE CALLED CATHOLIC.
These Epistles—the one by James, the two by Peter, the three by John, and the one by Jude—are called Catholic, as if they were "circular." For that holy assembly of the Lord's disciples did not address these Epistles to any one specific people or city, as the divine Paul did, for example, to the Romans or the Corinthians; but rather they addressed them generally to those who are faithful—that is, to the Jews in the Dispersion, as Peter did, or to all Christians who profess the same faith.
ARGUMENT OF THE CATHOLIC EPISTLE OF JAMES.
James wrote this Epistle to those of the twelve tribes who had been dispersed and had believed in our Lord Jesus Christ. He made it didactic, that is, full of instruction. For in it he teaches concerning the variety of temptations: which are from God, and which arise from the heart of man. And [he teaches] that one must manifest one's faith not by word alone, but by deed; and that it is not the hearers of the law, but the doers of the law, who are justified. Regarding the rich, he charges that they should not be preferred over the poor in the churches, but rather be rebuked as proud. And finally, after having comforted those who suffer injustice, he encourages them to bear it with long-suffering until the coming of the Judge; and having taught about patience, and demonstrated the usefulness of patience from the story of Job, he gives instruction that the presbyters should be summoned to the sick, and that each one should strive to turn the erring back to the truth:
and says that the reward for this is the forgiveness of sins from the Lord. And thus he concludes the Epistle.
INDEX OF THE CHAPTERS OF THE CATHOLIC EPISTLE OF JAMES
1. On patience, and unfeigned faith, and humility toward one's neighbor. In this is contained a discussion of the lust within us, and of its effects; and that God is not the cause of it. For whatever good is in us is from Him. Of gentleness, and purity, and good works, through which we attain beatitude; and of knowledge and consistency of speech. Of charity toward everyone without respect of persons, according to the Law. That man is justified not by faith alone, but also by works, and not by either one separately, but by both together. That a forward and unruly tongue brings death to him who possesses it, and that it is therefore necessary to restrain it for the praise and glory of God. B 2. Concerning a good conversation and peaceable conduct toward one another, away from the seeking of glory for human wisdom. 3. Concerning divine wisdom. 4. And that from sloth and the love of pleasure, contention and tumults and enmity toward God arise. 5. Concerning repentance for salvation. 6. Concerning not judging one’s neighbor. 7. That the steps of a man are not directed by man, but by God. C 8. Concerning the avarice of the rich, and their luxury in this world, and concerning the righteous judgment of God. 9. Concerning long-suffering and patience in tribulations, and concerning truth. 10. Particular exhortations befitting each person with faith. And that one must serve the salvation of one’s neighbor.
GENERAL EPISTLE OF SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE
CHAPTER ONE
1. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the dispersion, greeting. D Servant of God, that is to say, of the Father; but servant of the Lord, that is, of Jesus Christ. Wherefore, if he is equally the servant of the Father and of the Son,