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by Jay E. Adams (Author)
Here is Adams's commentary in a nutshell. Hebrews aims to recall drifting Christians. It helps counselees remember that Jesus is much better than anything else that attracts or distracts them. James is the prototypical counselor's handbook, climbing inside the skin of counselees and persuasively leading them to wisdom. First Peter teaches how to handle unjust suffering with unshakable hope. Entrust yourself to God, and do what is right and good, regardless of what happens around you. Second Peter warns that trouble is on the way, and teaches how to live a godly life in the face of imminent danger. Jude intends to help those counselees who didn't listen to Peter's warning. They now need help to get out of the clear and present danger in which they find themselves.
Let me highlight one aspect of this commentary that, like nothing else, brings its strengths and feel into view. Adams clearly loves the book of James; it fits him like old shoes. For good reasons, Adams's introduction to James is longer than the other four introductions combined, and it sparkles with distinctively Adamsian enthusiasms.- As in all wisdom literature, the emphasis is on principles of action applied to life situations.... James largely exhorts. There are more than 50 imperatives in the 108 verses of this letter! James teaches only indirectly. In James, truth is applied. Here you find truth aimed at life. That fact also means that [this letter] is invaluable for counselors. It meets the counseling issues head on. [Introduction]
James directly, graphically, and practically unpacked Jesus' sermons, the Proverbs, and Job. Adams would have us do likewise. ---David Powlison
