Today's New Word--Paraenesis

We're doing Beth Moore's James study at UALC this winter. In the fall we did Revelation, so the book of James is almost like dessert. This book uses her daughter Melissa as a co-writer, and she's had seminary training. Her sections are optional. In week two she outlines the scholars' suggestions for the genre of James, and lists five. One is PARAENESIS, a specialized form of advice or exhortation. Contains precepts and imperatives.

Merriam Webster: LL paraenesis, fr. Gk parainesis, fr. parainein to advise (fr. para- 1para- + ainein to speak of, praise, advise, fr. ainos speech, fable) + -sis

"Paraenetic documents"

"paraenesis is defined as the dissemination of advice, exhortation and/or recommendation. The paraenetic style of communicating is that which exudes Paraenesis, i.e., advising one to pursue or avoid something. Paraenesis is divided into two parts, i.e., persuasion and dissuasion." Link

Originally meant advice or counsel (Greek parainein, to advise). As a form of biblical composition, it is popular preaching or exhortation, of which the epistle of St. James is a classic example. It is exemplified in the moralizing parts of the Old Testament and is found in such Apostolic Fathers as Clement I and the Shepherd of Hermas. Besides James, it is frequently used by St. Paul, e.g., in his letters to the Galatians and Ephesians. Link

James is a gold mine for the modern, mainline church and scholars which discover something new with every dig. Link

Paralells with the Gospels Link

ask and you will receive (James 1:5 = Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9)

the kingdom belongs to the poor (James 2:5 = Luke 6:20b, Matthew 5:3)

ask and you will receive (James 4:2c-3 = Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9)

those who laugh will mourn (James 4:9 = Luke 6:21, 25b)

the humble are exalted (James 4:10 = Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14b)

woe to the rich (James 5:1 = Luke 6:24)

do not store up wealth (James 5:2-3a = Matthew 6:19-20, Luke 12:33b)

on oaths and truth-telling (James 5:12 = Matthew 5:33-37)