James 1:12-15 (ESV) – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
- “He now draws this conclusion, that they are happy who magnanimously endure troubles and other trials, so as to rise above them. The word temptation may indeed be otherwise understood, even for the stings of lusts which annoy the soul within; but which is here commended, as I think, is fortitude of mind in enduring adversities.” – John Calvin in his commentary on James
- “We are told that those who remain steadfast under trial will be blessed to receive the crown of life promised to those who love God (James 1:12). This wording closely matches Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:13 where we are told that only those who endure to the end will be saved. This verse provides a corrective to those who might think that James is not very concerned with theology, for here we see that he has much to say about the doctrine of perseverance. Only those who pass through trials with steadfastness will inherit eternal life. Only those who stand firm through these things will be saved.” – Ligonier Ministries
- “He then treats here of inward temptations which are nothing else than the inordinate desires which entice to sin. He justly denies that God is the author of these, because they flow from the corruption of our nature…As the inclination and excitement to
sin are inward, in vain does the sinner seek an cause from an external impulse.” – John Calvin in his commentary on James - “Under the consciousness of sin and the terror of punishment, we are all prone to cast blame away from ourselves–generally either on other men or on Satan. In the singularly interesting and instructive narrative given us in the Scripture of the first sin…we find this feature exhibited very distinctly….But subtle as wicked men may be…neither men nor devils can compel us to sin.” – Robert Johnstone in his commentary on James