James 3:1

“My brethren, be not many masters, etc.] The apostle having dispatched the subject of faith and good works, which constitute the pure and undefiled religion mentioned in (<590127>James 1:27) which gave rise to this discourse, he proceeds to consider the evidence of a religious man, suggested in (<590126>James 1:26) who is one that bridles the tongue; and enters into an account of the use and abuse of the tongue: and which is introduced by this exhortation; and which seems to be opposed to an affectation among the Jews, to whom James writes, of being called “Rabbi, Rabbi”, or “Mori, Mori”, master, master, condemned by Christ, (<402308>Matthew 23:8,10). The words may be rendered, “be not many…”

“DANGER OF EAGERNESS TO TEACH, AND OF AN UNBRIDLED TONGUE: TRUE WISDOM SHOWN BY UNCONTENTIOUS MEEKNESS. (Jam. 3:1-18) be not--literally, "become not": taking the office too hastily, and of your own accord. many--The office is a noble one; but few are fit for it. Few govern the tongue well (Jam 3:2), and only such as can govern it are fit for the office; therefore, "teachers" ought not to be many. masters--rather, "teachers." The Jews were especially prone to this presumption. The idea that faith (so called) without works (Jam 2:14-26) was all that is required, prompted "many" to set up as "teachers," as has been the case in all ages of the Church. At first all were allowed to teach in turns.…”

“My brethren, be not many masters - “Be not many of you teachers.” The evil referred to is that where many desired to be teachers, though but few could be qualified for the office, and though, in fact, comparatively few were required. A small number, well qualified, would better discharge the duties of the office, and do more good, than many would; and there would be great evil in having many crowding themselves unqualified into the office. The word here rendered “masters” (διδάσκαλοι didaskaloi) should have been rendered “teachers.” It is so rendered in John 3:2; Acts 13:1; Romans 2:20; 1 Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 2:11; 1 Timothy 4:3; Hebrews 5:12; though it is…”

“Be not many teachers - Let no more of you take this upon you than God thrusts out; seeing it is so hard not to offend in speaking much. Knowing that we - That all who thrust themselves into the office. Shall receive greater condemnation - For more offences. St. James here, as in several of the following verses, by a common figure of speech, includes himself: we shall receive, - we offend, - we put bits, - we curse - None of which, as common sense shows, are to be interpreted either of him or of the other apostles. James 3:2”

“3:1 Becoming teachers was one way to improve social status in the early church (1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11; 1 Tim 5:17; cp. Acts 5:34). Such honor would compensate for the shame imposed upon Christians as social outsiders (Jas 2:6-7). But the conspicuous role of teachers symbolizes the power of human speech to benefit or harm the church.”

“be: Mal 2:12; Mat 9:11, Mat 10:24, Mat 23:8-10, Mat 23:14; Joh 3:10; Act 13:1; Rom 2:20, Rom 2:21; Co1 12:28; Eph 4:11; Ti1 2:7; Ti2 1:11 \*Gr: Pe1 5:3 knowing: Lev 10:3; Eze 3:17, Eze 3:18, Eze 33:7-9; Luk 6:37, Luk 12:47, Luk 12:48, Luk 16:2; Act 20:26, Act 20:27; Co1 4:2-5; Co2 5:10; Heb 13:17 condemnation: or, judgment, Mat 7:1, Mat 7:2, Mat 23:14; Co1 11:29-32 \*Gr. James 3:2”