Mariam J. Kamell PhD thesis.PDF - University of St Andrews

266 Pages·2010·2.13 MB·English

by  Mariam Kamell

THE SOTERIOLOGY OF JAMES IN LIGHT OF EARLIER JEWISH
WISDOM LITERATURE AND THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Mariam J. Kamell
A Thesis Submitted for the Degree of PhD
at the
University of St. Andrews
2010
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THE SOTERIOLOGY OF JAMES
IN LIGHT OF EARLIER JEWISH WISDOM LITERATURE
AND THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

By

Mariam J. Kamell

A Thesis Submitted in Completion of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Divinity

April 2010

St Mary’s College

University of St Andrew
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DECLARATION

I, Mariam Kamell, hereby certify that this thesis, which is approximately 88,000 words in
length, has been written by me, that it is the record of work carried out by me and that it
has not been submitted in any previous application for a higher degree.

I was admitted as a research student in September 2005, and as a candidate for the degree
of PhD in April 2006; the higher study for which this is a record was carried out in the
University of St Andrews between 2005 and 2010.
Date ……….……… Signature of candidate ……………………………………

I hereby certify that the candidate has fulfilled the conditions of the Resolution and
Regulations appropriate for the degree of PhD in the University of St Andrews and that
the candidate is qualified to submit this thesis in application for that degree.
Date ………………. Signature of supervisor ……………………………………

In submitting this thesis to the University of St Andrews we understand that we are giving
permission for it to be made available for use in accordance with the regulations of the
University Library for the time being in force, subject to any copyright vested in the work
not being affected thereby. We also understand that the title and the abstract will be
published, and that a copy of the work may be made and supplied to any bona fide library
or research worker, that my thesis will be electronically accessible for personal or research
use unless exempt by award of an embargo as requested below, and that the library has the
right to migrate my thesis into new electronic forms as required to ensure continued access
to the thesis. We have obtained any third-party copyright permissions that may be required
in order to allow such access and migration, or have requested the appropriate embargo
below.

The following is an agreed request by candidate and supervisor regarding the electronic
publication of this thesis:

Access to Printed copy and electronic publication of thesis through the University of St
Andrews.

Date………… Signature of candidate……………… Signature of supervisor…………

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ABSTRACT

The epistle of James has been neglected in NT studies, caught between its
relationship with Paul and the claim that it has no theology. Even as it experiences a
resurgence of study, surprisingly no full-length survey exists on James as the epistle of
“faith and works.” Approaches to James have neglected its soteriology and, in
consequence, its theological themes have been separated or studied only in connection
with Paul. As “moral character,” however, “faith” and “works” fit within a coherent
theology of God’s mercy and judgment.
This study provides a sustained reading of James as a Jewish-Christian document.
Because James presents the “faith” and “works” discussion in context of “can such faith
save?” (2:14), the issue becomes one of soteriology and final judgment. Both the “law of
freedom” and the “word of truth” demand faithful obedience—the “works.” Moreover,
God’s character and deeds in election form the basis for human “works” of mercy and
humble obedience, while future judgment is in accordance with virtuous character.
It has been established that James shares methodology and concerns with prior
wisdom literature. This thesis therefore examines key ideas developing across the Jewish
literature and Jesus’ teaching as presented by Matthew, and highlights developing views of
God saving and judging his people. Within the first two chapters, James gives a high view
of God’s work in calling and redeeming, providing wisdom to his people, and instilling the
long-anticipated new covenant that they might live in obedience, humility and purity in
accordance with his character and will. Because of God’s saving work, he justly judges
those who fail to live mercifully, while his mercy triumphs for those who obey. God
begins the work and sustains those who ask; but only those who submit to the “perfect
law of freedom,” whose faith works, receive mercy when God enacts his final justice.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I will always be grateful to my academic mentors. Dr. Barnes, your words of
encouragement after a difficult undergrad thesis experience have never left my ears. Dr.
Neumann, you taught me that the languages were to be enjoyed and that the academic life
is a privileged life. Dr. Blomberg, you opened doors and allowed me the experience of co-
authorship, made introductions, and did everything you could to encourage me onward.
Prof. Bauckham, you took me sight unseen, believed in my project, and even expressed
curiosity to discover my results—the highest complement you could have paid. And Dr.
Macaskill, taking a half-formed thesis in the middle of major restructuring and a student in
the midst of a life-crisis was not an easy task, but you did it ungrudgingly.
Other people in St Andrews made the last four years the experience it has been. St
Mary’s friends: office-mates Ivan, Andrew, Phil, Paul, and Narges; prayer-group Gisela,
Amber, and Julie; others walking life with me, Kathleen, Emily, Dimali. The St Mary’s
ladies, Susan, Margot, and Debbie, for helping me with forms, deadlines, and stories—
thank you! Colin and Linda, you made St Mary’s library a destination in itself. David and
Katriona, you opened your home as a place both to work and retreat. Verena, I do not
deserve as good a flatmate and friend as you have shown yourself to be the last two years:
the laughter, tears, adventures and rapeseed field hijinks have made you a sister. And Nina
and Vicki, you two have become so much more than co-workers becoming life-long
friends of a rare sort. Stephanie, a friend longer than any, your faithfulness is a gift.
I would never be here without the support of my entire family. Lisa, Andrew, and
Sonya, I love you all and am the luckiest youngest sibling out there. Aunt RoseLee, you
have patiently read and edited endless papers and chapters: every student should be lucky
enough to have an English professor in the family! Any grammar mistakes remaining are
entirely my own. Mom, you made this entire educational extravaganza possible. You have
supported me financially, emotionally, and spiritually, you have set a beautiful example of
marital fidelity and love despite the dominance of the “in sickness” part for 24 years, and
you have always pushed me beyond my comfort zones and challenged any complacency
on my part. I am at this point largely because you made it feasible and wouldn’t let me
settle for giving less than my all.
Ultimately, there is one person who is not here to see this, but who—from the
time I was little—always believed I could do anything I set out to do. Without my father’s
unconditional support for me, his unflinching endurance through years of illness and
decline, his unflagging devotion to God, and even his encouragement to move overseas
despite his lessening health, I would never have had either the courage or confidence to
tackle this. Although it grieves me beyond words that he is not here to see the culmination
of a lifetime’s support, I know he saw it in his mind and never doubted its fulfilment. I
never imagined finishing this without his presence, and that makes this moment very
bittersweet. My father was a model of faithfulness, love, and uncomplaining endurance
that I will carry with me through all of life. Truly, Dad, you stood the test and won the
crown of life from the Lord you loved, and this thesis is dedicated in your memory.

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DEDICATED

TO THE MEMORY OF
MY FATHER

WILLIAM MICHAEL KAMELL
2 April 1945 – 16 October 2008
A Man of True Faith

Maka&rioj a)nh_r o$j u(pome/nei peirasmo&n,
o#ti do&kimoj geno&menoj lh&myetai to_n ste/fanon th~j zwh~j o$n e0phggei/lato
toi=j a)gapw~sin au)to&n
James 1:12

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