A comparison between James and Philodemus on moral exhortation, communal confession and correctio fraterna

Abstract

In this article, James 5:13–20 is investigated. This section deals with the confession of sins in the community of faith and the subsequent healing that will result. James will be compared to Philodemus, a philosopher who comes from Galilee, just like James. It is not argued that James was influenced by Philodemus but that a comparison between the two might open up fresh perspectives for the interpretation of James 5:13–20. This will especially become clear when the themes of moral exhortation, community health, communal confession and the role of the psychagogue are discussed.