James 5:19

Brethren, if any. James concludes his epistle of warning and instruction with a solicitous concern for the salvation of each of his readers. The binding thread of James’s epistle has been his tender concern for the eternal welfare of his beloved brethren (see chapters 1:2; 2:1; 3:1, 10; 4:11; 5:7, 10, 12).

Err. Greek planao, “to go astray,” “to wander.” Church members may “err” doctrinally by embracing error, or they may abandon the principles of Christian conduct and fall into sinful practices. They may be led astray by various evil appeals to basic human needs (see on chapter 1:14, 15).

Truth. That is, the pattern of life and thought as revealed in Jesus Christ (see John 14:6; see on John 8:32).

Convert. Greek epistrepho, “to cause to return,” “to bring back.” The wooing back and the steadying of fellow church members is the responsibility, not only of the elders, but of every Christian. By compassionate moments of confession “one to another” and by mutual prayer (see on verse 16) many dark hours of weakness and doubt can be brightened with hope and strength. No man lives to himself, and at times all men need the stabilizing hand of a brother who can share their problems and inspire them with courage.