94 Andrew M. Bowden In addition, several subthemes that will play an important role in the letter are introduced. First, 1,15 introduces the important connection between sin and death (ἁμαρτία … θάνατον), both of which play prominent roles in the letter. In the previous paragraph, James discussed how temptation reveals areas where believers are lacking. Now, James teaches that temptation leads to sin and ultimately death. James will have more to say about sin and death in the letter. In fact, it seems that the letter is moving steadily in that direction, since the closing instructions in 5,16 mention the confession of sins, and the final admonition in 5,19- 20 is to turn sinners from their wandering, thereby saving their souls from death and covering a multitude of sins27. Secondly, the connection between τέλειον and ἄνωθέν appears in 1,17, and both of these terms appear throughout the letter. This prepares the reader for the letter’s central section which speaks about the σοφία which is ἄνωθεν (3,15.17). Finally, the theme of fruit resurfaces in this paragraph28. In summary, through grammatical and parallel linkage, vv. 1,13-18 are seen to be a coherent paragraph which introduce some of the letter’s central motifs, many of which also appear in the core of the letter (3,13- 18). 2.2.1.3 Living as God’s Firstfruits (1,19-27) This paragraph is marked by the imperative Ἴστε in v. 19 and the vocative ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί29. The paragraph continues uninterrupted to its conclusion in 1,27. As in the first introductory paragraph (1,2- 12), this third paragraph concludes in the indicative. Also similar to the first paragraph, this section is marked by an imperative which is then developed by subordinated imperatives linked with δέ30. Thus, in v. 19b James writes ἔστω δέ and in v. 22 γίνεσθε δέ. Each imperative relates to the λόγος by which believers were birthed (1,18), and this paragraph explains what it means to live as God’s firstfruits. Living as God’s 27 On these themes, see also 2,9.26; 4.2.8.17. 28 The rich were compared in 1,11 to withered plants; 3,18 describes the fruit of peace; 3,12 refers to figs, olives, and grape vines; 5,7 describes the farmer eagerly awaiting fruit; and 5,17 compares prayer for the confessing sinner with Elijah’s prayer that produced fruit on the earth. 29 The verb Ἴστε could function as either an indicative or imperative. Context as well as James’ typical usage seems to call for the imperative. 30 Cf. Verseput, who argues that the particle is meant to clarify what was said about receiving the word with gentleness and should be translated as “indeed” or “furthermore” (“James 1,19-27: Anger in the Congregation”, in D.L. Bock and B.M. [eds.], Interpreting The New Testament Text: Introduction to the Art and Science of Exegesis [Wheaton 2006] 435).