Originally Posted by Jacy
Originally Posted by CovenantInBlood
In the Assemblies of God church in which I grew up "anointing with oil" by elders was practiced. They had little vials of oil at the front of the sanctuary by the altar. At one point in the service the elders (male & female) would gather at the altar & anyone who was sick could approach them to be anointed with oil & prayed over. Not quite what James had in mind, I think.

I've heard of this happening but have never seen it. So what do you think James did have in mind?


Hi Jacy,

I'm not entirely sure what the purpose of anointing with oil was, although I'm inclined to agree with Pilgrim that the significance of the oil was more likely medicinal than ritual. It may also have been "cosmetic" in the way Jesus mentions: "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face" (Matt. 6:17). Or, in the mode of Psalmist: "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows" (Ps. 45:7).

But what I'm sure James did NOT have in mind was that female "elders" would be involved, nor that the sick were to approach an altar in the midst of a worship service for the elders to anoint them. Rather, the sick person is to "call for the elders of the church," implying that they will come to the sick person.

Kyle

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.