Question: (In the book of James) Why the people don't call for the elders and anoint them in oil any more? 1. Physical sickness is under consideration. Olive oil was universally used in application to the bodies of those sick. (Lipscomb, 594) 2. Sickness is one type of affliction with is under consideration (Jas.5:13). a. Christians ought to turn to God in prayer in the time of sickness and not against him as some do. (Flatt,105) 3. "Is any merry? let him sing psalms." While things go well with us, we must not forget to give praise and honor to Him who is the giver of every good and perfect gift. Singing psalms of praise is an expressing of appreciation to God who has so abundantly blessed us. (Gene Lyles) 4) 5:14: Let him call for the elders of the church. Christians are here instructed to call the elders when sick. The elders are to be prepared to administer to the needs of the sick. They are to pray in his behalf. anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. As in the case of the good Samaritan (Lk.10:34). Olive oil was used widely in the biblical world for medicinal purposes (see also Isa.1:6). Josephus relates that Herod was bathed in a vessel full of oil when he thought he was near death (Ant. 17:6:5). This does not mean that the elders are to be medical doctors. The principle taught here is that the elders should first pray that God will forgive and restore health and strength to the man, and that they should us oil, or supply medical treatment as is necessary to the sick man's recovery. The elders must provide either doctors or medicine that is needed. (Phillips, p..209). Elders, as shepherds of the flock were to minister to the saints as the needs and opportunities arose and today is no exception (W. Warnock). Not miraculous: cf. 16d,17; 1 Kings 18. v.15) and the prayer of faith shall save him This must be understood in the light of all other passages (Jas.4:15; Heb.9:27). Timothy had a stomach ailment; Paul had a thorn in the flesh. Trophimus was sick. The purpose of miracles was confirmatory (Mk.16:20; Heb.2:3- 4); and not accommodative. To say that elders were called by the sick in order to be miraculously healed changes the revealed purpose of miracles. Miraculous healing would then be accommodative instead of confirmatory. if he have committed sins It is inconceivable that such prayers could not include the asking of forgiveness of sins. Of all times that a man desires forgiveness of sins, it is while on the bed of affliction. Sickness causes one to be more conscious of his spiritual welfare. Forgiveness conditioned upon 1 Jno.1:7-9.