It closes with a similar appeal: Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord (verse 7a). The “therefore” shows that this exhortation is closely connected with the preceding discussion of the crimes of the rich and the sufferings of the poor. There the “rich” were condemned for their oppressions; here the “brethren” are encouraged to bear up nobly under the harsh treatment they are receiving.1 In addition, the “therefore” may support the contention that the preceding paragraph was
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