Symbolic

Ex. 28:41; Mk. 6:13?;

Lk. 4:18; 2 Cor. 1:21

*Although aleipho is never used in the NT for a ceremonial anointing, it is sometimes found in the LXX with the sacred sense of anointing the priests (Ex. 40:15; Nu. 3:3).

*Often "anointing" is connected with "the Spirit" (Isa. 61:1; cf. Mt. 3:16; Lk. 4:18; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27). The oil is symbolic of the Spirit, which lives in and watches over the body, His temple.

None

BUT- This has little basis in James’ text or the NT.

BUT- Weak biblical basis. None of the recorded miracles conducted by Jesus or the Apostles involved anointing with oil (possible exception-Mk. 6:13).

BUT- The word for "anointing" is the Greek word aleipho, the mundane and profane word as opposed to chrio, the sacred and religious word, biblically speaking.

*Common use of the Greek word aleipho.

*The verb aleipho means "to rub, to oil." It is used elsewhere in reference to a massage. It is a secular word describing something oiled. The root of the word is a noun that means to "grease." This seems to rule out both a symbolic act and divine healing.

*Aleipho also had a metaphorical/figurative sense. Oiling someone became synonymous with wanting to stimulate or encourage one’s spirit. Oil massages were a refreshing way to rejuvenate one’s spirit (see Psm. 23:5-this was the job of the good shepherd, it is also the job of the shepherds of the church).

*The oil is offered "in the name of the Lord." It is not always the Lord’s will to heal physically, but it is consistent with His will to express compassion and seek to encourage a discouraged/weak/potentially sinning heart.

Isa. 1:6;

*We see this principle in Luke 10:34, one of the only relevant NT texts to this subject.

*Medical science was in its infancy. Oil was often the remedy for sore muscles and wounds. The application today would be more current medicinal remedies.

*BUT- Why call for the elders? They do not have any NT mandate to heal. Anybody could have done this! If the primary issue were medicinal, maybe it would have been more appropriate to call for a gifted healer or doctor.

BUT- Though oil was commonly employed, the first century Christians were not so naive to imagine that it was the only solution for every illness.