1. It is no less applicable today than it was in James' day
  2. The word translated "anointing" is unfortunate and I think prone to much misunderstanding. The word in the original Greek is aleithantes, i.e., to rub or apply, more than likely with olive oil in a medicinal way which was quite common in biblical times. (cf. Lk 7:38, 46; Jh 11:2; 12:3; Mk 16:1) It eliminates any reference to some mystical or ritual exercise as practiced, e.g., by the Catholic church. The purpose of the rubbing with oil was for healing. (cf. Isa 1:6; Lk 10:34) Now, there is no reason why the Elders who are called could not apply oil or some other medicinal ointment if they had good reason to believe it would expedite healing. But again, the application of the oil isn't referring to some religious rite or spiritual formula of oil and prayer.
  3. Yes, the focus, albeit secondary is for the physical healing of the one who called for the Elders. The main focus grammatically and exegetically is upon the prayers offered up for that healing.
  4. There is surely a difference of thought on this phrase "prayer of faith". But I believe it is not referring to the faith of the one sick, although perhaps it might be applicable to the faith expressed in the calling of the Elders. What seems more logical and exegetically sound is the faith of the Elders who pray for the one ill, first and foremost and the faith of the one ill as evidenced in his asking for the Elders to come. Their office requires that they be mature in the faith and to be knowledgeable concerning the truth of God's Word and its application. What also needs to be emphasized here is that again this prayer as with the rubbing of oil has no magical power. What appears to be an unconditional promise that the one prayed for will be healed is to be rightly understood by what James wrote previously in 4:15 (cf. 1Jh 5:14).

    This text is NOT teaching "faith healing". Many reasons could be given but suffice it to say that even in the days of the Apostles there were some who were ill and were not healed, (cf. 2Tim 4:20).
In His grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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