James 5:14

Verse 14 Is any sick among you? let him call.

It must not be forgotten that at the time this Epistle was written, miraculous gifts were still present with the Church. Upon the elders placed in charge of many of the churches, and upon many others were these gifts bestowed for the upbuilding of the cause. These powers were necessary to the establishment of Christianity in the world. James mentions these gifts as existing facts known to these brethren. Let these elders possessing the gift of healing be sent for. Let them pray over the sick, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, by the authority of the Lord. The power comes from him. The anointing with oil was a token that a miracle was to be performed. It was a symbol of the Spirit, by whom the healing was effected. By reference to Mark's Gospel, sixth chapter, thirteenth verse, the twelve, when first sent out anointed the sick with oil and healed them. Hence I conclude the anointing the sick with oil was a command of the Master, although we have no record of the same.