The Book of James
The book of James has a distinctively Jewish nature that suggests it was composed when the church was still predominately Jewish. It reflects a simple church order, and no reference is made to the controversy over Gentile circumcision. The seven New Testament letters from the book of James through the book of Jude are called the General Letters because they are addressed to Christians in general and not to a particular church.
The author identifies himself as James, and he was probably the brother of Jesus and the leader of the Jerusalem council. At first James did not believe in Jesus and even challenged him and misunderstood his mission. Later he became very prominent in church. The book of James was written about A.D. 48 being the first letter in the New Testament.
As leader of the Jerusalem church, James wrote as a pastor to instruct and encourage his dispersed people in the face of their difficulties. The letter is concerned mainly with the practical aspects of the Christian faith, consisting of maxims and counsel for everyday conduct. There is very little reference to any of the central doctrines of the Christian faith. The letter discusses true religion, true faith and true wisdom.
I. Trials and Temptations (1:1-18)
II. Listening and Doing (1:19-27)
III. Favoritism Forbidden (2:1-13)
IV. Faith and Works (2:14-26)
V. Taming the Tongue (3:1-12)
VI. Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13-18)
VII. Warning Against Wordliness (4:1-17)
VIII. Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1-6)
IX. Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7-20)
II. Listening and Doing (1:19-27)
III. Favoritism Forbidden (2:1-13)
IV. Faith and Works (2:14-26)
V. Taming the Tongue (3:1-12)
VI. Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13-18)
VII. Warning Against Wordliness (4:1-17)
VIII. Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1-6)
IX. Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7-20)
In chapter 1, James teaches believers to test their faith and "prove yourselves doers of the word" (1:22). James encourages believers to put their faith into action, and to be servants of Jesus Christ.
In chapters 2-3, James describes the relationship between faith and works. He teaches that a person of faith without works is not really faith. True faith produces God's work through us as we rest in Christ. See blog for deeper explanation of faith and works.
In chapters 4-5, James give wise instruction to believers. He said, "Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you" (4:7). A faithful believer will bear the fruit of God through service and prayer. In the last chapter, James stresses the magnitude of prayer for every believer. He uses the word "Prayer" 7 times, signifying its importance.
continue to 1 Peter...
continue to 1 Peter...
