Who wrote it?
Most scholars think James was the brother of Jesus (Mk. 6:3). James initially thought his brother was mad (Mark 3:21), but after Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7), he is able to call himself ‘a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ’ (James 1:1). James was the first leader of the church in Jerusalem. His epistle may be the first NT book written, dated as early as A.D. 45.
Who is it written to?
James is writing to the dispersed Jews who were not living in Judea: “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (1:1). These Christian Jews had spread from Jerusalem during the persecution that followed Stephen’s death. They faced great difficulties. Many were oppressed in their poverty by the wealthy. For some Christianity was becoming a mere formality. James felt responsible for these former “parishioners.” His letter was to instruct them just as he would have if they were still under his care in Jerusalem.
What is it like?
It’s quite a political book—could have been written by a trades union leader of the first century. He has a bias for the poor and a concern for justice. It is much like OT wisdom literature. It deals with a variety of subjects which describe how to live an upright life. It has much in common with the Sermon on the Mount, i.e. oaths, the tongue, peacemakers. The book contains 54 direct commands—Be humble! Submit to God! Stop sinning! James is as forthright as an Old Testament prophet; it is hard to miss his point. The book of James is a book for Christians who want to mature and grow in their faith.
The book of James, controversial because of its emphasis on “good works.” Martin Luther, for this reason, called it ‘an epistle of straw!’ Some have said that it contradicts Paul, who puts the emphasis on being saved by faith. The key passage of the book begins at 2:14—“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” But if Paul explains how to become a Christian—all the basics of sin and salvation—then James is what to do once you are a Christian. James is not writing about how to become a Christian, but rather how to act like one. It’s all about walking the talk, and putting your faith into action.
Outline of the Book of James
- Chapter 1
Greeting from James 1:1
Testing builds character 1:2–4
God gives wisdom to those who ask in faith 1:5–8
Poor and rich Christians 1:9–11
Temptations and sin 1:12–15
Good gifts come from God 1:16–18
Hearing and doing 1:19–25
True religion 1:26–27 - Chapter 2
Respect of persons 2:1–7
Royal law 2:8–13
Faith and works 2:14–26 - Chapter 3
Responsibility of the teacher 3:1–5a
Danger of the tongue 3:5b–12
Two types of wisdom 3:13–18 - Chapter 4
Desires and divisions 4:1–10
Speaking evil and judging 4:11–12
Planning without God 4:13–17 - Chapter 5
Judgement of the rich 5:1–6
Patience until the Lord comes again 5:7–11
Do not swear 5:12
Prayer in all circumstances 5:13–18
Bring back those who have gone wrong 5:19–20
