Bible Book: James
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: JamesType of Book: Epistle
Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1)
Facing Trials and Benefiting From Them (1:2-18)
Accept Them as a Means of Growth (1:2-4)
Pray for Wisdom in Coping With Them (1:5-8)
Take Comfort in Their Equalizing Effect (1:9-12)
Recognize the Difference Between Trials and Temptations (1:13-18)
The Source of Temptation that Leads to Death (1:13-15)
The Source of Truth that Leads to Life (1:16-18)
Hearing the Word and Doing It (1:19-27)
Avoid Anger and Get Rid of Immorality (1:19-21)
Listen to the Word and Put It Into Practice (1:22-25)
Control Your Tongue, Show Active Compassion and Avoid Corruption (1:26-27)
Being Unbiased and Showing It (2:1-13)
Do Not Favor the Rich Over the Poor (2:1-7)
Keep the Law of Love and Show Mercy Over Judgment (2:8-13)
Professing Faith and Proving It (2:14-26)
Back Your Faith With Action (2:14-19)
Examples of Faith in Action (2:20-26)
Recognizing Pitfalls and Avoiding Them (3:1-5:6)
The Unruly Tongue (3:1-12)
Unspiritual Wisdom (3:13-18)
Avoid Worldly Wisdom that Leads to Disorder and Evil (3:13-16)
Embrace Heavenly Wisdom that Leads to Peace and Righteousness (3:17-18)
Selfish Behavior (4:1-10)
Misguided Motives (4:1-3)
Worldly Attraction (4:4-5)
A Prideful Attitude (4:6-10)
Freedom Through Submission (4:6-7)
Cleansing Through Repentance (4:8-9)
Honor Through Humility (4:10)
Slander and Judgment (4:11-12)
Presumptuous Living (4:13-17)
Selfish Wealth (5:1-6)
Developing Christian Qualities and Living by Them (5:7-20)
Patience and Endurance (5:7-11)
Honesty and Integrity (5:12)
Faithful Prayer and Righteous Humility (5:13-18)
Compassion and Restoration (5:19-20)
Theme: Faith in Action
Date of Writing: A.D. 45-49
Background
James is classified as a “general letter” because it was originally addressed to a wider audience than a single local church. The greeting, “to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (1:1), along with other references (2:19, 21), suggest that the letter originally was written to Jewish Christians. It is possible that among those who received the letter were believers from the early Jerusalem church who, after Stephen was stoned to death, were scattered by persecution (Ac 8:1) as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, Antioch and beyond (Ac 11:19). This would explain (1) the opening emphasis on joyfully enduring trials that test faith and require perseverance (1:2-12), (2) James’ personal knowledge of the “scattered” believers and (3) the authoritative tone of the letter. As leader of the Jerusalem church, James was writing as a pastor to encourage and instruct his people.
The fact that the writer was well known to his original readers is evident in the way he identifies himself simply as “James” (1:1). James, the half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the Jerusalem church, is generally regarded as the author. Earlier in his life, James did not accept Jesus as the Christ (i.e., Messiah, Savior) and even challenged his authority (Jn 7:2-5). Yet, later, James became very influential in the NT church. His speech at the Jerusalem council (Ac 15:13-21), as well as descriptions of him found in other NT passages (e.g., Ac 12:17; 21:18; Gal 1:19; 2:9, 12; 1Co 15:7), fit perfectly with what is known about James.
James most likely wrote this before A.D. 50. If so, it would be the earliest of all NT writings, with the possible exception of Galatians. This early date for writing is indicated by several factors, including the fact that James never mentions the controversial issues settled at the Jerusalem council related to non-Jewish believers (Ac 15), and he uses the Greek word “synagogue” to refer to the Christians’ meeting place (2:2). According to the Jewish historian Josephus, James, the Lord’s brother, was martyred (i.e., killed for his faith) in Jerusalem in A.D. 62.
Purpose
James wrote this letter (1) to encourage Jewish Christians who were suffering opposition and experiencing various difficulties that were testing their faith, (2) to correct wrong ideas about the nature of true saving faith in Christ and (3) to challenge, encourage and instruct the readers about the practical aspects of faith in action, which involves right living and good works.
Survey
This letter covers a wide variety of topics related to living a genuine Christian life. James urges believers to endure their difficult situations joyfully and to view them as opportunities to grow spiritually (1:2-11; see article on The Suffering of the Righteous). He encourages believers to resist temptations (1:12-18). He challenges them not only to hear God’s Word, but also to put it into practice (1:19-27) and to live out their active faith, rather than presenting an empty claim of belief in Christ (2:14-26). He warns about the dangers of an unruly tongue (3:1-12; 4:11-12), worldly wisdom (3:13-16), selfish behavior (4:1-10), presumptuous living (4:13-17) and self-centered wealth (5:1-6). James concludes with an emphasis on patience, prayer and helping wayward believers to renew their faith in Christ (5:7-20). See article on Effective Praying.
Throughout the five chapters, there is a strong emphasis on the relationship between true faith and practical godly living. Genuine faith is a tested faith (1:2-16), an active faith (1:19-27) and a loving faith (2:1-13). It reveals itself in good works (2:14-26), a controlled tongue (3:1-12) and the pursuit of God’s wisdom (3:13-18). True faith in Jesus Christ submits to God as the ultimate judge (4:1-12) and trusts God in daily living (4:13-17). It is not self-centered or self-indulgent (5:1-6), but it is patient in suffering (5:7-12) and diligent in prayer (5:13-20).
Special Features
Seven major features characterize this letter. (1) It is most likely the first book written in the NT. (2) It contains only two references to Christ by name. Yet, there are more points and subjects that reflect back to Jesus’ teaching in this letter, including at least fifteen implied references to the Sermon on the Mount (see Mt 5-7), than in all the other NT letters combined. (3) More than half of its 108 verses are imperatives, or commands. (4) In many ways, it is the Proverbs of the NT, in that (a) it is full of godly wisdom and practical instructions for living a genuine Christian life and (b) it is written in an abrupt and succinct (i.e., brief, concise) style, with crisp commands and vivid analogies (i.e., illustrative comparisons). (5) James often draws lessons from nature in order to expose the tendencies and realities of the sinful human nature (e.g., 3:1-12). (6) More than any other NT book, it emphasizes the necessary relation between faith and works—belief and behavior (especially in 2:14-26). (7) James is sometimes called the Amos (an OT prophet) of the NT because he vigorously addresses issues of social injustice and inequality.
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
