New Testament 101: James

Letter of James, also called Epistle of St. James the Apostle, abbreviation James, New Testament writing addressed to the early Christian churches (“to the twelve tribes in the dispersion”) and attributed to James, a Christian Jew, whose identity is disputed because this writing was traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus (James the Just).

This letter is a good example of a general letter because the recipients were Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Though written as a letter, it is more like a short book of instructions for daily living.

For James, faith means action!  In fact, the entire book is a series of examples that show faith in action in wise and practical ways.

His advice was clear and to the point: If you are poor, don’t despair.  Don’t give up when your faith is being tested.  Don’t get angry quickly.  Don’t favor the rich over the poor.  Do good things for others.  Control your tongue and desires.  Surrender to God and rely on God’s wisdom.  Resist the devil.  Don’t brag about what you are going to do.  If you are rich, use your money to help the poor.  Be patient and kind, and pray for those who need God’s help.

A Quick Look at This Letter

1.  Greetings (1: 1)
2.  A Life of Faith and Wisdom (1:2-18)
3.  Hearing and Obeying God’s Message (1: 19-27)
4.  Don’t Favor the Rich and Powerful (2: 1-13)
5.  Faith and Works (2: 14-26)
6.  Wisdom and Words (3: 1-18)
7.  Warning Against Friendship with the World (4: 1-5.6)
8.  Patience, Kindness and Prayer (5: 7-20)

Pastor Beryl