James Introduction
Introduction
James was one of the brothers of Jesus. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem. James was respected for the good advice he gave. He was also respected for the wise decisions he helped the community of believers make. James decided to write down some of his best teachings and advice. He sent his writings to Jewish believers in Jesus. These believers were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. What he wrote to them has become known as the book of James.
This book begins like a letter because it’s being sent to people far away. But it is not very much like other letters of that time. It is a collection of short sayings and slightly longer writings on practical topics. The style is like one person talking to another. The sayings are short and to the point. And the themes weave together. All of these make this book like the wisdom writings of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Like those wisdom books, James gives attention to questions of daily living. He considers practical issues like helping the poor and using money wisely. He talks about controlling one’s tongue and living a pure life. He encourages the community of believers to live in unity with each other. And above all he encourages believers to endure struggles with patience.
We have the same concerns in our world. So the godly wisdom of the book of James continues to be a valuable guide. James teaches us how to live well and please God.
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James Introduction: NIrV
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Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
James Introduction
Introduction
The Greek text of James begins “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” The KJV titles it “The General Epistle of James,” reflecting what this introduction says—that it is written to followers of Christ in general scattered throughout the Roman Empire. James is the closest of the New Testament writings to the Wisdom books of the Old Testament. As is typical in the Wisdom literature, readers are urged here to seek God's Wisdom as they go about their lives, especially in times of testing and uncertainty. James has many proverbial sayings used to encourage the faithful to resist such things as temptations and dividedness, prejudice and exclusionary behaviors, pride and speaking ill of others, and to live virtuously, welcoming both poor and rich into the faith community equally.
The general aim of the letter is to teach wisdom and the right kind of living, in which faith is active in love. The author knows Paul's teaching about being justified by the grace of God through faith, but in 2.17-26 wants readers to be absolutely clear that faith must show up in actions if it is real. Faith cannot be mere head-knowledge or mental assent to certain doctrinal beliefs. He says: “show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works” (2.18). Faith that does not lead Christians into charitable works and compassionate actions, James says, is dead or no faith at all. In 5.14-16 James describes the ancient rite for healing the sick, employing prayer and anointing with oil, which has been practiced in the churches since the first century. The closing chapter also advises patience and prayer in the face of hardship and suffering.
“James” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Jacob” and, as such, was common among first century Jews. Church tradition holds that the author of James was Jesus' brother James, a leader in the Jerusalem church (Gal 1.19). The author's literary style and familiarity with broader Greek culture, however, suggest the book was written later in the first century than Jesus' brother was likely to have lived and may have been written by a disciple wishing to honor James.
Outline
Seek God's Wisdom in the Face of Temptations (1.1-18)
Show by Your Actions that Your Faith Is Living (1.19—2.26)
Use Your Tongue for Good, Speak Well of Others, and Be Wise (3.1—5.6)
Be Patient, Merciful, and Prayerful (5.7-20)
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King James Version 1611, spelling, punctuation and text formatting modernized by ABS in 1962; typesetting © 2010 American Bible Society.