James Introduction
Introduction
James
Jesus had several brothers, and one of them was named James. After Jesusʼ death and resurrection, James became one of the most important leaders of the community of his followers in Jerusalem. James was respected for the advice he gave and for the wise decisions he helped the community make (see, for example, pp. 1547-1548). Later in his life he decided to write down some of his best teachings and advice and send them to other Jewish believers in Jesus who 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 itʼs being sent to people at a distance. But itʼs actually not very much like other letters of the time. Instead, itʼs a collection of short sayings, perhaps ones that James repeated often as he advised people. It also includes slightly longer discussions of practical topics. These discussions could have been taken from sermons that James gave, since they use the same techniques employed by speakers of the day. For example, sometimes James anticipates and answers a question someone might ask. Or, he may pose a question to his audience himself and then respond based on how he thinks they would have answered. Also, unlike most letters, this book doesnʼt treat its topics in logical or sequential order. Instead, it interweaves various themes as James raises subjects, leaves them, and then comes back to them again. The conversational style, the short, pithy sayings and the interweaving of themes all make this book similar to the wisdom writing found in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Like those wisdom books, the book of James concentrates primarily on questions of daily living in Godʼs good creation. When James discusses directly what it means to be wise, he explains that wisdom is demonstrated in practical conduct: the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. The practical issues he considers include concern for the poor, the responsible use of wealth, control of the tongue, purity of life, unity within the community of Jesus-followers, and above all patience and endurance during times of trial. We can see that the people James wrote to faced many challenges as they sought to practice a religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless. As we face similar challenges today, his godly wisdom remains as valuable a guide to living fully human lives as it was when he first shared it centuries ago.
James
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James Introduction: BOOKS
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The Books of the Bible™
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
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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.