The Bible Study Reading PlanSample

JAMES

AUTHOR:

The author of this epistle is James, the brother of Jesus.

DATE:

There are two highly disputed time-frames for when the book of James was actually written.

The first view is the "early view", which says that James was written around AD 47-48, before the Jerusalem Council took place. Hence the reason for not using any of the content from the Jerusalem Council when disputing such relevant topics.

The second view is the "late view", which says that James was written around AD 60-62, after the Jerusalem Council. This view would be taken if James was clarifying various misinterpretations of Paul's word.

AUDIENCE:

James wrote to all of the Jews that were scattered at the Dispersion which followed Stephen's death in Acts 8. It was a circulatory letter (meaning it was meant to be circulated); not addressed to a specific location.

REASON:

James wrote to explain what fruit should be produced when we live an obedient Christian life and he also stressed the need for wisdom from above.

THEME:

Faith, Works, and Wisdom.

KEY VERSE:

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (2:17-18 ESV)

SPLIT:

Trials and Testing (1), Faith and Works (2), The Tongue and Wisdom (3), Worldliness (4), Wealth and Patience (5)

KEY WORDS:

Faith, Works, Law, Wisdom