James - Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Most Bible scholars believe that this letter was written by James, the younger brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19). James was a leader in the church in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9). Many scholars think that this letter was written before 50 A.D. If this is so, then it was one of the first New Testament letters to be written. The letter could not have been written later than 62 A.D., because in that year James was put to death.

James wrote this letter to Christians to teach them the duties of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. In James’ time, many Christians had stopped doing good works. They said: “We are not saved by works, but only by faith; therefore, there is no need to do good works.” In saying that they were saved by faith alone, these Christians were correct. But in saying that they no longer needed to do good works, they were badly mistaken. It was mainly to correct that mistaken belief that James wrote this letter.

OUTLINE

1. Trials and Temptations (1:1-18).
   1. The Testing of Faith (1:1-11).
   2. The Source of Temptation (1:12-18).
2. General Teachings (1:19-3:18).
   1. The Practice of the Word (1:19-27).
   2. Condemnation of Partiality (2:1-13).
   3. Faith and Deeds (2:14-26).
   4. Control of the Tongue (3:1-12).
   5. Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13-18).
3. Various Exhortations (4:1-5:20).
   1. The Worldly Attitude (4:1-17).
   2. The Wicked Rich (5:1-6).
   3. Patience (5:7-12).
   4. The Prayer of Faith (5:13-20).