The book of James
The Book of James
What is the book of James about?
In the book of James, James talks about the good works that will naturally follow true faith. There may be some confusion as to which James this is as there are four men in the New Testament named James.
It is not the apostle James, who died too early (AD 44) to have written this. The other two men had neither the stature nor the influence that the writer of this letter had.
The author of this book was James, the half-brother of Jesus. After Jesus' resurrection, James became very prominent in the Jerusalem church:
- James was one of the select individuals Christ appeared to after his resurrection
- Paul called him a "pillar" of the church (Gal 2:9)
- Paul, on his first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, saw James (Gal 1:19)
- Paul saw James on his last visit (Ac 21:18)
- When Peter was rescued from prison, he told his friends to tell James, presumably because James was a key leader in the church (Ac 12:17)
- James was a leader in the important council of Jerusalem (Ac 15:13)
- James was martyred in AD 62, an event recorded by the Jewish historian Josephus
This letter is primarily concerned with practical matters related to the Christian's walk (or lifestyle). "Faith without deeds is dead," James says (2:26). There is no such thing as true faith that doesn't express itself in a life of godliness.
Who wrote the book of James?
The author of the book of James is James, a leader of the Jerusalem church.
Who is the audience?
Primarily Jewish Christians and perhaps believers in Jerusalem scattered after Stephen's death.
Timeframe James was written:
Written sometime before AD 50.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
James emphasizes Christianity by good deeds that naturally follow true faith.
Fun facts about James/Did you know?
James says this to those who think it's enough to just believe in God: "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." (2:19). Life-changing faith in Jesus is the key.
