Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is one of the shortest.
JAMES - NEW TESTAMENT - EPISTLE
20th book of the NT
59th book of the Bible
What is it?
The Book of JAMES is one of the Epistles in the New Testament which means it is a letter.
Teach Sunday School tells us the following
"Known as the Proverbs of the New Testament"
Who Wrote it?
James the brother of Jesus
Notice that James is not prideful of being the brother of Jesus but speaks humbly as a servant of Jesus in chapter 1 verse 1
"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,"
Teach Sunday School tells us the following
"James was not a follower of Jesus during the Saviour's time on earth. He finally became a believer upon seeing Jesus alive and well after the crucifixion. He became one of the leaders of the Church at Jerusalem."
Who was it Written to?
It was written to the Christians who were now living in various countries as we see in chapter 1 verse 1
"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings."
How does it start?
It starts with instruction about attitude to trials which these Christians were going through in
chapter 1 verse 2
and then on to advice about asking God for wisdom in
chapter 1 verses 5-6
Immediately James is instructing the Christians everywhere to be joyful & seek wisdom from God in all situations and believe God will answer so obviously this must be important for all of us now too.
How Long is it?
It has 5 chapters.
When was it Written?
It is generally thought to have been written between 67 & 69 AD
Why was it Written?
It was written to instruct and encourage believers as to what true faith is.
Obedience, truth & action are important.
The Overview Bible tells us the following
"A letter telling Christians to live in ways that demonstrate their faith in action."
This can be clearly seen in
chapter 1 v 19
and
chapter 1 v 22
What link is noted here with the Old Testament?
The Book of James is very supportive of the Biblical law.
How does it end?
patient
in
chapter 5 v 8
in
Chapter 5 v 13
and a final message of how to help others who are
drifting from the truth
Quick outline of James
The Overview Bible tells us the following
- Trials and temptation (1:1–20)
- True religion (1:21–27)
- Favouritism and judgment (2:1–13)
- Faith and works (2:14–26)
- Teachers and the tongue (3)
- Submission to God (4:1–5:6)
- Strength and anticipation (5:7–20)
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