James

Author: James, the brother of Jesus Christ
Place of writing: unknown
Time of writing: probably no later than 45-48 A.D.

James, the brother of Jesus, was a well-known and highly-respected leader of the early Church (see Acts 15:13; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19; 2:9); as well as the brother of Jude, who was also a New Testament author (Jude 1). His letter is addressed to Jewish believers who have been scattered, perhaps in the persecution following the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 8:1); as such, it is one of the earliest New Testament books ever written. This early date explains much of its character: the style of writing is very Jewish, even resembling the Old Testament book of Proverbs; and this is probably because the Church was composed mostly of Jews at this time, and still had a strong Jewish flavor.

Some of the outstanding characteristics of this letter are its emphasis on the role of trials and suffering in the life of a believer; its teaching that true faith will prove itself by good works; and its condemnation of division and partiality among the believers, based either on pride and ambition or an undue respect for wealth.

In his writing, James does not follow a well-defined outline, but brings up various topics in apparently random order. These topics include faith in trials, the pursuit of wisdom, an eternal perspective on riches and poverty, the origin of temptations, the active nature of true faith, warnings against partiality, the misuse of the tongue, or trusting in earthly riches, and exhortations to perseverance and prayer in the midst of suffering. Above all, this letter gives a description of what true faith is like in the life of a believer; and it is full of practical wisdom for believers who are in difficult situations.

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