Names of the Book
English: | James |
Greek: | Ιάκωβος |
Transliterated: | Iakōbos [Jacob] |
Other names: | The epistle of James |
Who
Wrote the book: | James, the brother of Yeshua |
Are the key people: | James |
Is it written to: | Messianic Jews |
What
True religion (James 1:1-27) |
True faith (James 2:1-3:12) |
True wisdom (James 3:13-5:20) |
When
Was it written: | c 49 CE |
Did the events occur: | c 48-49 BCE |
Was it canonized: | c 100-170 CE |
(see the Timeline of the First Century) |
Where
Was it written: | Jerusalem |
Did the events occur: | Jerusalem |
Why
James was written to inform us that: |
Faith requires action. |
Trials and temptations are part of a life of faith. |
Believers are not saved by obeying G-d's law. |
Wisdom reveals itself through our speech. |
Believers should not compromise with worldly attitudes about wealth. |
Introduction
James [Yaakov] was the half-brother of Yeshua who became the leader of believers in Jerusalem after Messiah's resurrection and ascension into heaven. James encourages believers to persevere joyfully in the midst of whatever trials may come their way. He provides sound and practical advice to believers to live a G-dly life that reflects Messiah's life and teachings. Although James appears to write in contradiction to Paul regarding the matter of faith and works, James' focus is on the works that are the result of true faith and salvation, not the source of them. He points to the prophets of Scripture as examples of the patient and active faith we should have and the lives we should live as a result.
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