Overview and Life Applications of the New Testament Book of James

May 24, 2010
Ronald G Falconberry

Epistle Writer James was a Brother of Jesus - Wikimedia Commons

Learn who wrote the epistle of James, why it was written, and what messages it contained for the early church that still hold true for today's Christians.

Although the New Testament epistle of James is just five chapters long it contains a wealth of practical applications for Christian living. As Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary states, James is "a sturdy, compact letter on practical religion."

Who Wrote the Book of James?

The author identifies himself as "James, a servant of God." Biblical scholars generally agree that the author is Jesus' brother James. Using only his first name indicates that he was well known to his readers and he declares himself a "servant" as opposed to an apostle. His use of "Greetings" (1:1) is identical to the beginning of the letter to Gentile believers in Acts 15:23 following the Jerusalem council.

Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3 list James as one of Jesus' brothers but none of the brothers believed in his teaching (John 7:1-9) and even commented that Jesus was "out of his head" (Mark 3:21). They changed their minds when Jesus appeared to James after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7) and Luke writes in Acts 1:14 that Mary, the mother of Jesus, and "his brothers" joined together constantly in prayer with the rest of the disciples.

James went on to become one of the leaders of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:3) and is listed along with the apostles Peter and John as "pillars in the church" by Paul in Galatians 2:6-9.

When was the Epistle of James Written?

The estimates of when James was penned ranges from A.D. 45 up to 150. If the author was truly James the brother of Jesus, the letter would have to have been written before A.D. 62 which is the approximate date of James' death.

Holman Bible Handbook indicates that most scholars believe James was one of the earlier New Testament books and was written before 60. The NIV Life Application Study Bible appears to be in agreement by indicating that James was probably written around A.D. 49, just before the Jerusalem council which was held in A.D. 50.

Who Was the Book James Written To?

The letter of James is addressed "to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations." When widespread persecution broke out against the church Jewish Christians fled to various parts of the known world settling in Rome, Alexandria, Cyprus, Greece, Asia Minor and other communities.

James wrote the epistle to provide the struggling Christians with encouragement to stand strong in their faith as they faced the unrelenting persecution. He wanted to let them know that their faith would be tested but that their trials would make them stronger and that, eventually, their faith would bring them victory over the evils of the world.

Life Applications from the Book of James

The book of James contains advice on how Christians can endure the struggles they face and apply principles of righteous living to their lives.

Trials and temptations (1:2-18) - Temptations come from evil personal desires not from God, but God provides good gifts and promises a crown of righteousness to those who persevere.
The Word of God (1:19-27) - Do not just listen to God's Word; practice it. James defines "pure and faultless" religion in this section.
Favoritism (2:1-13) - Christians should not judge people or show partiality based on a person's appearance or wealth.
Faith and works (2:14-26) - Faith that does not produce righteous activity is a dead faith.
Personal discipline (3:1-18) - Christians must discipline their speech and their behavior.
Friendship with the world (4:1-17) - Christians can not be friends with the world and with God.
Justice (5:1-6) - Do not be oppressive but treat others with fairness and compassion.
Patience (5:7-12) - Be patient in suffering because God will reward those who have persevered
Prayer (5:13-18) - Prayers of the faithful are "powerful and effective."
Reclaim straying Christians (5:19-20) - Anyone who helps turn around a straying Christian "will save him from death."

Do the Writings of James and Paul Contradict?

Some scholars, including Martin Luther, feel that a contradiction exists between the writings of James and Paul. James writes that "if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds...can such faith save him?" (2:14). The apostle Paul writes that Christians are saved by grace through faith "and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Wayne Jackson, with Apologetics Press, explains that James and Paul are referring to two different types of "works." Paul's writing affirms that nobody can earn salvation through works by observing the Mosaic Law or by human merit. James, on the other hand, states that once someone is saved, their faith in God and their obedience will lead them to perform good works which corresponds to the statement by Jesus that a tree which does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 7:17-20).

Summary of the Book of James

James, a brother of Jesus and a leader in the early church at Jerusalem, wrote his epistle to encourage Christians who were facing persecution and hardships. Warning them of the trials they faced, he encouraged them to remain faithful while they suffered. Standing strong in their faith and practicing true religion would not only produce good works, it would make their faith grow stronger and allow them to triumph over sin and death through the grace and power of God.