The Book of James is a short but powerful epistle with similarities to Proverbs. The author writes to an audience of Jewish descent to instruct them on a range of issues and to encourage them to stand firm in times of trial. His view on difficult times was that they provide opportunities to grow and strengthen faith, an idea that resonates with stoic philosophy. He also speaks to fairness and impartiality and warns against various dangers that could lead the believer astray. One of the most stark warnings in this epistle is to the rich, addressing the potential for the exploitation of others which may have short-term benefits for the individual but no eternal value whatsoever.
Authorship and Date
Based on the excellent Greek in the letter, the author must have been well-educated or made use of an amanuensis (secretary). Tradition holds that the author was James, the brother of Jesus, though it was most likely James of Alphaeus, also known as James the Less, who was a cousin rather than a brother of Jesus. It was customary in Jewish culture to refer to a cousin as a brother. It could not have been James, son of Zebedee, for Herod had him martyred between 41-44 CE.
The date for the Book of James is early, from the late 40s to early 50s CE. Some scholars have postulated that James wrote the letter before the council in Jerusalem and the Galatian Controversy. It is one of the earliest works included in the Biblical canon.
Historical Context
From James 1:1, we learn that the author had a Jewish audience in mind because he writes to “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” The vocabulary James used shows that the audience is familiar with Judaism though it is not clear whether he wrote to a purely Christian audience or to people of Jewish descent, of whom some were Christians and others may have been adherents of Judaism. These two groups sometimes worshiped together in early Christianity.
Some scholars have suggested that James wrote the letter to counter Paul’s view on justification. Others reject the notion, claiming that the thesis James presents on the relation between faith and works is not about Paul and does not contradict Pauline teaching.
The Book of James reminds the reader of the Old Testament book of Proverbs. It presents concise nuggets of universal wisdom on a wide range of topics.
Structure
Salutation (James 1:1)
The introduction to James is concise. He identifies himself, and his audience, and says: “Greetings.”
Faith and wisdom (James 1:2-18)
These verses show the stoic attitude James had toward adversities in life. He understood and taught that to the Christian, every situation holds some benefit.
Hearing and doing the Word (James 1:19-27)
James explains that hearing should be followed by doing. Hearing the Word must have an impact and lead to a change in action. He advocated for the practice of faith in action.
Faith and works (James 2:1-26)
Building on the previous section, James explained that faith, if it is not practiced, is dead faith.
The tongue (James 3:1-12)
This timeless teaching on faith is as relevant today as it was when James wrote it. The danger of not controlling what comes out of your mouth can have devastating effects.
Wisdom from above (James 3:13-18)
James juxtaposes the inherent selfishness and self-interest of man with the wisdom that comes from God.
Warnings and exhortations (James 4:1-5:6)
Building on what he has said up to this point, James now issues warnings on worldliness and boasting. He also warns the rich not to exploit the poor.
Patience and prayer (James 5:7-20)
James encourages the reader to persevere in patience and offers a prayer.
Main Themes
Various warnings
The Book of James contains several warnings. The first warning is against partiality (2:1–13), the second against boasting (4:13–17), and the third against the wrongdoings of the rich (5:1–6).
Wisdom and speech
One of the most striking issues James addresses in his epistle is the use of the tongue. He likens the tongue to the rudder of a ship. Though small, it steers conduct. His advice on this issue is timeless.
Trials and temptation
Believers who feel downcast by trials and temptation need to read James to understand what perspective they should adopt. He presents it as a pathway to steadfastness and eventual perfection.
Faith and works
James explains the connection between faith and works in terms that are easy to understand. Works cannot save, but faith without works is dead. It follows that the works that flow from faith do not have merit toward salvation but illustrate that faith is genuine.
Key Passages
James 1:2-4
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James does not waste time in getting into theological matters in his epistle. Because of the challenges his readers faced, he started by showing what attitude the believer should have during trials and tribulations. It should be seen as an opportunity to grow stronger spiritually.
James 2:14
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
James 2:20
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
James 2:22
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
James 2:24
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
The series of verses on the relation between faith and works perfectly explains how Christian faith should manifest in works. The works show the quality and genuineness of the faith held. The missing verses in between the ones quoted contain examples to prove the point James aimed to make.
James 3:4-6
“Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
James’s thesis on the tongue is powerful and timeless. It shows the universal challenge people struggle with in all cultures, controlling what we say.”
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
This principle that James highlights is evident in the lives of many Bible characters. It represents a universal principle that opposes the human tendency to seek self-interest.”
James 5:1-3
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”
These harsh words are striking. It serves as a warning against the rich who tend to find their security in their finances, rather than in God. Shortly after these verses, James alludes to the exploitive means by which some of the rich attain their gains. He is calling for social justice in giving each their fair share. He points out that earthly riches do not translate to heavenly wealth. It is, therefore, a bad investment that does not transcend this life.
Contemporary Significance
The Book of James is one of the most relevant epistles in the Bible for contemporary people. It addresses many timeless issues. Some deal with matters of theology and others with practical Christian living. His explanation of the interplay between faith and works corrects the theology of anyone who may claim that works have no role in salvation while showing that the works, while not adding merit, show the quality and genuineness of the faith.
The epistle deals with practical matters such as the dangers of exploitation and the importance of social justice in treating employees. It also addresses speech and discourages utterances that may offend and spread hate and discontent. The epistle offers encouragement in times of challenges and trials, explaining that the right mindset toward these realities in life influences whether we consider them a blessing or not.
