Topical Bible: James: An Apostle: Epistle of

◄ James: An Apostle: Epistle of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Epistle of James, traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus, is a significant text within the New Testament canon. James, often referred to as "James the Just," was a prominent leader in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. His epistle is addressed to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" (James 1:1), indicating its intended audience among Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine.

Authorship and Date

The authorship of the Epistle of James has been a subject of scholarly discussion, but traditional Christian belief holds that it was written by James, the brother of Jesus. This James is distinct from James the son of Zebedee, one of the Twelve Apostles, who was martyred early in the history of the church (Acts 12:2). The epistle is believed to have been written between AD 44 and AD 62, prior to James's martyrdom.

Themes and Theology

The Epistle of James is renowned for its practical approach to Christian living, emphasizing the necessity of living out one's faith through actions. A central theme is the relationship between faith and works. James asserts, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). This statement underscores the epistle's focus on the manifestation of genuine faith through righteous deeds.

James also addresses issues of social justice, urging believers to care for the poor and marginalized. He writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world" (James 1:27). This reflects a deep concern for ethical conduct and compassion within the Christian community.

Wisdom Literature

The epistle is often compared to wisdom literature, akin to the Proverbs of the Old Testament. James provides practical guidance on various aspects of life, including controlling the tongue, resisting temptation, and seeking divine wisdom. He advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Trials and Perseverance

James addresses the reality of trials and suffering, encouraging believers to view them as opportunities for spiritual growth. He writes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). This perspective is intended to fortify the faith of believers facing persecution and hardship.

Prayer and Healing

The epistle concludes with an emphasis on the power of prayer, particularly in the context of healing and community support. James exhorts, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). This passage highlights the communal and intercessory nature of prayer within the early church.

Conclusion

The Epistle of James remains a vital text for understanding the ethical and practical dimensions of the Christian faith. Its teachings continue to challenge and inspire believers to live out their faith with integrity and compassion, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in everyday life.

Nave's Topical Index

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The General Epistle of James
... We have no reason to attribute the Epistle to the Apostle James "the Little." He
does not seem to have been of sufficient prominence to write an authoritative ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xx the general epistle.htm

The General Epistle of James
... brother. We conclude, therefore, that James, the brother of the Lord and
the author of this Epistle, was not an apostle. There are ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

The General Epistle of Jude
... If the Apostle was the brother of James (as the ... the names of these two men as Zocer
and James. The Epistle was known to Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxiv the general epistle.htm

A Dissertation on the True and Genuine Sense of the Seventh ...
... BY JAMES ARMINIUS, DD. ... concerning the meaning of the seventh chapter of the epistle
to the ... to the end of the chapter, is this: "Does the apostle there treat of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/a dissertation on the true.htm

The General Epistle of Jude
... Didymus of Alexandria defends the Epistle against those who questioned ... of Jesus Christ,
and brother of James." There are ... 55; Mk.6:3, and Jude the apostle, Lk.6 ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of jude.htm

Introduction
... Neander himself formerly held, [1] with many other distinguished critics, that this
epistle was written by the Apostle James, the son of Alpheus and of Mary ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/introduction.htm

Introduction
... THE epistle of St ... as it was fortunate, that the church came to read James, a servant
of God and the Lord Jesus Christ,' as an allusion to James the apostle. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/introduction.htm

James iv. 1, 2
... in the seventh chapter of his Epistle to the ... But James purposely, without doubt,
selects the very strongest ... And the Apostle John says: "Whosoever hateth his ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james iv 1 2.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
... The Epistle closes with some plain words which the apostle wrote with ... James, Cephas,
and John were most friendly to Paul and Barnabas, agreeing that they ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xii the epistle of.htm

The First General Epistle of Peter
... in this Epistle, we refer to what Mayor says regarding James, cf. ... It is also possible,
however, that the Greek of this Epistle is not that of the apostle. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first general epistle of.htm