Book introduction
The book of James
James is practical wisdom for believers. It covers trials, temptation, the tongue, favoritism, wealth, and prayer. Its best-known line: faith without works is dead.
Who wrote James?
Traditionally James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church. Some scholars think a later writer used his name.
When was it written?
Before AD 62 if by James, possibly one of the earliest New Testament books.
Main themes
- Trials grow faith
- Count it joy when testing comes.
- Faith that works
- Real faith shows in what you do.
- Watch your words
- The tongue is small and sets fires.
Outline of James
Key verses
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let that person ask God for it. He gives to everyone freely and without scolding, and wisdom will be given to them.
But be people who act on the word. If you only hear it, you deceive yourselves.
So it is with faith as well: if it has no works, it is dead on its own.
Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Five short chapters. Read one a day.
How well do you know James?
Ten questions on the book of James, from “James says to think of it as complete joy when you run into what?” on. Each answer shows its verse.
Ask about this book
Questions about James?
Lumin answers in a few sentences and shows each verse it cites in full.
Keep going
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