INTRODUCTION
James, the Lord's bro, opposed Christ in his ministry (Joh
7:5). Christ appeared to him after resurrection (1Co 15:7), and he was
associated with ecclesia in Jerusalem from beginning (Act 1:14) -- soon rising
to prominence therein (Gal 1:19; 2:12). Peter reported to James when released
from prison (Act 12:17). The bre appointed him chairman of the Jerusalem
conference (Act 15); Paul acted on his advice (Act 21:18). James was executed by
Ananias the High Priest and the Sanhedrin (Jos Ant 20:9:1), being hurled from
pinnacle of Temple and then clubbed to death.
Date of writing: Possibly as early as 45-53 AD, when Jewish
Christians were still associated with Temple worship, though they were under
some pressure.
Summary by chapter:
- Faith can triumph over trials.
- Faith can conquer partiality and
snobbery.
- Faith can govern the tongue.
- Faith can purify
character.
- Faith can develop patience in
adversity.
Outline:
- Trials and temptation: Jam 1:1-18
- Faith in action: Jam 1:19
- 5:12
- Hearing and doing what is right: Jam 1:19-27
- Favoritism
forbidden: Jam 2:1-13
- Faith without works is dead: Jam
2:14-26
- Taming the tongue: Jam 3:1-12
- Submitting to God and
his wisdom: Jam 3:13 - 4:17
- Warning to rich: Jam
5:1-6
- Perseverance in suffering: Jam 5:7-11
- The
effectiveness of the prayer of faith: Jam 5:13-20
- The prayer of faith: Jam 5:13-20.
*****