Faith & Reason Nexus

AUTHOR: The authorship is uncertain, though some attribute it to Paul.

TIME WRITTEN: Between A.D. 64 and 68

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 59th Book in the Bible
• 20th Book in the New Testament
• 15th out of 21 Epistle Books (Romans to Jude)

CHAPTERS: 5
VERSES: 108
WORDS: 2,309

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT JAMES:

• James, the author, was the brother of the Lord (Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19) and a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church. He played a key role in the Jerusalem council described in Acts 15.
• According to historian Josephus, James was martyred in A.D. 62.
• The letter is addressed to Hebrew Christians living outside Palestine, specifically “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1).
• It may be one of the earliest New Testament writings and does not address the issues discussed in Acts 15.
• The Book of James contains about 15 indirect references to the Sermon on the Mount and is often considered the “Proverbs” of the New Testament.
• Key themes and terms in James:
• “Faith” is mentioned 12 times
• “Works” appears 13 times
• “Doer” is used 5 times
• James emphasizes the importance of faith demonstrated through actions:
• Faith without works is dead and ineffective.
• True faith must produce visible results and respond to God’s promises.
• Faith involves more than words or knowledge; it requires obedience and action.
• Faith helps control the tongue, choose heavenly wisdom, resist the devil, and wait patiently for the Lord’s return.