General Epistles · New Testament
James
c. AD 44–49
- Section
- General Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 44–49
- Written
- c. AD 45 critical view: c. AD 80–90
- Author
- James, the brother of Jesus critical view: Anonymous or later, attributed to James
James, likely the brother of Jesus, writes practical wisdom for everyday faith. He insists that genuine faith shows itself in works — in enduring trials, taming the tongue, caring for the poor, and resisting favoritism and worldliness — and calls believers to pray in faith.
Key themes
- Faith that works
- Trials and perseverance
- Taming the tongue
- Wisdom from above
- Caring for the poor
The letter's message
- Count trials as joy, for testing produces perseverance; ask God for wisdom
- "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only"
- Do not show favoritism to the rich over the poor
- Faith without works is dead; true faith proves itself in action
- The tongue is a small member that kindles great fires; seek the wisdom from above
- Submit to God, resist the devil, and do not boast about tomorrow
- Be patient until the Lord comes; the prayer of faith is powerful
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”