The Epistle of James

As found in our modern bible, the single epistle of James is broken into five chapters. As a circulating letter it was intended to be forwarded to several churches. The epistle does not quote from any known works, and is written at a time when the Jewish church is experiencing persecution. The issues that it relates all reflect an early date, when members of the way are struggling intensely with fellow Jews. The author calls himself Jacob (James in English), the name of Jesus’ brother, the leader of the Jerusalem church. Christians are meeting in “synagogues” and the only clergy mentioned are teachers and elders. The epistle gives instruction on a number of subjects. They are:

Chapter 1 – Blessed Slavery, Perfecting Faith, Simplicity and Duplicity, Fading Riches, Source of Temptations, Heavenly Gifts, Hearing and Speaking, Doers and Hearers, Being Religious

Chapter 2 – Giving Respect, Wealth and the Kingdom, New Law, Faithful Works, Barren Works, Teachers Beware.

Chapter 3 – Taming the Tongue, Wisdom Above and Below.

Chapter 4 – Friendship With the World, Standing Ground, Exalted in Humility, Judging Your Neighbor, Presumption and God’s Will, Defining Sin.

Chapter 5 – Earthly Riches, Patience for His Presence, Brotherly Patience, Oaths and Judgment, Praying for the Sick, Prayers of the Righteous, Turning a Sinner. .