James

The writer of this letter is James, the half-brother of Jesus Whom He made a special appearance after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7), the other being Jude who also wrote a short letter bearing his name. Remarkably, James became a leader of the Jerusalem council and was recognized as one of the pillars of the early church, along with Peter and John. Interestingly, the thrusts of their epistles focused on faith (James), hope (Peter), and love (John).

Some early reformers were skeptical of this book in the canon of Scripture; Martin Luther even coined it the 'epistle of straw'! Though the letter of James suffered much misunderstanding and malignity for its apparent emphasis on works in contrast to Paul's stand on justification by faith, diligent students will no doubt detect faint traces of Jesus' teachings resonating from James' words. John Burns of Criswell College pointed out that 'the underlying structure of James' theology is the wisdom of Jesus, as our Lord, the Savior taught it and lived it.'

The book of James is practical in nature and has been regarded by many as the handbook of faith and spirituality in the world and the workplace. One can almost see the veiled reference to Jesus in His exemplary life from every argument, advice and application that James made in his letter.

Indeed, James is not contradicting Paul on salvation by works. Rather, he is stating the fact that a real saving faith is also an active faith—one that is authentic and applicable in every area and aspect of a believer's daily life. His challenge is still as valid and relevant today:

2:18 Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

OUTLINE OF JAMES

1. The Test of Faith (1:1-18)
a. Benefits of Trials (1:1-12)
b. Source of Temptations (1:13-18)
2. The Traits of Faith (1:19-4:17)
a. Swift to Hear (1:19-2:26)
Hearing versus Doing
Partiality versus Integrity
Dead Faith versus Active Faith
b. Slow to Speak (3:1-18)
Faith and the Tongue
Wisdom and the Tongue
c. Slow to Anger (4:1-17)
Replacing Anger with Humility
Replacing Criticism with Justice
3. The Triumph of Faith (5:1-20)
a. Condemnation of the Unjust Rich (5:1-6)
b. Comfort of the Saints in Sufferings (5:7-12)
c. Command to Pray in Faith (5:13-20)