The Book of James

James is classified as a "general letter" because it was originally addressed to a wider audience than a single church. As leader of the Jerusalem church, James was writing as a pastor to encourage and instruct his people.


James wrote this letter to encourage Jewish Christians who were suffering opposition and experiencing various difficulties that were testing their faith, to correct wrong ideas about the nature of true saving faith in Christ and to challenge, encourage an instruct the readers about the practical aspects of faith in action, which involves right living and good works.


This letter covers a wide variety of topics related to living a genuine Christian life. James urges believers to endure their difficult situations joyfully and to view them as opportunities to grow spiritually. He encourages believers  to resits temptations. He challenges them not only to hear God's Word, but also to put into practice and to live out their active faith, rather than presenting as empty claim of belief in Christ. He warns about the dangers of an unruly tongue, worldly wisdom, selfish behavior, presumptuous living, and self-centered wealth. James concludes with an emphasis on patience, prayer and helping wayward believers to renew their faith in Christ.


Throughout the five chapters, there is a strong emphasis on the relationship between true faith and practical godly living. Genuine faith is a tested faith, an active faith and a loving faith. It reveals itself in good works, a controlled tongue and the pursuits of God's wisdom. True faith in Jesus Christ submits to God as the ultimate judge and trusts God in daily living. It is not self-centered or self-indulgent, but it is patient in suffering and diligent in prayer.


Five major features characterize this letter: 1. It is most likely the first book written in the New Testament. 2. It contains only two references to Christ by name. Yet, there are more points and subjects that reflect back to Jesus' teachings in this letter, including at least 15 implied references to the Sermon on the Mount, than in all other New Testament letters combined. 3. More than half of its 108 verses are imperatives, or commands. 4. In many ways, it is the Proverbs of the New Testament. 5. More than any other New Testament book, it emphasizes the necessary relation between faith and works - belief and behavior.