James— Faith in Action!
5.31.23
Even so faith, if it has not works is dead, being along (James 2:17).
“What a difference there is between the long, rhetorical epistle to the Hebrews and this short, staccato epistle of James! And how intriguing is the subtle miracle by which supernatural inspiration blends itself with the differing mentalities of our New Testament writers, suffusing yet never suppressing the traits of human personality.” [J. S. Baxter]
The James who is the author of this book is the half-brother of the Lord Jesus. Paul refers to him as the Lord’s brother (Gal 1:19). He came to know Jesus as Savior at about the time of the Resurrection (1 Co 15:7). He was a leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; 15:13-21; 21:18). In this position, he would feel a need to care for all of the Jewish believers scattered everywhere. They in turn would be looking to Jerusalem for their guidance and instruction.
He certainly knew his OT, for in the 108 verses in this little book, there are references or allusions to 22 books of the OT. He also knew the Savior, for there are at least 15 allusions to Jesus’ teachings, most of them to the Sermon on the Mount. His style is similar to that of Proverbs and Amos—clear and straight to the point. Josephus says that James was martyred for his faith by being stoned to death in AD 62.
This is most likely the earliest of the NT books. The content indicates that it was written before any of Paul’s missionary journeys and before the Jerusalem Council (AD 49). The word used for the meeting place for the believers is ‘synagogue’ (2:2), which would indicate that the church was still predominately Jewish.
The theme of the book, as noted is ‘Faith in Action.’ James was writing to the dispersed Jewish converts (1:1). They had heard the Word at Pentecost in Jerusalem, and then gone back to their homes to share the good news. Others had been scattered after the stoning of Stephen. Many of them were in distress—persecutions, unjust treatment by the rich and physical afflictions. James wrote to guide and encourage them in their trials and difficulties.
Some misunderstood the Gospel, thinking that faith without any works was enough to satisfy the Lord. James dealt with practical Christian living, manifested in good works, in contrast to mere profession of faith. In essence, James asks— “if you say you believe as you should, why don’t you live as you should?” The radical change that had taken place in his own life was something that he desired for his brethren. The book is refreshingly practical.
There is an imaginary doctrinal conflict between James and Paul. Because he was dealing with the Judaizers, Paul laid stress on justification by faith alone, apart from the deeds of the Law. However, when we compare Paul’s epistle to Titus with the book of James, we see a perfect harmony of emphasis upon a belief that displays itself in good works. We are saved by faith in Christ alone, but the new life we receive in Christ will manifest itself in good works.
James is the most ‘Jewish’ book in the NT. Christ is seen in the epistle, not so much in its subject matter as in its spirit. The Lord Jesus is specifically referred to in 1:1, 2:1, 5:7, 8.
“It is difficult to read this epistle without coming under conviction of personal failure and shortcoming. James has great skill in getting at the conscience and translating Christianity into the practical everyday thing it is intended to be. This is the book by which we might well measure our lives.” [John Phillips]