James the son of Zebedee died in AD 44, too early to have been the author. A number of New Testament personalities were named James, but only three are candidates for the authorship of this book. Although James contains wisdom elements, such as comparing the wisdom of the world with the wisdom that comes from God, it also contains exhortations and prophetic elements that aren’t common to wisdom literature. The Book of James has also been compared to Old Testament wisdom literature. The Book of James is a letter (an epistle), though only the greeting conforms to the ancient Greek form exemplified in Paul’s letters, especially Galatians. Another theme of the epistle is ethics, especially social justice (see 2:1-13 4:1-12 5:1-12). The theme of faith in action is also important (see 1:19-27 2:14-26) James demonstrated that faith that doesn’t express itself in good works is useless.
Wisdom is also needed to avoid internal conflicts that create dissension within congregations (see 3:13-18 4:1-12). Wisdom is required for proper speech in worship and for determining who ought to teach (see 1:19-27 3:1-8). The solutions he named reflected the wisdom from above that comes from “the Father of lights” (1:17), who generously gives wisdom to those who ask for it. James addressed these issues primarily through the application of principles defined by the Old Testament wisdom tradition. Internally, it appears that dissension was caused by a lack of self-control (see 1:13-17) uncontrolled speech and false teachings that led to a misunderstanding of true religion (see 1:19-27 2:1-4 3:1-8), favoritism toward the wealthy (see 2:1-13), and selfish ambition that opened the door to murder and criticism (see 4:1-12). It doesn’t appear that the oppression was religious in nature. Oppression of various sorts exerted by wealthy landowners. Externally, they were facing trials (see 1:2), There’s an obvious concern to address internal and external difficulties that Jewish Christian congregations faced. Message and PurposeĪs a general epistle, James was addressed to a broad audience (Jewish Christians) rather than a specific audience (for example, Christians at Ephesus only). James is known for being extremely practical, yet it contains some of the most profound theological truths in the New Testament. Like Jesus’ teachings, the Book of James is a source of both exhortation and comfort, reproof and encouragement. James also mirrors the sometimes harsh denunciations Jesus spoke against religious hypocrisy. James has a strong ethical emphasis that’s consistent with the moral teachings Jesus gave to His disciples. The Book of James is also a wonderful companion piece to Jesus’ teachings as recorded in the four Gospels.
We don’t work to be saved we work because we are saved. We would never be able to see above the trials we meet and to keep our eyes focused on the King while counting our trials as joy. Without faith we could never find the strength to trust God. In our own ability, we cannot stand in the face of adversity. The Book of James is filled with practical wisdom for Christians, calling us to live out genuine faith through good works.
0 kommentar(er)
