The Book of James | Bible Book Summary of James

Contents

Introduction

The Book of James is the twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible. It is the most influential Jewish book in the New Testament. James is also called James the Just. James is one of the difficult books of the Bible. For centuries it has been a book of dispute because it seems to contradict the Pauline epistles.

The Protestant reformer Martin Luther so hated the teachings and reckoned contradictions of James to the Pauline epistles, that he said he wished he could light his stove with it. Luther concluded thereby that the Book of James was a “straw epistle” because of its teaching on faith and works.

A thorough study of the Book of James will show that there is no contradiction. Paul describes justification before God, but James describes justification before men. The Book of James was written to help us understand and attain spiritual maturity (James 4). This epistle teaches about Christian living.

The Book of James is challenging and highly practical. The main goal of this book is to help Christians live faithfully as followers of Jesus. This epistle is filled with exhortations and encourages Christians to live a godly life. Sometimes the Book of James has been called “the Proverbs of the New Testament.”

Vital Statistics

I. Author

The author of this book is James, Jesus’ half-brother (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). He was the brother of Jude, who wrote the book of Jude. James was not a believer (John 7:3-5) before the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7). Later he became the head of the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:9).

II. Date Written

The Book of James was written probably between 45 and 49 A.D. before the Jerusalem council held in 50 A.D. This epistle is possibly written after the martyr of Stephen (Acts 7; 31-34 A.D.). Most likely, the Book of James might have written due to the persecution under Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12; 44 A.D.).

III. Purpose of Writing

The purpose of this letter is to exhort Jewish Christians to maturity and holiness of life and to strengthen faith and loyalty. The Book of James teaches the right Christian behavior. James’ teachings emphasize the works that exemplify the justification. James was writing to Jews to uplift them to continue growing in this new Christian faith.

IV. To Whom Written

The Book of James was written to the Jewish Christians residing in Gentile communities (James 1:1). They were scattered abroad by the persecution that arose following the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1-4, Acts 11:19).

V. Key Words

Perfect – James 1:4, James 1:17, James 1:25, James 2:22, James 3:2
Sin/Sins – James 1:15, James 2:9, James 4:17, James 5:15, James 5:20
Rich/Riches – James 1:10, James 1:11, James 2:5, James 2:6, James 5:1, James 5:2
Faith – James 1:3, James 1:6, James 2:1, James 2:5, James 2:14, James 2:17, James 2:18, James 2:20, James 2:22, James 2:24, James 2:26, James 5:15
Believe/Believed – James 2:19, James 2:23
Works – James 2:14, James 2:17, James 2:18, James 2:20, James 2:21, James 2:22, James 2:24, James 2:25, James 2:26, James 3:13
Judge/Judges – James 2:4, James 4:11, James 5:9
Law – James 1:25, James 2:8, James 2:9, James 2:10, James 2:11, James 2:12, James 4:11
Say – James 1:13, James 2:3, James 2:14, James 2:16, James 2:18, James 4:13, James 4:15
Bless/Blessed/Blessing – James 1:12, James 1:25, James 3:9, James 3:10
Firstfruits/Fruit – James 1:18, James 3:17, James 3:18, James 5:7, James 5:18
Patience – James 1:3, James 1:4, James 5:7, James 1:10, James 5:11
Wisdom – James 1:5, James 3:13, James 3:15, James 3:17
Temptation – James 1:12
Lust – James 1:14, James 1:15, James 4:2
Brethren – James 1:2, James 1:16, James 1:19, James 2:1, James 2:5, James 2:14, James 3:1, James 3:10, James 3:12, James 4:11, James 5:7, James 5:9, James 5:10, James 5:12, James 5:19
Word – James 1:18, James 1:21, James 1:22, James 1:23, James 3:2
Faith – James 2:14, James 2:17, James 2:18, James 2:20, James 2:22, James 2:24, James 2:26, James 5:15
Justified – James 2:21, James 2:24, James 2:25
Judgment – James 2:6, James 2:13
Mercy – James 2:13, James 3:17, James 5:11
Tongue – James 1:26, James 3:5, James 3:6, James 3:8
Prayer – James 5:13, James 5:14, James 5:15, James 5:16

VI. Setting

The Book of James demonstrates James’ concern for persecuted Christians. This epistle is Jewish, and it focuses on persecution and poverty. The author has a Jewish background because he uses Jewish terms (James 5:4– “the Lord of Sabaoth”). Furthermore, the Book of James contains allusions to the Old Testament and the Sermon on the Mount.

Theme

The Book of James talks about wisdom. So the central theme of the epistle is wisdom. James stresses that genuine faith will certainly produce good works. Furthermore, the Book of James sounds much like Solomon’s Proverbs because he uses Jewish wisdom literature.

Key Themes

I. Living Faith

James wants believers to be a doer of the word and not a hearer only (James 1:19-27). He continually reminds us to put our faith into works. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Furthermore, in the Book of James, the author stresses the significance of putting the word into action and understand the faith and works relationship.

II. Trials

The Book of James talks about enduring trials and temptations. There are trials and temptations in the Christian life. By successfully overcoming these afflictions, it produces spiritual maturity and strong character. We need to pray for wisdom. God will keep us safe in times of trial.

III. Law of Love

The Book of James talks about the manifestation of God’s love by treating people equally. We are to love those around us. Jesus taught us a special command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mark 12:31).

IV. Wealth

In the Book of James, the author taught Christians must not show partiality to the rich, nor be prejudiced against the poor. The differences between the “humble” and the rich when viewed from the perspective of spiritual realities (James 1:9-11).

V. Godly Speech

In the Book of James, the author is particularly concerned with godly speech. We are accountable for the disastrous results of our talk. James lays out some principles for godly speech:

Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19).
If anyone thinks he is religious and has no control over his tongue is worthless (James 1:26).
Proper speech is saying the right words at the right time (James 3:2-3).
Our speech should not be violent and destructive (James 3:9-12).
Those who speak evil against one another are violating God’s law (James 4:11-12).
Always be honest should not swear, that is, take oaths, by the created things (James 5:12).

VI. Good Works

James put heavy emphasis on faith and works. He gives two important examples of faith that was expressed in action:

Abraham demonstrated his faith by obeying God (James 2:21-24).
Rahab’s faith motivated her to put her own life at risk as she hid the spies who were God’s people and helped to escape (James 2:25).

VII. Wisdom

True wisdom is the key to controlling the tongue (James 3:13-18). Wisdom leads to peace and goodness. God is the source of wisdom.

VIII. Favoritism

Showing favoritism is sin and hypocritical. It goes against the biblical definition of love. We must treat all people as we would want to be treated (James 2:8-9).

Key Verses

I. James 1:2-3 (KJV)

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

II. James 1:12 (KJV)

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

III. James 1:19 (KJV)

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

IV. James 1:22 (KJV)

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

V. James 2:12-13 (KJV)

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

VI. James 2:17-18 (KJV)

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

VII. James 2:20 (KJV)

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

VIII. James 3:5 (KJV)

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

IX. James 3:17-18 (KJV)

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

X. James 4:17 (KJV)

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

XI. James 5:11 (KJV)

“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”

XII. James 5:16 (KJV)

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Outline of The Book of James

I. Greeting – James 1:1

II. Enduring Trials And Testings With Faith And Wisdom – James 1:2-18

A. Christians will experience trials and Christians must rejoice over various trials (James 1:2)

B. Our trials try our patience and make us perfect (James 1:3-4)

C. Asking for divine wisdom from God to overcome trials (James 1:5)

D. Christians must have trusting faith in God to receive the gift of divine wisdom (James 1:6-8)

E. The poor are exalted in Christ, while the rich are humbled (James 1:9-11)

F. Christians will be given a crown of life because of their faithful endurance (James 1:12)

G. Our temptations do not come from God, they come from our selfish desires (James 1:13-14)

H. Punishment for any person who is overcome by his temptations (James 1:15)

I. Christians should not err from the truth of God (James 1:16)

J. Christians can receive the spiritual blessings of God, and He gave us the new birth as His children (James 1:17-18)

III. Listening And Doing The Word – James 1:19-27

A. Christians should control their speech because the anger of man does not promote the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20)

B. Lay aside all filthiness and the superfluity of naughtiness and the word of God has the power to save our souls (James 1:21)

C. We must become “doers of the word, and not hearers only,” and obey the word of God (James 1:22-25)

D. Christians must control their language and keep themselves separated from the world (James 1:26-27)

IV. Showing Favoritism – James 2:1-7

A. Prohibition of Favoritism (James 2:1)

B. Favoritism is condemned. We should not favor the rich and despise the poor (James 2:2-4)

C. The punishments for showing partiality. If Christians show partiality, they would be persecuted by evil men (James 2:5-7)

V. The Royal Law – James 2:8-13

A. Fulfilling the “royal law” (James 2:8)

B. Violation of the “royal law” (James 2:9-11)

C. Reasons for fulfilling the “royal law” (James 2:12-13)

VI. Faith And Works – James 2:14-26

A. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17)

B. The uselessness of dead faith (James 2:18-20)

C. Examples of the heroes of our faith (James 2:21-26)

1. Abraham was justified by a working faith (James 2:21-24)

2. Rahab, the harlot, was justified by a working faith (James 2:25)

3. The necessary union of faith and works (James 2:26)

VII. Controlling The Tongue – James 3:1-12

A. Many should not become teachers (James 3:1-2)

B. The Necessity of controlling the tongue (James 3:3-6)

C. We can tame every kind of animals (James 3:7)

D. We cannot tame the tongue (James 3:8)

E. The inconsistencies of the uncontrolled tongue (James 3:9-12)

VIII. Genuine Wisdom – James 3:13-18

A. Proof of true wisdom (James 3:13)

B. Earthly wisdom in the control of the tongue (James 3:14-16)

C. The qualities and blessings of heavenly wisdom (James 3:17-18)

IX. Worldliness – James 4:1-10

A. The causes of worldliness (James 4:1-3)

B. The effect of worldliness and the evils condemned (James 4:4-6)

C. The remedy for worldliness (James 4:7-10)

X. Warning Against Speaking Evil Of Brothers – James 4:11-12

XI. Making Future Plans – James 4:13-17

A.Boasting about the future (James 4:13)

B. The rebukes for a boasting attitude (James 4:14)

C. Consider the will of God in making plans (James 4:15)

D. Boasting is evil (James 4:16-17)

XII. An Admonition Against The Rich – James 5:1-6

XIII. The Value Of Our Patience – James 5:7-11

A. Patiently await the Lord’s Coming (James 5:7-8)

B. The reasons for our patience (James 5:9)

C. The motivations and the effects of our patience (James 5:10-11)

XIV. Don’t Swear And Be A Trustworthy Person – James 5:12

XV. Effectual Prayer – James 5:13-18

XVI. Restoring The Erring Saints – James 5:19-20

Jesus And James

There are numerous similarities between James’ teachings and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Sermon on the Mount talks about the wisdom of Jesus. James uses Jesus’ teachings and applies it practically. There are more parallels between the Book of James and Jesus’ teachings. The following chart shows that James’ teachings line up with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:

James’ teachings	Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount
Trials and Patience (James 1:2-4)	Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 5:48
Asking Wisdom And Doubt (James 1:5-8)	Matthew 7:7-8
Riches, Exaltation, and Humbleness (James 1:9-11)	Matthew 6:19-21
Gifts of God (James 1:12-18)	Matthew 7:11
Listening And Doing The Word (James 1:19-27)	Matthew 5:22, Matthew 7:21-27
Judging others (James 2:1-13)	Matthew 5:3, Matthew 5:5, Matthew 5:7, Matthew 5:19-22
Faith & Works (James 2:14-26)	Matthew 7:21-23
Controlling The Tongue (James 3:1-12)	Matthew 7:16
Wisdom From Above (James 3:13-18)	Matthew 5:5-9
Wordiness (James 4:1-10)	Matthew 5:4, Matthew 5:8,Matthew 6:7-8, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 7:7-8
Defamation (James 4:11-12)	Matthew 5:21-22, Matthew 7:1
Trusting The Will of God (James 4:13-17)	Matthew 6:25-34
The Rich (James 5:1-6)	Matthew 6:19-21
Having Patience (James 5:7-11)	Matthew 5:11-12
Swearing (James 5:12)	Matthew 5:33-37
Fervent Prayer (James 5:13-18)	Matthew 6:12-15, Matthew 7:7-11

Brief Summary

In the Book of James, the author begins his epistle, outlining some general characteristics of the Christian life (James 1:1-27). Next, he exhorts Christians to act justly in society (James 2:1-13). He follows this practical advice on the relationship between faith and works (James 2:14-26). Then James shows the importance of controlling one’s speech (James 3:1-12). In James 3:13-18, James distinguishes two kinds of wisdom, earthly and heavenly. Then he encourages his readers to turn from evil desires and obey God (James 4:1-12). Furthermore, in the Book of James, the author reproves those who trust in their plans and possessions (James 4:13-5:6). Finally, James admonishes his readers to be patient with each other (James 5:7-11), to be honest in their promises (James 5:12), to pray for each other (James 5:13-18), and to help one another remain faithful to God (James 5:19-20).

14 Powerful Life Lessons From The Book of James

I. Trials

In the Book of James, we see the author calls us to rejoice in our suffering (James 1:2). Trials serve God’s purpose in our lives by allowing us to turn what we believe into action. When we have gone through trials, we’ve become stronger after that. God is trying to prepare us and make us fit for rewards that will last forever (James 1:12). Suffering makes a man mature.

II. Temptation

In the Book of James, James calls us to Resist Temptation. Temptation comes from evil desires within, not from God. God tests us, but he does not tempt us by trying to seduce us into sin. He allows Satan to tempt us, however, to refine our faith and to grow in our dependence upon Christ. We can resist the temptation by turning to God for strength and determining to obey his word (James 1:13-15).

III. Speaking

Be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19).

IV. Doing God’s word

We should be doers of the word and not only hearers of it (James 1:22).

V. Partiality

From the Book of James, we see it is wrong to show partiality to the rich. We should avoid partiality to the rich. We must show love and faith without partiality (James 2:1-13).

VI. Mercy

The Book of James teaches mercy. We should be merciful to others, as God is merciful to us (James 2:13).

VII. Good Works

We are called to do Christian service. In the Book of James, the author emphasizes to demonstrate our faith by doing good works (James 2:14-26).

VIII. Sound Speech

James stresses the necessity of controlling the tongue. The Book of James teaches us to have a sound speech (James 3:1-12). Our speech should be proper, and it should not be destructive. When our speech is motivated by Satan, it is full of jealousy, selfishness, and evil.

IX. Godly wisdom

In the Book of James, the author calls us to pursue Godly wisdom. We should choose God’s wisdom, which is and let what resides in your heart be pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, full of good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy (James 3:17).

X. Submission to God

We are to submit ourselves to God so that we might escape the flesh (James 4:1-3), the world (James 4:4-5), and the devil (James 4:6-7).

XI. Be Humble

We are to humble ourselves in the eyes of God, and He will exalt us (James 4:10). God resists the men of pride men and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

XII. Trusting God

Trust God in making plans (James 4:13-17). If we put God’s will at the center of our planning, he will never disappoint us. Follow the will of God.

XIII. Patience

In the Book of James, the author calls us to be patient in suffering (James 5:11).

XIV. Supplication

We need to pray to God when we are sad, mad, happy, unhappy, hurt, pleased, or displeased. Confess our faults to a Bible-believing friend and ask for prayer (James 5:16).

Conclusion

The Book of James is small and it is full of wisdom. This book contains so many truths that readers should know. James’ entire letter emphasis Christians to live a moral life, with holiness and obedience to the word of God. Furthermore, the Book of James stresses patience, truthfulness, and loving others. We are told to listen to God’s word and follow his will. Do a Christian service and seek God’s wisdom for peace and goodness.