This is an early letter written by James, the brother of Jesus, who was the leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem. He is mentioned by Josephus, a famous Jewish historian, so we have no doubt of his existence and his relationship to Jesus. It may have been composed as early as 48 A.D. James is the first of seven letters (James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude) called general epistles because they are for a general audience, not for a specific church.  Contrast these with the letters sent to particular churches–1 and 2 Corinthians, for example. James has been called the Proverbs of the New Testament as the author focuses on the practices of a Christian as opposed to the beliefs of a Christian. In the letter are all sorts of practical advice regarding anger, boasting, patience, and prayer.

Some questions to consider: Does this seem more like a letter or a sermon? Many see 1:22 as the key for the overall theme. Do you agree? See 4:13-5:4. What does James attack? No other letter of the New Testament has as many references to the teachings of Jesus as James does. He often uses phrases and ideas from Jesus. See the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) or Luke’s Sermon on the Plain (chapter 6). Where do you see echoes of these in James? Where do you see echoes of Proverbs in James? How would you describe his tone (emotional attitude)—warm? witty? sarcastic? impersonal? shocked?