Page 124 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Study Section 13: The Book of James: Living with Integrity

13.1 Connect.

There is no middle ground, it’s either we act in wisdom or foolishness. Was there a time you
thought, spoke, or acted without wisdom (foolishly)? I bet you did, so did I, in many cases. You
will discover that we often find ourselves in foolishness when self comes first. Acting on the
Word of God and prayer drive away attention from self to God. To be specific, we can literally
ask for wisdom from God, and He certainly provides it without finding fault. Welcome to the
book of wisdom! Let’s begin…

13. 2 Objectives

1. The student shall be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the authors of James

2. The student shall be able to locate when and where the book was written.

3. The student shall be able to name the recipients of the book.

4. The student shall be able to describe the occasions under which the book was written.

5. The student shall be able to describe the themes and purposes of the book.
6. The student shall be able to explain the structures and outlines of the book.

7. The student shall be able to demonstrate mastery of the atmospheres at the time of the writing of the
book.

8. The student shall be able to name the key passages in the book.
9. The student shall be able to recite the key words in the book.

13.3 The Book of James

Author
Tradition holds that the James of this is James the brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3; Matt 13:55),
not one of the 12 disciples in the Gospels. However, Paul shows that James was identified
with the apostles (Gal 1:19; 2:9; compare Acts 15:13; 21:18). This could be that he saw the
resurrected Jesus (1 Cor 15:7), and his task to write doctrine, leading the main church in
Jerusalem, having the last word at the Jerusalem council where the matter of life and death (salvation in
Christ was being discussed), his standing among the Jews and other responsibilities he assumed would
befit an apostolic figure. The author says, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1a)
refers to the half-brother of Jesus (Gal 1:19) who became the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts
12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Gal 2:9, 12). Let’s examine further…

1. External Evidence: Eusebius claims the letter is generally attributed to James the Lord’s brother,
but that some dissent from this view (H.E., 3.25.3; 2.23.25).

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