Page 114 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Occasion and Purpose

Occasion Purpose

(1) Relational tension between rich and poor (1) To call to a proper perspective on riches, to true
believers leading to favoritism, quarreling, and religion of caring for the needy, to love of one’s
slander (2:1-4; 3:14-16; 4:1-12) neighbor, to control of one’s speech, and to peaceable
relations (1:9-11, 26-27; 2:5-13; 3:1-12; 3:17-18; )
(2) Cold orthodoxy that professed faith, but (2) To exhort to practical good works that prove faith
was void of works (1:19-25; 2:14-20) (2:21-26)
(3) Trials of various kinds (1:2) including (3) To urge steadfastness in the midst of trials and
economic exploitation by rich landlords (5:1-6) patience to wait for the Lord’s return and vindication
(1:3-4, 12-18; 5:7-11)

Structure
the letter of James has an opening (Jas 1:1) and a body (1:2–5:20), but lacks the standard closing like
what we see with Paul. There are some difficulties organizing the book of James into a standard outline
because the writer repeatedly swings from one set of issues to another. The letter bears some
similarities to Proverbs and other Wisdom Literature. It is called the proverbs of the New Testament.

The body of the letter begins with a call for the readers to remain faithful in the trials they are
experiencing (1:2–18). Then James offers them practical guidance for living out their faith (1:19–3:12). In
particular, he is concerned about believers neglecting to care for the impoverished (2:1–13), failing to
take action (2:14–26), and speaking carelessly (3:1–12). The next large section of the letter (3:13–5:6)
deals with wisdom in action. The wise are not arrogant, boastful, and ambitious, but rather pure,
humble, and peaceful. Finally, James counsels his readers to be patient in their suffering and to rely on
God and each other (5:7–20). 152

Overarching theme: wholeness or maturity. Key verse: 1:4 (cf. 2:22; 3:2)

The mature or complete person is:
Enduring in temptation Rich in Faith Wise Submissive Patient in trials
(1:12) (2:5) (3:13) (4:7) (5:7, 8)
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5
Temptation’s working Fulfillment of love Wisdom’s Selfish ambition Absence of patience
(1:2-12) (2:1-13: motives) works (4:1-5) (5:1-6: anxiety)
(completeness) Fulfillment of (3:1-12: Submission to Motivation to patience
Temptation’s works speech) God (5:7-11: the Lord’s
conception (1:13-18) (2:14-26: actions) Wisdom’s fruit (4:6-17) coming)
(death) (3:13-18: Application of patience
Temptation’s solution peace) (5:12-20: prayer)
(1:19-27) (obedience)

152 Barry, J. D., et al.
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