James

Overview

Author:

James, the brother of Jesus

Rose to position of prominence in church at Jerusalem ()

Known as “James the Just”; known for the amount of time he spent in prayer

Died in AD 62- martyred. Thrown from the temple wall, stoned and beaten to death

Time period:

Around AD 49

Earliest writing of the NT

Audience:

Jewish Christians enduring persecution

Earliest days of the church

Familiar with Old Testament writing and imagery

Style:

Written like the OT Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon)

Many exhortations- 54 direct calls to obedience

Tone is that of authority, commanding respect

Why:

To show how to live the life of godliness in practical, everyday ways

Answers the question, “What does genuine faith look like?”

Culture: