July 4, 2010- The Book of James

We started the Book of James today after our rather length study of apologetics and Lee Strobel's book The Case for Christ. The post for this series will always be available here online for easy reference if you need them, and you can always call or email me too if you have a question.

Who wrote the Book of James and when?

• Most scholars agree James was written by the brother of Jesus. There are 4 distinct characters named James in the New Testament:

1. The Disciple James, son of Zebedee and brother of John. He was martyred in 44 AD under Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2)
2. The Disciple James, son of Alphaeus. Mentioned three times in the New Testament always in a list of the 12 Disciples
3. James , brother of Jesus. One of four brothers of Jesus (James, Joseph, Simon and Judas) and presumed the eldest . Died in 62 AD and is mentioned by Josephus in the Antiquities of the Jews.
4. James, the father of the Apostle Jude (Acts 1:13)

The Letter of James is often referred to as the book on faith. James is not writing about how to become a Christian, but rather how one should act as a Christian.

The underlying theme of James in his letter to the church is real faith produces genuine works. Not to state genuine works are a requirement of salvation (legalism), a doctrine which Paul warns against. Demons know and believe in the power of God, but real, life-giving faith should produce momentum to do on behalf of Jesus Christ.

Next Week- James 1:1-12