The Book of James

The Book of James was written by James the Just who was believed to be the brother of Jesus. Not to be confused with the apostle James, who died before the Book of James was written. It is said he was the leader of the Jerusalem council. Jesus had several brothers, and it is believed James was the oldest. Though, early on James did not believe Jesus’ word, he later became extremely important in the church. The Book of James starts out teaching believers to test their faith. James 1:3-4 says because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. He tells us to put our faith into action, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”. He goes on to describe how without works, faith is ineffective. “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” (2:22) In order to show evidence of our faith in Jesus, we must do good works. James goes on to tell us we are all sinners, and that one sin is as bad as many. If you have broken one commandment, you have broken them all. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (2:10) He warns us about being quick to anger and that we need to stop and listen. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (1:19-20)
Chapter 3 speaks of controlling our actions, mainly the actions of our tongue. He says we are quick to boast, but we need to use our tongue to speak of God’s works. We cannot, with faith speak curse words and praise God from the same mouth. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (3:9-10) He also speaks of wisdom, and that those who are wise need to show it through their good