Book 59 of 66 · New Testament
James
Blunt, practical wisdom: faith that doesn't show in how you live is dead.
5 chapters108 versesWritten in GreekSet To Jewish Christians scattered abroad
Overview
James is the New Testament's book of practical wisdom, close in spirit to the Old Testament's Proverbs and to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Its blunt message is that real faith shows up in how you live — in controlling the tongue, caring for the poor, resisting favouritism and quarrels, and being patient in trials. "Faith without works is dead."
Book facts
- Author
- James (traditionally the brother of Jesus)Named as "James"; tradition identifies him as the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church.
- Date written
- c. AD 45–62Possibly one of the earliest New Testament writings.
- Original language
- GreekPunchy, proverb-like Greek, echoing Jesus' teaching.
- Setting
- To Jewish Christians scattered abroadPractical faith for everyday life.
How it came to be
James is named as the book's author. Tradition identifies him as James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church.
It is written to Jewish Christians "scattered abroad," and is full of echoes of Jesus' teaching.
What is arguedWhich James wrote it, and how its stress on works relates to Paul's stress on faith.
The whole book, chapter by chapter
| Chapter | What this chapter covers |
|---|---|
Faith that works — practical wisdom for everyday life, chapters 1–5 | |
| Chapter 1The trials and the mirror | Count trials joy, ask God for wisdom, and be a doer of the word, not a hearer only. |
| Chapter 2The faith and works | Do not show favouritism; faith without works is dead. |
| Chapter 3The tongue | The tongue is a small member that sets great fires. |
| Chapter 4The quarrels | Quarrels come from selfish desires; humble yourselves before God. |
| Chapter 5The prayer of faith | Be patient till the Lord comes; the prayer of faith heals the sick. |
All 5 chapters. Start reading →
Worth knowing
Known for
Some of the best-known verses in James — tap the verse to read it.
- "Be ye doers of the word"James 1:22
- "Faith without works is dead"James 2:26
- The tongue set on fireJames 3:6
- "The prayer of faith"James 5:15