James

Question 1

What is the book of James?

Answer 1

-It is an epistle

Question 2

Characteristics

Answer 2

• Similarities with broader Hellenistic literature
• Equated with a Jewish sermon or midrashim: employed the use of dialogue, addressing of a synagogue audience, common themes of faith, read aloud in the worship service
• Referred to as the “Wisdom Literature of the NT”
• Employs the personal pronouns “you, we, my brothers”
• Had no final greeting or benediction
• Extensive use of imperatives: author of the book is a person who speaks with authority and who commands respect from the members of the church
• Author employs a number of examples and comparisons from nature and human life to engage the reader.
• repetitious verb or nouns

Question 3

Authorship

Answer 3

-James, the half brother of Jesus

Question 4

Addressee and Audience

Answer 4

-The audience were Jewish Christians

Question 5

The Epistle of James alludes to all three parts of the OT canon:

Answer 5

• Law
• Prophets
• Writings

Question 6

Date and Location

Answer 6

• There is an allusion to addressing of a synagogue audience
• Relative tranquility within the Jewish Community
• MAY BE REGARDED as the earliest of all NT writings
• Organizational structure of the Church appears to be in its initial stages of development
• “scorching heat and figs and olives” are descriptions that fit the climate of Israel, betraying both his and his readers’ place of origin.

Question 7

Theological message of James

Answer 7

“Forms a collection of loosely structured sayings, thoughts, and exhortations reflecting an ethical emphasis and in this sense it differs form the numerous Pauline epistles where a doctrinal issue is first developed and then concluded with a paraenetic secion exhorting practical application

• The author is familiar with the oral rather than written preaching and traditions found in the NT books.
• More implicit than explicit
• Striking similarities between the teaching of James and the Sermon on the Mount

Question 8

James depends on the…

Answer 8

preaching of Jesus, discusses the topic of faith and works independently of Paul’s teaching, and writes on submission to God in a more elementary manner than Peter

Question 9

Main Theological issues

Answer 9

• Christology
• Prayer
• Faith
• Law
• Faith and Works
• Trials and Submission

Question 10

Purpose

Answer 10

• Jewish Christians in sever trials and temptations, James writes to comfort and encourage them
• Grave disorders in early Jewish Christian assemblies, writes to correct same
• Tendency to divorce faith and works: James provides proof that I am justified by faith is seen in my works

Question 11

Contents

Answer 11

-Little doctrine, but much of practice and morals

Question 12

Key verse

Answer 12

2:26