What do you think?
Rate this book
Bible #59
The Book of James
Author: The author of this epistle (letter) is James, also called James the Just, who is thought to be the brother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). James was not a believer (John 7:3-5) until after the resurrection (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19). He became the head of the Jerusalem church and is mentioned first as a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9).
Date of Writing: The Book of James is probably the oldest book of the New Testament, written perhaps as early as A.D. 45, before the first council of Jerusalem in A.D. 50. James was martyred in approximately A.D. 62, according to the historian Josephus.
Purpose of Writing: Some think that this epistle was written in response to an overzealous interpretation of Paul’s teaching regarding faith. This extreme view, called antinomianism, held that through faith in Christ one is completely free from all Old Testament law, all legalism, all secular law, and all the morality of a society. The Book of James is directed to Jewish Christians scattered among all the nations (James 1:1). Martin Luther, who detested this letter and called it “the epistle of straw,” failed to recognize that James’s teaching on works complemented—not contradicted—Paul’s teaching on faith. While Pauline teachings concentrate on our justification with God, James’ teachings concentrate on the works that exemplify that justification. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit and questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruits of the Spirit cannot be seen, much as Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23.
Date of Writing: The Book of James is probably the oldest book of the New Testament, written perhaps as early as A.D. 45, before the first council of Jerusalem in A.D. 50. James was martyred in approximately A.D. 62, according to the historian Josephus.
Purpose of Writing: Some think that this epistle was written in response to an overzealous interpretation of Paul’s teaching regarding faith. This extreme view, called antinomianism, held that through faith in Christ one is completely free from all Old Testament law, all legalism, all secular law, and all the morality of a society. The Book of James is directed to Jewish Christians scattered among all the nations (James 1:1). Martin Luther, who detested this letter and called it “the epistle of straw,” failed to recognize that James’s teaching on works complemented—not contradicted—Paul’s teaching on faith. While Pauline teachings concentrate on our justification with God, James’ teachings concentrate on the works that exemplify that justification. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit and questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruits of the Spirit cannot be seen, much as Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23.
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 85
28 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
James the Just
150 books12 followersJames the Just, or a variation of James, brother of the Lord was "a brother of Jesus", according to the New Testament. He was an early leader of the Jerusalem Church of the Apostolic Age. Traditionally, it is believed he was martyred in AD 62 or 69 by being stoned to death by the Pharisees on order of High Priest Ananus ben Ananus.
Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians teach that James, along with others named in the New Testament as "brothers" of Jesus, were not the biological children of Mary, mother of Jesus, but were possibly cousins of Jesus, or step-brothers from a previous marriage of Joseph (as related in the non-canonical Gospel of James).
The Catholic tradition holds that this James is to be identified with James, son of Alphaeus, and James the Less. It is agreed by most that he should not be confused with James, son of Zebedee also known as James the Great.
According to the Church Fathers, he has posthumously been described as the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and is believed to be the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament, the first of the Seventy Apostles, and originator of the Apostolic Decree of Acts 15. In the Epistle to the Galatians, Paul of Tarsus describes his first visit to Jerusalem where he met James and stayed with Cephas (Simon Peter). James is described by Josephus and in the New Testament as being "the brother of Jesus," and in the Liturgy of St James as "the brother of God" (Adelphotheos) Hegesippus (born 48 years after James' death) described him as a vegetarian.
Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians teach that James, along with others named in the New Testament as "brothers" of Jesus, were not the biological children of Mary, mother of Jesus, but were possibly cousins of Jesus, or step-brothers from a previous marriage of Joseph (as related in the non-canonical Gospel of James).
The Catholic tradition holds that this James is to be identified with James, son of Alphaeus, and James the Less. It is agreed by most that he should not be confused with James, son of Zebedee also known as James the Great.
According to the Church Fathers, he has posthumously been described as the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and is believed to be the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament, the first of the Seventy Apostles, and originator of the Apostolic Decree of Acts 15. In the Epistle to the Galatians, Paul of Tarsus describes his first visit to Jerusalem where he met James and stayed with Cephas (Simon Peter). James is described by Josephus and in the New Testament as being "the brother of Jesus," and in the Liturgy of St James as "the brother of God" (Adelphotheos) Hegesippus (born 48 years after James' death) described him as a vegetarian.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 23, 2025
James is a great book; short, but it packs a punch. The author is unafraid to get straight to the point and challenge his readers. Every Christian should make a habit of reading this epistle at least once a year.
October 18, 2024
“Be doers of the word, not hearers only”
(1:22)
James is about :
*how faith and works relate
*how to live out your faith
*trials and temptations
*power of the tongue/speech
*wisdom
*relationship between rich and poor
There’s so much wisdom in the book of James - it really teaches believers how we should act essentially being the “how to book” my bible is full of highlights and James is only 5 chapters. I will
Share some below- too many to share them all, but I definitely recommend reading it for yourself.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:2-6
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
James 1:12-13
“when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
James 1:15
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
James 1:16-17
“let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:21
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
James 2:5
“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well.
Even the demons believe—and tremble!”
James 2:18-19
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”
James 3:6
“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”
James 3:8-10
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:17
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
James 4:4
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:7-8
“whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
James 4:14
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:7-8
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.”
James 5:12
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:13-16
“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
James 5:19-20
(1:22)
James is about :
*how faith and works relate
*how to live out your faith
*trials and temptations
*power of the tongue/speech
*wisdom
*relationship between rich and poor
There’s so much wisdom in the book of James - it really teaches believers how we should act essentially being the “how to book” my bible is full of highlights and James is only 5 chapters. I will
Share some below- too many to share them all, but I definitely recommend reading it for yourself.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:2-6
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
James 1:12-13
“when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
James 1:15
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
James 1:16-17
“let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:21
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
James 2:5
“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well.
Even the demons believe—and tremble!”
James 2:18-19
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”
James 3:6
“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”
James 3:8-10
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:17
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
James 4:4
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:7-8
“whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
James 4:14
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:7-8
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.”
James 5:12
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:13-16
“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
James 5:19-20
January 1, 2021
Well, I have it memorized for all practical purposes and my team won the Bible Bowl, so- mission accomplished? Ish? Need to do some more memorizing- that part of my brain is getting rusty.
July 14, 2018
James ... another short but great book from the Bible! :)
December 18, 2020
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (1: 2-4)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (1:5)
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” (1:6-7)
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (1:12)
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (1:13-15)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (1:16)
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (1: 19-21).
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (1:22-25).
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (1 :26-27)
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” (2: 1, 8-13)
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” (2:23)
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
“For in many things we offend all.” (James 3:2)
If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” (3:2-12)
“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (3:13-18)
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (4:4-8, 10)
“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (4:11-12)
“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (4:13-15)
“ Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (4:17)
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (5:7-11)
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” (5:13)
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (5:16-18)
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (5:19-20)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (1:5)
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” (1:6-7)
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (1:12)
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (1:13-15)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (1:16)
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (1: 19-21).
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (1:22-25).
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (1 :26-27)
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” (2: 1, 8-13)
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” (2:23)
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
“For in many things we offend all.” (James 3:2)
If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” (3:2-12)
“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (3:13-18)
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (4:4-8, 10)
“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (4:11-12)
“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (4:13-15)
“ Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (4:17)
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (5:7-11)
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” (5:13)
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (5:16-18)
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (5:19-20)
October 18, 2025
Verses to help me become a better Christian:
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath - James 1:19
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ what does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? - James 2:14
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ And the tongue is fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiled the whole body, and setter him fore the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell - James 3:6
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚Submit yourselves therefore to god. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. -James 4:7
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned. Behold, the judge standeth before the door - James 5:9
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath - James 1:19
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ what does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? - James 2:14
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ And the tongue is fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiled the whole body, and setter him fore the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell - James 3:6
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚Submit yourselves therefore to god. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. -James 4:7
ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned. Behold, the judge standeth before the door - James 5:9
July 20, 2024
Ackkk, I read this a while ago and forgot to log it. My baddd
Anyways,
SO GOOD
RTC
Anyways,
SO GOOD
RTC
September 8, 2025
“Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire.”
___
This isn’t exactly a book but I’m logging it for posterity mind your business
___
This isn’t exactly a book but I’m logging it for posterity mind your business
January 8, 2021
Very humbling book. Definitely helps to pray through this wisdom.
July 16, 2018
The reading of God's Word is so remarkable that there is nothing that I can say to make it any better. Please, if you are a lost soul, turn to God! He can heal you and give you the greatest peace that you will ever know!
April 9, 2022
Every time I read this book I uncover more layers of wisdom from the brother of Jesus. This journal contains beautifully illuminated scriptures in gold. As I am studying this letter with a group of women the blank pages are handy for writing notes and questions.
February 17, 2025
just finished reading this with my bible study group! the letter of james is packed with wisdom and insight, all centring around how to live a christian life which glorifies God. i learnt a lot from it <3
October 24, 2023
Actually read in NIV, but couldn't find a tab for that in Goodreads
November 21, 2022
Like Jesus' teachings, the book of James is a source of exhortation and comfort, reproof and encouragement.
James addresses internal and external difficulties being faced in congregations. His solutions to these issues reflect the wisdom which comes from the "Father of Lights" above (1:17). He shows that wisdom is required for proper speech in worship and in determining who ought to teach. Wisdom is also needed to avoid internal conflicts that create dissension within congregations (3:13-18; 4:1-12). The theme of faith in action is also prominent (1:19-27; 2:14-26); James demonstrated that faith that doesn't express itself in good works is useless. Another theme of the epistle is ethics, especially social justice (2:1-13; 4:1-12; 5:1-12).
James addresses internal and external difficulties being faced in congregations. His solutions to these issues reflect the wisdom which comes from the "Father of Lights" above (1:17). He shows that wisdom is required for proper speech in worship and in determining who ought to teach. Wisdom is also needed to avoid internal conflicts that create dissension within congregations (3:13-18; 4:1-12). The theme of faith in action is also prominent (1:19-27; 2:14-26); James demonstrated that faith that doesn't express itself in good works is useless. Another theme of the epistle is ethics, especially social justice (2:1-13; 4:1-12; 5:1-12).
You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
~James 5:8~
July 24, 2023
The Letter of James is often described as a remedy against the general temptation of leaving off good works in order to increase faith. The letter has an emphasis on Christian identity born out of concern with hardships of life as pilgrims in a sinful world. Christian live in this world but only as resident aliens, they participate in all things as citizens of this world but endure all things foreigners waiting for the Promised Land. James focuses on problems related to the status of believers in this world, the pressures and challenges of living in exile, and the identity God's people should develop.
December 6, 2016
Re-read aloud during Family Bible Time.
January 19, 2017
One of my favorite books of the Bible.
December 12, 2024
Read to the kids 12/10-12/12/24
January 21, 2022
Shorty but a goody.
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
James 1:27
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NKJV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17 NKJV
There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
James 4:12 NKJV
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 5:14 NKJV
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
James 1:27
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NKJV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17 NKJV
There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
James 4:12 NKJV
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 5:14 NKJV
January 4, 2021
Second book of the Bible read this year. Really enjoyed this one. Quite thought provoking.
MY BIBLE CHALLENGE:
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
MY BIBLE CHALLENGE:
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
March 5, 2019
Love your neighbor
July 1, 2025
This book is one of my favorite books. Very convicting and a book that you can’t read without changing something in your life.
March 14, 2021
I think I just found 2020's favorite Bible passage . . .
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring--what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes."
~James 4:13-14
For the record, I sincerely hope 2021 brings us something more along the lines of, "We will live and do this or that."
. . . and I'm not ready to write 2020 off completely, mind you; I just wish it would broaden the scope of its reading a little. I have a tendency to think it's been reading the same verses over and over ;-)
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring--what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes."
~James 4:13-14
For the record, I sincerely hope 2021 brings us something more along the lines of, "We will live and do this or that."
. . . and I'm not ready to write 2020 off completely, mind you; I just wish it would broaden the scope of its reading a little. I have a tendency to think it's been reading the same verses over and over ;-)
March 14, 2021
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”💚 -James 3:17-18
The book of James is one of my favorites of the New Testament. Every chapter and verse is filled with so much wisdom and doctrine that really resonates with and inspires me. The third chapter’s sermon on our words, the tongue, and the gift of speaking with wisdom is one that I re-read time and time again and really inspires me to do and be better than I am.
Really love this book of scripture!
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”💚 -James 3:17-18
The book of James is one of my favorites of the New Testament. Every chapter and verse is filled with so much wisdom and doctrine that really resonates with and inspires me. The third chapter’s sermon on our words, the tongue, and the gift of speaking with wisdom is one that I re-read time and time again and really inspires me to do and be better than I am.
Really love this book of scripture!
November 24, 2025
2/6/24 tara leigh cobble said it best: james is outlining the marks of a disciple, so that one can be recognized. he's not listing all the requirements to be saved. I still feel convicted though.
11/24/25 Update: LOVE James! “Count it all joy when you face trails of various kinds.” I really appreciate the direct approach. He’s not pulling punches.
11/24/25 Update: LOVE James! “Count it all joy when you face trails of various kinds.” I really appreciate the direct approach. He’s not pulling punches.
February 20, 2020
faith = good deeds!
December 10, 2025
Great advice and wisdom given here.
February 26, 2024
Faith, works, grace, love--all these work together to bring us closer to the God who would give all for us. <3
May 27, 2020
The Book of James, it is a book of practical theology, wisdom literature and it deepens our understanding of the relationship between faith and works.
When James is saying; "count it all joy", this does not necessarily mean that we will feel joyful in the midst of troubles and trials,
rather we will gain wisdom and patience after we endure, it takes time. "Count it joy", or consider it joy does not mean we will be
joyful but it is a command nonetheless.
It is interesting how James connects the power of the tongue seen throughout scripture (Proverbs and Isaiah).
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."
Teaching of the word is such a great responsibility and should not be taken lightly, hypocrisy and blind leading blind,
it is because of the possibility of leading more astray. (Luke 12:48), great rower requires greater responsibility.
(1 Corinthians 3:15)(Still a loss even though saved.)
Romans 14:12 says, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
Judged by our works but not in the justification sense:
2 Corinthians 5:10 states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Or Ephesians 6:8 which says, “Knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord,
whether he is a bondservant or is free.”
There are greater and lesser sins, all sins are equal in the sense of being a cosmic treason against God.
("For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it."-James 2:10)
(John 19:11)
The Crown of life is mentioned also in Revelation 2:10, as being presented in the same context of James, that is endurence through
suffering, probably persecution. Those should not fear their life being taken, because they will receive new life.
"Father of Lights": Compare with 1 John 1:5, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”, John 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:4,
Revelation 22:5, 1 Timothy 6:16. It would be reasonable to conclude that the title “Father of lights” in James 1:17
communicates the idea that God is the author of all that is not darkness.
Just as God is love (1 John 4:16), so God is light
(1 John 1:5)
The law is perfect, James 1:25, that's why it is a mirror.
James and Paul are speaking of two different laws. Paul is speaking of the OT Law of Moses,
“the one from Mount Sinai” (Gal. 4:24). And James is speaking of the NT “law of liberty,”
which Paul calls the “law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2) that has set us free from the law of bondage.
As Paul put it, “what the Law [of Moses] could not do in that it was weak through the flesh,”
nevertheless “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death”
(Rom. 8:2–3). The Law of Moses was written in stone, but the law of Christ is inscribed by the Spirit in our hearts
(Jer. 31:31; 2 Cor. 3:3–7).
Paul would have said that the gospel was the perfection of the law. Paul speaks about the law of Christ which is the law of liberty
Romans 8:2.
This freedom is not antinomialism (Galatians 5:13)
The rich man spoken of in 1:10, is probably in the context of an evildoer, based on the overlying context of 2:1-7, 5:1-6.)
It is possible but unlikely that it is in the context of a righteous wealthy person, if so the humiliation would still
apply because they know where their true treasure is and that humiliation before the Lord is wealth (Proverbs 22:4).
Wealth is permitted (2 Chron. 1:11–12)
(Job 42:10)
But the qualification is that we use that wealth for honor (Proverbs 3:9-10)
It runs the risk of temptation.
Faith and works: "One of the best illustrations that I have seen in the Bible to help me distinguish between how works show that we are
justified vs producing justification is the time when the two prostitutes came with the living baby to Solomon in
1 Kings 3:16–28. Both of them said, “This is my baby.” “We both had a baby,” one of them goes on to explain,
“And she killed my baby, and then she stole my baby. I want my baby back!” And Solomon doesn’t know which is
the true mother here. And so he comes up with this wise statement. He says, “Ok, let’s cut the baby in half
and each of you can have half the baby.” And the true mother says, “Don’t kill the baby. She can have the baby.”
And the other mother says, “That is fine.” And Solomon says, “Ok. Now we know who the mother is.”
The function of good works is not to earn our acceptance, but to demonstrate our faith. Now when that woman said,
“Don’t kill the baby,” that didn’t make her the mother. It just showed she was the mother. That is the difference
between a work revealing our new birth and our justification and a work causing our justification. She didn’t become
the mother by saying, “This is my baby.” She just proved she was the mother by saying, “This is my baby.”-John Piper
Classical Reformed Theology has always taught fides viva, "living faith", a faith that produces works,
and those works are effects not causes.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?"-James 2:21
The most controversial verse is resolved by comparison with what Paul says in Galatians.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."-Galations 5:6
Paul and James are both speaking of what counts with God is the kind of faith that by its nature produces love, what produces works,
a genuine faith.
One must not negelct the next two verses which are crucial and probably the strongest evidence that James accepted sola fide.
"You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as
righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God."-James 2:22-23
James affirms that Abraham's belief was counted to him as righteous. A complete faith, that does what it intends to do is what
James is referring to.
Note that when James says Abraham was counted righteous by faith he is appealing to Genesis 15:6 which is
long before Abraham offered up Issac.
Wisdom justified
2:14( The context of the problem James is dealing with.) (What good is it to make a profession of faith?
What profit is there of a profession of faith?)
Paul is asking: How can an unjust person stand in front of a just and holy God?
Paul and James are not asking the same questions.
Protestants don't deny infusion,
they just deny it in the sense of it being the basis for our
legal justification before God. Once a legal, forensic
deceleration by God that we are just has been made,
this opens the door to the fruit of faith, namely, our
sanctification.
"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."-James 4:1-3 (James reaffirms Christ when he said
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."-Matthew 7:7. By James saying
"you ask wrongly", means it is not for the prosperity of your wicked desires, we can ask wrongly and sometimes God will not
grant us what we ask for.
It takes patience, James 5:17-18.
When James is saying; "count it all joy", this does not necessarily mean that we will feel joyful in the midst of troubles and trials,
rather we will gain wisdom and patience after we endure, it takes time. "Count it joy", or consider it joy does not mean we will be
joyful but it is a command nonetheless.
It is interesting how James connects the power of the tongue seen throughout scripture (Proverbs and Isaiah).
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."
Teaching of the word is such a great responsibility and should not be taken lightly, hypocrisy and blind leading blind,
it is because of the possibility of leading more astray. (Luke 12:48), great rower requires greater responsibility.
(1 Corinthians 3:15)(Still a loss even though saved.)
Romans 14:12 says, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
Judged by our works but not in the justification sense:
2 Corinthians 5:10 states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Or Ephesians 6:8 which says, “Knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord,
whether he is a bondservant or is free.”
There are greater and lesser sins, all sins are equal in the sense of being a cosmic treason against God.
("For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it."-James 2:10)
(John 19:11)
The Crown of life is mentioned also in Revelation 2:10, as being presented in the same context of James, that is endurence through
suffering, probably persecution. Those should not fear their life being taken, because they will receive new life.
"Father of Lights": Compare with 1 John 1:5, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”, John 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:4,
Revelation 22:5, 1 Timothy 6:16. It would be reasonable to conclude that the title “Father of lights” in James 1:17
communicates the idea that God is the author of all that is not darkness.
Just as God is love (1 John 4:16), so God is light
(1 John 1:5)
The law is perfect, James 1:25, that's why it is a mirror.
James and Paul are speaking of two different laws. Paul is speaking of the OT Law of Moses,
“the one from Mount Sinai” (Gal. 4:24). And James is speaking of the NT “law of liberty,”
which Paul calls the “law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2) that has set us free from the law of bondage.
As Paul put it, “what the Law [of Moses] could not do in that it was weak through the flesh,”
nevertheless “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death”
(Rom. 8:2–3). The Law of Moses was written in stone, but the law of Christ is inscribed by the Spirit in our hearts
(Jer. 31:31; 2 Cor. 3:3–7).
Paul would have said that the gospel was the perfection of the law. Paul speaks about the law of Christ which is the law of liberty
Romans 8:2.
This freedom is not antinomialism (Galatians 5:13)
The rich man spoken of in 1:10, is probably in the context of an evildoer, based on the overlying context of 2:1-7, 5:1-6.)
It is possible but unlikely that it is in the context of a righteous wealthy person, if so the humiliation would still
apply because they know where their true treasure is and that humiliation before the Lord is wealth (Proverbs 22:4).
Wealth is permitted (2 Chron. 1:11–12)
(Job 42:10)
But the qualification is that we use that wealth for honor (Proverbs 3:9-10)
It runs the risk of temptation.
Faith and works: "One of the best illustrations that I have seen in the Bible to help me distinguish between how works show that we are
justified vs producing justification is the time when the two prostitutes came with the living baby to Solomon in
1 Kings 3:16–28. Both of them said, “This is my baby.” “We both had a baby,” one of them goes on to explain,
“And she killed my baby, and then she stole my baby. I want my baby back!” And Solomon doesn’t know which is
the true mother here. And so he comes up with this wise statement. He says, “Ok, let’s cut the baby in half
and each of you can have half the baby.” And the true mother says, “Don’t kill the baby. She can have the baby.”
And the other mother says, “That is fine.” And Solomon says, “Ok. Now we know who the mother is.”
The function of good works is not to earn our acceptance, but to demonstrate our faith. Now when that woman said,
“Don’t kill the baby,” that didn’t make her the mother. It just showed she was the mother. That is the difference
between a work revealing our new birth and our justification and a work causing our justification. She didn’t become
the mother by saying, “This is my baby.” She just proved she was the mother by saying, “This is my baby.”-John Piper
Classical Reformed Theology has always taught fides viva, "living faith", a faith that produces works,
and those works are effects not causes.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?"-James 2:21
The most controversial verse is resolved by comparison with what Paul says in Galatians.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."-Galations 5:6
Paul and James are both speaking of what counts with God is the kind of faith that by its nature produces love, what produces works,
a genuine faith.
One must not negelct the next two verses which are crucial and probably the strongest evidence that James accepted sola fide.
"You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as
righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God."-James 2:22-23
James affirms that Abraham's belief was counted to him as righteous. A complete faith, that does what it intends to do is what
James is referring to.
Note that when James says Abraham was counted righteous by faith he is appealing to Genesis 15:6 which is
long before Abraham offered up Issac.
Wisdom justified
2:14( The context of the problem James is dealing with.) (What good is it to make a profession of faith?
What profit is there of a profession of faith?)
Paul is asking: How can an unjust person stand in front of a just and holy God?
Paul and James are not asking the same questions.
Protestants don't deny infusion,
they just deny it in the sense of it being the basis for our
legal justification before God. Once a legal, forensic
deceleration by God that we are just has been made,
this opens the door to the fruit of faith, namely, our
sanctification.
"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."-James 4:1-3 (James reaffirms Christ when he said
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."-Matthew 7:7. By James saying
"you ask wrongly", means it is not for the prosperity of your wicked desires, we can ask wrongly and sometimes God will not
grant us what we ask for.
It takes patience, James 5:17-18.
November 12, 2025
This was Martin Luther's "Epistle of Straw."
He really hated this little book.
It's funny that the big reformer of the church, the guy who created space for so many denominations, really couldn't stand one of the books in the collection that he held so sacred.
Martin Luther was kind of a dink, though. I mean, there was all the open, mean-spirited bigotry. The hypocrisy, the casual embrace of violence. And the really deep, depressing personal struggles. The guy was terrified of Hell and needed a faith that said "you don't need to do anything, say the magic words and you're saved." I'm simplifying it, of course, but not by much.
The Epistle of James wouldn't do that for him.
James is all about work.
All about faith actually meaning something.
For James, saying "I believe, I've been transformed" and then acting like nothing has changed is basically just bullshit. James says that if you've been transformed then people are going to see it, and if there's nothing to see, then maybe there's nothing there.
"What good is it... if you say you have faith but you do not have works? Can faith save you? 'If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,' and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead."
That's pretty cool.
Scared Martin. Maybe because he lacked trust, or, well, "faith." He couldn't allow himself to believe that he had to act on faith because he needed an answer, a line, an "is this enough?" answer and didn't have the trust to sit in that uneasy place of "doing my best." Something like that. I'm not his analyst, I don't know.
Anyway, this is one of the better epistles in the New Testament. It's short, it sweets, it calls out nonsense, and it doesn't let the pompous "believers" sit smugly on their behinds.
Good stuff.
He really hated this little book.
It's funny that the big reformer of the church, the guy who created space for so many denominations, really couldn't stand one of the books in the collection that he held so sacred.
Martin Luther was kind of a dink, though. I mean, there was all the open, mean-spirited bigotry. The hypocrisy, the casual embrace of violence. And the really deep, depressing personal struggles. The guy was terrified of Hell and needed a faith that said "you don't need to do anything, say the magic words and you're saved." I'm simplifying it, of course, but not by much.
The Epistle of James wouldn't do that for him.
James is all about work.
All about faith actually meaning something.
For James, saying "I believe, I've been transformed" and then acting like nothing has changed is basically just bullshit. James says that if you've been transformed then people are going to see it, and if there's nothing to see, then maybe there's nothing there.
"What good is it... if you say you have faith but you do not have works? Can faith save you? 'If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,' and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead."
That's pretty cool.
Scared Martin. Maybe because he lacked trust, or, well, "faith." He couldn't allow himself to believe that he had to act on faith because he needed an answer, a line, an "is this enough?" answer and didn't have the trust to sit in that uneasy place of "doing my best." Something like that. I'm not his analyst, I don't know.
Anyway, this is one of the better epistles in the New Testament. It's short, it sweets, it calls out nonsense, and it doesn't let the pompous "believers" sit smugly on their behinds.
Good stuff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews