He uses the word “Prayer” 7 times, signifying its importance. In the last chapter James stresses the weight and magnitude of prayer for every believer. A faithful believer will desire to follow hard after God in service, obedience, and prayer. He said, “Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you” (4:7).

In Chapters 4-5, James gives wise instruction to believers.

He also teaches that everyone is a sinner and that if one of the 10 Commandments are broken, than that person is guilty of breaking every one of them, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (2:10). What good is a person’s faith if they don’t present it to the world? A believer’s good works are evidence of their faith in Jesus Christ. He teaches that a person of faith without works demonstrates useless faith.

Chapters 2-3, James describes the relationship between faith and works.

James encourages believers to put their faith into action, and to be servants of Jesus Christ.

In chapter 1, James teaches believers to test their faith and “prove yourselves doers of the word ” (1:22).

In many ways, it is similar to the OT book of Proverbs. James is a book about practical Christian living that reflects a genuine faith that transforms lives. James wrote this book to Jewish believers to encourage them to endure and live bold Christian lives. The key personalities of this book are James and Persecuted Christians.

It was likely the first New Testament book (letter) to be written. James the half-brother of Jesus wrote it approximately 48-49 A.D. The book of James is a General Epistle (Apostolic Letter).

Introduction to the book of james