Date.
Elwell concludes that the book was written in the early a.d. 40’s, making it possibly the earliest New Testament book to be written. He goes on to say that the time frame is backed up by references in his writing, ie. the reference to the synagogue as the place of meeting (2:2), and the fact that the sharp debates over the place of the Law in Christianity, so prevalent from the latter 40s on, are not reflected in the letter, (Elwell 1989 CDROM). Hayford gives a broader estimate, between a.d. 48 and a.d. 62. This is based on the time of the church council (Acts 15), and the year he was stoned to death, respectively, (Hayford 1995:437). Nelson also believes it to be among the earliest writings of the New Testament, (a.d. 46-49), based on a number of factors; 1). No mention of Gentile believers. 2). Little verbal agreement with the Synoptic, therefore written before them. 3). He uses the word synagogue for the term “church”, patterned after the Jewish synagogues. 4). Lastly, James does not mention the issues involved in the Jerusalem council of Acts 15, a.d. 49, (Nelsons 1996:455). I would agree with Nelson’s view, as it is based on sound reason and backed up by good evidences from the writings in light of what was happening historically.
Theme.
The characteristics of true faith. James directs his readers toward Godly living, through fifty-four exhortations over 108 verses. What results is a strong statement of Christian ethics, (Hayford 1995:437). James’ insistence that genuine Christian faith must become evident in works. He opposes strongly the all too common tendency among Christians to rest content, with a half hearted, compromising faith that seeks to have the best of this world and the next, (Carson 1992:418). Faith without works is dead, and faith without works cannot be called faith and is worse than having no faith at all. It must have good fruit as its by-product, (Nelson 1996:453). James new very well, like Paul did that true faith was expressed in obedience. That they are to lead lives that gives justice and credibility to the statement that ‘Jesus is Lord’, (Richards 1992:517). If Paul saw Christ in the heavens establishing our righteousness, James saw Him on earth telling us to be perfect, even as His Father in heaven is perfect. Paul was saying, “take the Gospel in”, James is saying “take it out”, (Mears 1998:604).
Structure.
I. Address and Greeting (1:1)
II. Trials and Temptation (1:2–18)
III. Putting the Word into Practice (1:19–2:26)
IV. Worldliness in the Church (3:1–4:12)
V. Looking at Life from a Christian Perspective (4:13–5:11)
VI. Concluding Exhortations (5:12–20)
Application.
James emphasises two areas of Christian life, personal growth in the spiritual life and sensitivity in personal relationships. He contends that any faith that does not contend with both these attitudes is a dead faith. It challenges those who tend to talk rather than walk their way to heaven, (Hayford 1995:437). James has concerns with libertines, has emphasised a justification before men by works, faith as a genuine fruitful product, thereby being justified in daily proof by behaving like Christ, (Nelson 1996:457). There is great concern that James and Paul are contradicting each other in regards to how a person is justified before God. This is not the case as there is an important difference in which Paul and James can be appropriately harmonised. James is using the verb dikaioo ‘vindicate before people’; therefore Paul is talking of the declaration of our righteousness and James the demonstration of our righteousness, (Carson 1992:419). James is much like proverbs. He gives many short pithy exhortations, touching on a variety of important subjects to the Christian life. A wonderful book in teaching our people how to live for the Lord, (Richards 1992:517). Ergo (work) relates to the doings of human beings in everyday life, which demonstrates itself to be obedient fulfillment of the divine will, of the law. It applies to every part of the believers life, ie. at work or acts of love, (Brown 1976:1148).
Distinctive Pentecostal Beliefs.
God continues to provide good gifts for His children. As James points out, He is unchanging, unlike the sun, moon, stars and planets who continually change their appearance. As an outstanding example of God’s good gifts, James cites the new, spiritual birth that Christians have experienced (v. 18). This “new birth,” or regeneration, is motivated solely by the will of God; accomplished through the instrument of “the word of truth,” the gospel (cf. 2 Cor. 6:7; Eph. 1:13; Col. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:15), it has as its purpose the bringing into being of “firstfruits,” the first harvest of the fruits produced by God’s eternal plan of redemption, (Elwell 1989 CDROM). James calls himself a bondservant to the Lord Jesus or more to the point slave. This applies to all Christians who acknowledge Jesus as Lord of their lives. Jesus is the object of their faith (2:1), of whose name and by whose power we minister in (4:14-15). He is the divine glory, the presence of God on earth, (Hayford 1995:436). God makes our trials the instrument of blessing (1:3). Many times our trials bring impatience, but God will give grace so that all things work for His real purpose. Time is nothing with God, so we must remember that patience is more necessary than anything else in our faith life. Christ’s purpose for us is that we shall be perfect and entire, wanting nothing, (Mears 1998:606). There are three main uses of works in the bible. Works of God, works of Christ, and works of man as pertaining to faith. The believer demonstrates the divine character of Christ within him by his good works (Mt 5:16). Good works is therefore the evidence of living faith and appeals to those who think they are saved by faith alone without works, (Douglas 1988:1261).
Key Phrase and Key Word Study.
Key Words: ‘Faith’ & ‘works’ “so faith without works is dead also“ (2:26)
Key Verses: (Jam 1:19-22; 2:14-17), (Hayford, 1995:436)
Faith – Greek = pistis “conviction based upon hearing, faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual” Strongs reference # 4102 (Vines 1999:129).
Other references to Faith in the bible; Jas 1:3,6; 2:1,5,14,17,18,20,22,24,26; 5:15;
Rom 1:5, 8, 12, 17; 3:3, 22, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31. (Strongs 1999:212).
Works – Greek = ergon “work, employment or task, a deed, act, with the idea of enterprise” Strongs reference # 2041 (Vines 1999:419).
Other references to Works in the bible; Jas 2:14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 ,25, 26;
Rom 3:27; 4:2, 6; 9:11, 32; 11:6, 13:3, 12 (Strongs 1999:734).
Lexicon
4102. Pistis; from peitho (3982), to persuade. In general it implies such a knowledge of, assent to, and confidence in certain divine truths, especially those of the Gospel, as produces good works. (Zodhiates 1994:930).
2041. Ergon; (neut.) work, performance, the result or object of employment, making or working. (Zodhiates 1994:905).
Personal Application.
I think it may take some more time for the Holy Spirit to lead me to the balance and truth of just how works fits in to my life. Or more importantly, what are the consequences for a believer if thinking he is justified by faith, but is not accountable to living life in a truly Christ like manner. It makes very good sense to me; I’ve accepted Jesus as my saviour, therefore with the help of the Holy Spirit, I can live a life that reflects the nature of Jesus. ie. a light to the world. Paul says that by faith we are justified by our belief in Jesus, but by James, our faith is dead if it has no appropriate works. This makes sense to me, as there must be some accountability. Daily I’m urged to ask Jesus to change me and take out those things that are corruption in my heart and to replace them with Christ like qualities. An ongoing process until I die and something I believe will all see whom I come in contact with. This is where the real evangelism happens, especially to those whom I’m close too.
Bibliography
Brown, C. 1976. New Testament Theology. Michigan: Zondervan Corporation
Carson D.A. 1992. An Introduction to the New Testament. Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House.
Christian Outreach Centre, School of Ministries. 1998. Study Guide - Introduction to the Old Testament and Ministry PC-100. Brisbane: Christian Outreach Centre.
Douglas, J.D. 1988. New Bible Dictionary. Leicester: Inter Varsity Press
Elwell, Walter A. ed., Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House Company) 1989 CDROM
Hayford, Jack W. 1995. Hayford’s bible handbook. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Holy Bible, New King James Version.
Mears, H.C. 1998. What the Bible is all about. California: Regal Books.
Nelson T. 1996. Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Richards, L.O. 1994. The Victor Bible Background Commentary New Testament. Illinois: SP Publications Inc.
Richards, L.O. 1992. Small Group Members Commentary on the New Testament and Selected Psalms. Illinois: SP Publications Inc.
Strong J. 1999. The New Strongs Concise Concordance. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Strong J. 1984. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Vine, W.E. 1999. Vine’s Concise Dictionary of the Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Zodhiates, Spiros. 1994. The Complete Word Study New Testament with Greek Parallel. Chattanooga: AMG International, Inc.
