1. The author is James, the half-brother of Jesus, also called “James the Just.”
2. There are indications that the letter was likely written between 41–49 A.D.
3. James regularly alludes to Jesus’ teachings as well as Old Testament instruction, thereby providing an example of how the Old and New Testaments work together.
4. The main purpose of the book is to show how true faith results in God-honoring good works in all areas of life.
5. James is a highly practical book with proverbial- style instruction throughout.

In James, God is glorifying Himself through Christians displaying a faith that results in works, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people, for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

The author of the book is James, (Jam. 1:1) the brother of Jesus, known as “James the Just”. “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Jam. 1:1).

“To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad”

James 1:1

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

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

James 1:22–25

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 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. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

James 3:13–18

1. We should count it all joy when we fall into various trials.
2. We should be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.
3. We need to make sure that our wisdom is from above: pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy, and that it is not demonic: full of bitter envy and self-seeking. 

1. Salutation (Jam. 1:1)
2. Enduring Trials and Temptations (Jam. 1:2–18) 
3. Not Just Hearing, But Doing (Jam. 1:19–2:26) 
4. True Wisdom (Jam. 3) 
5. True Humility (Jam. 4) 
6. Patience, Perseverance, and Prayer (Jam. 5)