James

The Letter of James was probably written around the 40s or 50s, making it possibly one of the earliest documents of the New Testament.

James
According to Borg, James was the leader of the Christian community of Jerusalem and was executed in the early 60s. Galambush states that the english translation of "Jacob" is "James." Jacob is the leader of the twelve tribes of Israel and therefore this letter can be read as a message from Israel to Jews and Jewish Christians.

Main Ideas

 * James focused on how people should live and it is a prophetic indictment of how people commonly do live.


 * He stresses wisdom in two types: Earthly Wisdom and Wisdom from Above.
 * Faith is accomplished through actions and not just by faith alone.

Controversy
James is considered to be one of the more controversial letters in the New Testament. Martin Luther claimed that it was an "epistle of straw." This may have been due to the fact that Jesus is not mentioned at all by name in the Letter of James. It is also read as a very Jewish letter and not so much a Christian letter.

Teachings

 * Endure temptation
 * Be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to anger.
 * Love your neighbor as yourself
 * Mercy triumphs over Justice.
 * Faith without work is dead.
 * Envy and selfish ambition cancel out wisdom.
 * Submit to God.
 * Do not Judge others or gossip.
 * Do not live in luxury.
 * Be patient.