The Book of James
James is intensely practical, insisting that genuine faith shows itself in works, in wisdom, in care for the poor, and in control of the tongue. The proverbs of the New Testament.
- Testament
- New (5 chapters)
- Type
- Epistle
- Date
- Probably 45-50 AD — possibly the earliest New Testament book.
Faith without works is dead
James' famous challenge: 'shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works' (2:18). The book is not against Paul's 'justification by faith' (read carefully, they agree) — it is against intellectual assent that produces no change in behavior.
Wisdom and the tongue
The book is full of practical wisdom: control your speech (chapter 3), don't show favoritism (2), persevere in trials (1), guard against worldliness (4). Its closeness to Proverbs has earned it the name 'the Proverbs of the New Testament.'
Key verses (KJV)
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22 (KJV)
“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.” — James 1:27 (KJV)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” — James 1:5 (KJV)
How to read James
Five short chapters — read in one sitting. Then re-read with a pencil, marking every command. There are dozens. James will not let you read passively.
Read James on your iPhone
Read the full book of James in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
Read James free on iPhone.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Book of James about?
James is a book of Epistle, running to 5 chapters. Its main threads: Faith without works is dead; Wisdom and the tongue.
Who wrote the Book of James?
James, traditionally the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church.
Where does James come in the Bible?
James is one of the 27 books of the New Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Epistle books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.