Introduction to the Book of James

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:6-8a, ESV)

James

The more I study the Bible the more perceptive and sensitive to theological debates and controversies I become. After studying and teaching the book of James I can see why the book is the subject of great debate. But it does have everything you would want in a debate; apparent contradictions, possible legalist viewpoints, aim-for-the-artery sharpness and a get-in-get-out-no-fluff approach (doesn’t take the time for much of a welcome or a farewell).

Perhaps the greatest perceived contradiction in the Bible is the debate between the idea of works being required to earn salvation versus faith-only righteousness. Some people call this the James vs. Paul, or legalism vs. faith arguments. As a result of this perception the book of James is often rejected or just ignored.

The book of James appears to have been primarily written for the mature believer or perhaps for the Christian that may be asking “okay, now that I am baptized, now what?” When I read James I picture a frustrated church leader who has seen his church slip into a vast sea of apathy then calmly pulls up a chair, and stands on the chair then steps up onto a table shouting loudly “listen up people!”

When I teach, I often use the expression “it’s time to roll out the full-length mirror” as we examine Biblical text that requires us to look at ourselves. The book of James rarely allows us to step away from that mirror! It can be painful at times, calling our attention to our personal flaws and issues but we have to understand that Christianity should never be comfortable.

The purpose of the following chapter, “A Case for James,” is a brief attempt to persuade you to read this commentary from cover to cover. I believe the book of James has material that is vital for all Christians to know and understand, especially today. For me, this study made me revaluate my walk with Jesus. My prayer is that it helps you do the same.

In this commentary there are a lot of Biblical references, please take the time to look-up each verse especially if the reference says “read” instead of “see.” I have found that the best way to learn the Bible is to actually look up and read directly out of God’s Word. Embedded in the commentary are questions to the reader, so if you are studying this commentary in a group you might want to use these questions for discussion. May God truly bless your time in this study.

Dave Heywood