It is not clear who was the author of this letter, but it is possible that it was the James who was a brother of Jesus.  There are quite a few passages which echo things Jesus said, and much that implies a Palestinian origin.  On the other hand, scholars find it surprising that Jesus' brother should have been able to write such good Greek.

The "letter" is really, as GNB says, "a collection of practical instructions", addressed to Christians in general.  The opening is rather brief, and there is no real ending.  It is much simpler to read than any of the other letters in the New Testament.  Because it is so light on doctrine and theology Martin Luther said it was like straw, and felt it should not have been included in the Bible, but nowadays we value its practical, down-to-earth nature.

Please read the whole letter if you can find time.  Here are some notes to help you.

1.17.  The end of this verse is quoted in ‘Great is thy faithfulness' ("there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not...").

1.19-27.  This passage is so important!  The last verse is famous.

2.1-4.  Another very well-known passage.

2.13.  A lovely saying!

2.18-26.  This is the one serious theological passage.  At first sight it contradicts Paul, who held that faith (trusting God) was vital while deeds (doing good) were valueless.  Luther was firmly on Paul's side on this subject, and it was only comparatively recently that Protestant and Roman Catholic theologians managed to reach agreement on it.  Nowadays nearly everybody thinks that although James and Paul stress different things they are not necessarily at odds with each other.

3.17-18.  This is very much in line with what Paul said about the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22).

5.12.  This is why some people prefer to "affirm" rather than swear in a court of law.

5.14-15  Most Christians are dubious about this!  But it needs careful thought.

© 2009 Adrian West