The Book of James

Welcome to a new type of blog! Martin Luther once called the book of James an ‘epistle of straw’ and, showing his disgust for the book, placed it in the appendix of his 1512 edition of the Bible. I would agree that it is an epistle of straw, but for entirely differing reasons which we will deal with later.

The book of James was probably the earliest book written, even before the Gospels, to be included in the New Testament, and this is concluded by dealing with who wrote the book.

The book of James is a practical explanation of the Christian life based on the application of Christian doctrine. The major theological topics dealt with in this book are the issues of ‘faith’ and ‘works’. James’ teaching on these subjects highly complement, rather than contradict the teaching of Paul in Romans.

Written as a book of encouragement to the Hebrew believers, it is truly an epistle of straw. As straw is consumed by a fire, as the book is consumed and meditated on, may it provide warmth and security in the knowledge of God. May it feed the hungry soul and provide sustenance to the weary. May it be all that God intended for the reader, and may it shine to the One to whom it was written about.

I pray that this blog encourages you as we travel verse by verse through the Epistle and that its practical wisdom inspires you to live your ministry in your daily walk.