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Who wrote the book of James? An Introduction and Outline

By 09/29/2025No Comments

By D. Ziebarth, PhD

Who wrote the book of James in the Bible? An introduction and outline

Introduction to the book of James

The book of James is written to Jewish believers who were scattered across the Gentile world. The text opens with a pastoral letter that outlines specific directives for Christians. It offers practical advice based on biblical proverbs and Jesus’s teachings. You may ask, who wrote the book of James in the Bible? It was written by James, “James, the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”.  James was the leader of the new church. He addresses prejudice, faith versus work, the reality of suffering, and the Lord’s coming in this epistle. Being the first Christian community, members experienced many trials and tribulations. They were persecuted by the traditional Jewish leaders and lived through a great drought and famine. James wrote this book in response to what the members were experiencing at the time and to set the course for the future of the church.  James led with Godly wisdom and courage until his untimely death around AD 62.

Who Wrote the Book of James in the Bible

The Book of James Summary

  • Chapter 1: Enduring trials and living out the Word
    • Greeting (1:1): The letter begins with a salutation. “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.”
    • Joy in testing (1:2–12): James encourages believers to consider it “pure joy” when they face trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces perseverance and maturity. 
    • Temptation vs. God’s goodness (1:13–18): This section clarifies that God does not tempt people to do evil. Temptation comes from one’s own desires, while all good gifts come from God.
    • Hearing and doing the Word (1:19–27): A call to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only,” demonstrating genuine faith through actions like helping the vulnerable and keeping oneself from worldly corruption. 
  • Chapter 2: The practice of mature faith
    • Warning against favoritism (2:1–13): James condemns showing prejudice toward the rich and neglecting the poor, emphasizing that all are created in God’s image.
    • Faith and works (2:14–26): A key section arguing that faith without works is dead. James uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate that mature faith is shown through action. 
  • Chapter 3: Taming the tongue and pursuing wisdom
    • The power of the tongue (3:1–12): A strong warning about the destructive power of the tongue, which is difficult to control but has the power to bless or curse.
    • Two kinds of wisdom (3:13–18): This passage contrasts worldly wisdom, which leads to envy and selfish ambition, with heavenly wisdom, which is pure, peace-loving, and gentle. 
  • Chapter 4: Warning against worldliness
    • Worldliness as spiritual unfaithfulness (4:1–12): James addresses the internal conflicts that arise from selfish desires and warns against friendship with the world, urging believers to draw near to God.
    • Warning against arrogant boasting (4:13–17): A rebuke of those who make future plans without acknowledging God’s will, reminding them that boasting about tomorrow is wrong. 
  • Chapter 5: Exhortations on patience and prayer
    • Warning to rich oppressors (5:1–6): A condemnation of the wealthy who have unjustly stored up riches and exploited the poor.
    • Patience in suffering (5:7–12): An encouragement to be patient and stand firm in faith, looking toward the Lord’s coming. The author uses the example of a farmer waiting for a harvest and the steadfastness of Job.
    • The power of prayer (5:13–18): Instructions on how believers should pray in all circumstances—whether in suffering, joy, or sickness. It highlights the power of the prayer of a righteous person.
    • Restoring a fellow believer (5:19–20): A final encouragement to bring back those who wander from the truth. 

Application from the Book of James

The book of James demands a response from every Christian by becoming a “doer of the word” rather than just a hearer. James asserts that a mature faith is expressed by demonstrating being slow to speak and quick to listen, showing compassion to the needy, controlling your tongue, embracing trials, resisting temptation, and submitting to God. It is a short but powerful book containing 108 verses divided into 5 chapters.

Learn More about the Book of James