James - Intro

James – not Paul

James – an Introductory Lesson

Introduction / Lesson:

1. What Book of the Bible did you read this week?  (Trick question?)
1. James
2. Who wrote the Book that we’re going to be studying?
1. Rumored to have garnered the nickname “Old Camel Knees” due to his time spent in prayer.
2. James (Yes, but which one?)
3. James the father of Judas (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13) – Not much known on him, but it’s unlikely he’s the author of a letter to “the twelve tribes”.
4. James the son of Alphaeus (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; 15:40 [here called James the Younger]; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) – Also too obscure to be a likely candidate.
5. James the son of Zebedee and brother of John (Matt. 4:21; 10:2; 17:1; Mark 1:19, 29; 3:17; 10:35; 13:3; Luke 9:28; Acts 1:13; 12:2) – Probably not the author since he likely died a martyr before (44 A.D.-ish) it was written (early 50’s A.D.).
6. James the Lord’s brother (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3; Gal. 1:19; called simply James in Acts: 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; and in 1 Cor. 15:7) – Prominent and alive.  This is the traditionally believed author of James.
3. What do you already know about James (the book) now, before we’ve studied it?
1. Doesn’t get much “play” or attention.
2. Also about being a “deliberate Christian”, like Colossians was.
3. Very different style than Paul.
4. Often discussed as being in contrast to Paul’s works.  James preaches works (to contrarians) while Paul preached faith.  (We’ll examine this.)

                                                               i.      Paul’s first work (1 Thess) was written after James.  James was NOT arguing with Paul.

5. For similar reasons, it’s frequently discussed as one of the conflicts in the Bible.  James preaches works, while Paul preaches faith.
3. When did this book take place?
1. Probably between 45 and 62 A.D.  (Traditionally, thought around 49 A.D., but can’t be beyond 62 A.D. if James, Jesus’ brother is the author since he died then.)
2. So?

                                                               i.      It’s after James the son of Zebedee was martyred by Herod.

                                                             ii.      Probably before the destruction of Jerusalem.

                                                            iii.      Probably before Romans, Galatians and other Pauline works were completed/known.

5. What do we know about him?
1. Prominent.  Probably led Jewish Council in Acts 15
2. Jesus’ brother (half, technically)
3. Made little of his physical relationship with Jesus.  Focused on the spiritual relationship.
6. What is the “format” of this Book?  Sermon? Poetry? Law?
1. Mostly a prayer…to God.  A lament.  But it’s a dialog.  We get to hear God’s answer to H.
7. Who did he write it to?
1. Jewish Christians
8. What is the purpose of the book?
1. Instruct.
2. Guide the followers to be purposeful in their belief.
9. Where was the author when he wrote this book?
1.  
10. What was James’ life like at this time?
11. What was life like for those James was writing to?
1. They were dispersed (where?  At least, outside of Jerusalem)
2. Poor.
3. Farmers.
4. Probably fairly close to Jerusalm; maybe Palestine.
5. Prosecuted by Roman rulers (Herod, Saul, Agrippa, etc)
12. What do you notice that is different in this letter from James than other Bible letters?
1. No thanksgiving for the saints, no final greeting, no benediction
2. It’s much more “simple” than Paul’s letters.  Paul was more of an intellectual or theologian.  James seems to be more of a simple speaker.

Print | posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 2:54 PM |