francis chan bible study on the book of James

For James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless (James 2:17). In the mind of this early church leader, Christians evidence their faith by walking in certain ways and not others.

He makes no excuses for those who do not measure up. The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness. Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, encouraging God’s people to act like God’s people. The book of James looks a bit like the Old Testament book of Proverbs dressed up in New Testament clothes. In fact, it was likely the first New Testament book written. But James made no mention of Gentile Christians at all, making an early date for the letter most likely. Such a significant event as the Jerusalem Council warranted comment from James, as he was writing to a Jewish Christian audience. This council met in AD 49, meaning James likely wrote his letter in AD 45–48. At that council, James, along with Peter and Paul, affirmed the decision to take the gospel message to the Gentiles. Where are we?Īs one of the chief leaders in the church at Jerusalem, James wrote from that city prior to the meeting of the Jerusalem Council, which Luke recorded in Acts 15. James made the deciding speech at the Jerusalem Council (15:13–22), and Paul called James one of the pillars of the church (Galatians 2:9). Peter singled him out among the other Christians there following Peter’s miraculous release from prison (Acts 12:17). After witnessing the Lord’s resurrected body, James became one of the leaders of the church at Jerusalem. James was not a follower of Jesus during the Savior’s time on earth (Mark 3:21–35 John 7:5) but eventually became an apostle in the vein of Paul, as one who had seen and believed the Lord post-resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7 Galatians 1:19). While James did not specifically identify himself as to which “James” he was (James 1:1), the author is widely thought to be James the half-brother of Jesus.

Francis chan bible study on the book of James