NT Survey I Overview of the Epistles and the Epistle of James

Overview of the Epistles Purpose of the Epistles: to provide instruction for Christ’s church as it was spread across the Roman empire. Purpose of the Epistles: to provide instruction for Christ’s church as it was spread across the Roman empire. They were occasional in nature, that is, prompted by a particular historical situation and need. They were occasional in nature, that is, prompted by a particular historical situation and need. They were written with authority and established the “presence” of the writer with his readers. They were written with authority and established the “presence” of the writer with his readers. Grouping of the Epistles: Grouping of the Epistles: Pauline (13); will look at these in the spring. Pauline (13); will look at these in the spring. Non-Pauline (8); also known as General Epistles Non-Pauline (8); also known as General Epistles Revelation Revelation

Introductory Matters for James Author: Not the Apostle James, but James the brother of our Lord. James was a devout Jew who was thoroughly steeped in the OT. He was a key participant in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), became a pillar in the church in Jerusalem (Gal 2:9), and was known as “camel knees” for his devotion to prayer. Author: Not the Apostle James, but James the brother of our Lord. James was a devout Jew who was thoroughly steeped in the OT. He was a key participant in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), became a pillar in the church in Jerusalem (Gal 2:9), and was known as “camel knees” for his devotion to prayer. Date: The content of the letter argues for an early date, some time between 45 and 48 AD, making it the earliest of the NT books. Date: The content of the letter argues for an early date, some time between 45 and 48 AD, making it the earliest of the NT books. Audience and Occasion: “the twelve tribes dispersed abroad,” i.e. Jewish Christians outside of the land of Israel who evidently were struggling with such issues as impatience, materialism, disunity, and spiritual apathy. Audience and Occasion: “the twelve tribes dispersed abroad,” i.e. Jewish Christians outside of the land of Israel who evidently were struggling with such issues as impatience, materialism, disunity, and spiritual apathy. Character of the book: Deals with very practical issues of the Christian faith, being a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. Character of the book: Deals with very practical issues of the Christian faith, being a doer of the Word and not just a hearer.

Major Themes in James Trials/Temptation/Sin Trials/Temptation/Sin Endurance Endurance Faith and its Relationship to Works Faith and its Relationship to Works The Tongue The Tongue Worldliness/Worldly Wisdom vs. Heavenly Wisdom Worldliness/Worldly Wisdom vs. Heavenly Wisdom Riches Riches Prayer Prayer

Purpose Statement for James James writes to address apparent contradictions between his Jewish readers’ confessions and their lives, urging them to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers; true faith works! Faith + works = salvation Faith = salvation + works

Survey of James Trials and Temptations (1:1-17) Trials and Temptations (1:1-17) James discusses the beneficial nature of trials. He makes clear that God tempts no man, but each man is tempted when he is carried away by his own lust. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. James discusses the beneficial nature of trials. He makes clear that God tempts no man, but each man is tempted when he is carried away by his own lust. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. The Reception of the Word (1:19-27) The Reception of the Word (1:19-27) Believers are to humbly receive the implanted Word, which is able to save their souls. They are to be doers of the Word, the theme of this letter. Believers are to humbly receive the implanted Word, which is able to save their souls. They are to be doers of the Word, the theme of this letter. The Respect of Persons (2:1-13) The Respect of Persons (2:1-13) James confronts those who show partiality to the rich over the poor, and encourages his readers to fulfill the royal law of love, regardless of the social status of the recipient. James confronts those who show partiality to the rich over the poor, and encourages his readers to fulfill the royal law of love, regardless of the social status of the recipient.

Survey of James The Relation Between Faith and Works (2:14-27) The Relation Between Faith and Works (2:14-27) Faith without works is dead. This does not contradict Paul’s teaching on justification by faith alone, but complements it by showing that true faith produces works. Faith without works is dead. This does not contradict Paul’s teaching on justification by faith alone, but complements it by showing that true faith produces works. The Teacher, the Tongue, and Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:1-18) The Teacher, the Tongue, and Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:1-18) Teachers incur stricter judgment. The tongue, though small, can lead to big trouble; it must be controlled. The source of wisdom is demonstrated by its attitudes and deeds. Teachers incur stricter judgment. The tongue, though small, can lead to big trouble; it must be controlled. The source of wisdom is demonstrated by its attitudes and deeds. The Warning Against Worldliness (4:1-17) The Warning Against Worldliness (4:1-17) Friendship with the world is hostility towards God. God gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud. Do not speak against a brother, and make your plans subject to the Lord’s will. Friendship with the world is hostility towards God. God gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud. Do not speak against a brother, and make your plans subject to the Lord’s will. Prospects of the Rich, Patience until the Lord’s Coming, and Prayer (5:1-20) Prospects of the Rich, Patience until the Lord’s Coming, and Prayer (5:1-20) Warning to the rich and exhortation to the afflicted to be patient until the coming of the Lord. Turn to prayer in all circumstances. Warning to the rich and exhortation to the afflicted to be patient until the coming of the Lord. Turn to prayer in all circumstances.

Next Week: Epistle to the Hebrews