Your quick reference guide to the Letter of James, including summary, key verse, important info, and reading guides.
The post Look at the Book: James [Infographic] appeared first on Bible Gateway News & Knowledge.
“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Perhaps the earliest book in the New Testament, James’s letter was written by Jesus’s brother to encourage the fledgling church to not only hear Jesus’s teaching but to act on it.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
James’s central theme is the need for believers to put their faith into action through good works. He also includes instruction on resisting temptation, maintaining faith, taming the tongue, and dealing with worldliness and oppression.
- Category: Epistle
- Theme: Authenticity
- Timeline: Written around AD 46-49
Key Verse
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17 (NIV)
Doers of the Word
With devotion to direct, poignant statements on wise living, James is similar to Proverbs. It has a practical emphasis, stressing not theoretical knowledge, but godly behavior.
Though James doesn’t speak at length about Jesus, the principles he outlines follow the model set forth by Jesus during his earthly ministry. By fixing our gaze and affections on Christ, we can be doers of the Word and not merely hearers only.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here’s a handy 7-day guide to the “catholic” epistles. (See 30-day reading guide below.)
Conversion Story
At first James, the brother of Jesus, did not believe Jesus was the Messiah and even challenged him. However, after Jesus appeared to him, he became a pillar of the church.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
The post Look at the Book: James [Infographic] appeared first on Bible Gateway News & Knowledge.