What Should We think of the Book of James?

Introductory Remarks

A.  Luther and the Book of James

In The Disputation Concerning Justification, Luther answered this error:
Major Premise: Faith without works justifies,
Minor Premise: Faith without works is dead [Jas. 2:17, 26].
Therefore, dead faith justifies.:

"…We say that justification is effective without works, not that faith is without works. For that faith which lacks fruit is not an efficacious but a feigned faith. … It is one thing that faith justifies without works; it is another thing that faith exists without works." [LW 34: 175-176].

B. Introductory Presuppositions

1. We believe the Book of James is inspired and is part of the Word of God.
2. We do not believe that James could be presenting “another gospel” since it is inspired.
3. James is practical and pastoral more than theological and technical.
4. Christians need the gospel – is the gospel in James?

I. The Author

II. His Audience 1:1

III. What We Know about James from other Scriptures

A.  A Brother of the Lord

Matthew 12:46-49; 13:55; John 2:11-12; 7:1-5

B.  His Conversion  -- 1 Cor. 15:3-8

C.  His Ministry -- Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18
    

IV. Closing Observations from the Book of James itself