New Testament · 5 chapters
James
Author
James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church (traditional view)
Written
c. AD 45-62, possibly one of the earliest New Testament writings
Themes
Faith that acts · Trials and endurance · The power of speech · Wealth and the poor · Wisdom from above
James is the New Testament's most practical letter — closer in style to Proverbs than to Paul. In five chapters it covers trials, temptation, favoritism, the tongue, wealth and prayer, held together by one claim: real faith shows up in how a person lives.
Outline
Trials, wisdom and temptation; hearing and doingChapter 1
Against favoritism; faith without works is deadChapter 2
Taming the tongue; two kinds of wisdomChapter 3
Quarrels, humility and planning without GodChapter 4
Warning to the rich, patience, and the prayer of faithChapter 5
Where to begin
Chapter 1 sets out almost every theme the letter returns to. Read it slowly, then read the whole letter in one sitting — it takes about fifteen minutes.