89 lines
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89 lines
13 KiB
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<div class="head">Executable Outlines</div>
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<div class="subhead">The Epistle of James</div>
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<div class="main-just"><div class="pad30">
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<div class="levI" align="center" style="color:324395;font-size:150%;font-weight:bold;">Introduction</div>
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<p><b>AUTHOR:</b> James, who identifies himself as "a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (<a id="si-Jam 1:1" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'1');">Jam 1:1</a>). There are four men who bear this name in the New Testament:</p>
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<div class="block"><b>James, son of Zebedee and brother of John</b> - A fisherman called by Christ (<a id="si-Mat 4:17-22" onClick="return mV('Mat',4,'17-22');">Mat 4:17-22</a>) who later became an apostle (<a id="si-Mat 10:2" onClick="return mV('Mat',10,2);">Mat 10:2</a>). Together with John, they were nicknamed "Sons of Thunder" because of their impulsiveness (cf. <a id="si-Mar 3:17" onClick="return mV('Mar',3,17);">Mar 3:17</a> with <a id="si-Luk 9:51-56" onClick="return mV('Luk',9,'51-56');">Luk 9:51-56</a>). He was killed by Herod in 44 A.D. (<a id="si-Act 12:1-2" onClick="return mV('Act',12,'1-2');">Act 12:1-2</a>).</div>
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<div class="block"><b>James, son of Alphaeus</b> - Another one of the apostles (<a id="si-Mat 10:3" onClick="return mV('Mat',10,3);">Mat 10:3</a>; <a id="si-Act 1:12" onClick="return mV('Act',1,12);">Act 1:12</a>), about whom very little is known. He may be "James the younger," whose mother, Mary, was among the women at Jesus' crucifixion and tomb (<a id="si-Mat 27:56" onClick="return mV('Mat',27,56);">Mat 27:56</a>; <a id="si-Mar 15:40" onClick="return mV('Mar',15,40);">Mar 15:40</a>; <a id="si-Mar 16:1" onClick="return mV('Mar',16,1);">Mar 16:1</a>; <a id="si-Luk 24:10" onClick="return mV('Luk',24,10);">Luk 24:10</a>). In <a id="si-Jhn 19:25" onClick="return mV('Jhn',19,25);">Jhn 19:25</a>, this Mary is called the wife of Cleophas, perhaps to be identified with Alphaeus.</div>
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<div class="block"><b>James, father of Judas the apostle</b> - Even more obscure, one of the few references to him is <a id="si-Luk 6:16</a>" onClick="return mV('Luk',6,16);">Luk 6:16</a>.</div>
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<div class="block"><b>James, the brother of our Lord</b> - A half-brother of our Lord (<a id="si-Mat 13:55" onClick="return mV('Mat',13,55);">Mat 13:55</a>), who did not believe in his brother at first (<a id="si-Jhn 7:5" onClick="return mV('Jhn',7,5);">Jhn 7:5</a>). He became a disciple following the resurrection (<a id="si-1Cr 15:7" onClick="return mV('1Cr',15,7);">1Cr 15:7</a>; <a id="si-Act 1:14" onClick="return mV('Act',1,14);">Act 1:14</a>) and gained prominence in the church at Jerusalem (<a id="si-Gal 2:9" onClick="return mV('Gal',2,9);">Gal 2:9</a>). As evidence of his prominence, Peter sent him a special message following his own release from prison (<a id="si-Act 12:17" onClick="return mV('Act',12,17);">Act 12:17</a>). James also played an important role in the conference at Jerusalem (<a id="si-Act 15:13-33" onClick="return mV('Act',15,'13-33');">Act 15:13-33</a>), and Paul brought him greetings upon arriving at Jerusalem (<a id="si-Act 21:18-19" onClick="return mV('Act',21,'18-19');">Act 21:18-19</a>).</div>
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<p><b>"James, the Lord's brother"</b> (<a id="si-Gal 1:19" onClick="return mV('Gal',1,19);">Gal 1:19</a>) is most likely the author of this epistle. Tradition describes James as a man of prayer, which may explain the emphasis on prayer in his letter. It was said that he prayed so much, his knees were as hard as those on a camel. He was martyred in 62 A.D., either by being cast down from the temple, or beaten to death with clubs. It is reported that as he died, he prayed as did Jesus, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."</p>
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<p><b>RECIPIENTS:</b> The epistle is addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (<a id="si-Jam 1:1" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'1');">Jam 1:1</a>). This naturally leads one to think of Jews (<a id="si-Act 26:6-7" onClick="return mV('Act',26,'6-7');">Act 26:6-7</a>) living outside the land of Palestine. Since the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, many Jews were scattered throughout different nations (<a id="si-Act 2:5-11" onClick="return mV('Act',2,'5-11');">Act 2:5-11</a>). While Jews, the epistle makes it clear that they were also brethren in the Lord, i.e., they were <b>Jewish Christians</b>. Nineteen times James calls them "brethren" and at least one time he definitely means those who were brethren "in the Lord" (<a id="si-Jam 2:1" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,'1');">Jam 2:1</a>).</p>
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<p>It appears many of these Jewish Christians were poor and oppressed. Being Jews, they would often be rejected by the Gentiles. As Jewish Christians, they would also be rejected by many of their own countrymen. The letter indicates that most were poor, and some were being oppressed by the rich (<a id="si-Jam 2:6-7" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,6,7);">Jam 2:6-7</a>). Because it was not addressed to a single church or individual, it has been categorized a "General" or "Catholic" (universal) epistle along with <span class="noTag">1 and 2 Peter, 1 John, and Jude.</span></p>
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<p><b>TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING:</b> With no mention of the Jerusalem conference recorded in <a id="si-Act 15" onClick="return mV('Act',15,'1-');">Act 15</a> (A.D. 49), and the use of the word "synagogue" (assembly, <a id="si-Jam 2:2" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,'2');">Jam 2:2</a>), <b>A.D. 48-50</b> is the date commonly given for this epistle. This would make it the first book of the New Testament written. If James, the Lord's brother, is the author, then he probably wrote it in <b>Jerusalem</b>.</p>
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<p><b>PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE:</b> The epistle deals with a variety of themes, with an emphasis upon practical aspects of the Christian life. Some of the subjects include handling trials and temptations, practicing pure religion, understanding the relation between faith and works, the proper use of the tongue and display of true wisdom, being a friend of God rather than a friend of the world, and the value of humility, patience and prayer.</p>
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<p>While these may appear unrelated, they are crucial to the growth and development of the Christian. For this reason, I suggest that James' purpose was:</p>
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<p align="center"><b>TO INSTRUCT CHRISTIANS CONCERNING TRUE AND PRACTICAL RELIGION</b></p>
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<p>In this epistle is a call to be doers of the Word, manifesting a living faith through one's works. In 108 verses, there are 54 imperatives (commands), prompting some to call James "the Amos of the New Testament."</p>
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<p><b>KEY VERSE: <a id="si-Jam 1:22" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,22);">Jam 1:22</a></p>
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<div class="block"><b>"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."</b></div>
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<p> </p>
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<div class="levI" align="center" style="color:324395;font-size:150%;"><b>BRIEF OUTLINE:</b></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>SALUTATION (<a id="si-Jam 1:1" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,1);">Jam 1:1</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>I. <u>TRUE RELIGION ENDURES TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS</u> (<span class="noTag">Jam 1:2-18</span>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>A. WITH JOY AND PATIENCE (<a id="si-Jam 1:2-4" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'2-4');">Jam 1:2-4</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>B. WITH WISDOM FROM GOD (<a id="si-Jam 1:5-8" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'5-8');">Jam 1:5-8</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>C. WITH A PROPER PERSPECTIVE (<a id="si-Jam 1:9-11" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'9-11');">Jam 1:9-11</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>D. WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF TEMPTATION (<a id="si-Jam 1:12-15" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'12-15');">Jam 1:12-15</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>E. WITH AN AWARENESS OF THE FATHER'S GOODNESS (<a id="si-Jam 1:16-18" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'16-18');">Jam 1:16-18</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>II. <u>TRUE RELIGION CONSISTS OF DOING, NOT JUST HEARING</u> (<span class="noTag">Jam 1:19-Jam 2:26</span>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>A. ONE SHOULD BE SWIFT TO HEAR (<a id="si-Jam 1:19-20" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,19,20);">Jam 1:19-20</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>B. ONE SHOULD NOT BE HEARERS ONLY, BUT DOERS (<a id="si-Jam 1:21-27" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'21-27');">Jam 1:21-27</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>C. ONE SHOULD NOT SHOW PERSONAL FAVORITISM (<a id="si-Jam 2:1-13" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,'1-13');">Jam 2:1-13</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>D. ONE SHOULD SHOW THEIR FAITH BY THEIR WORKS (<a id="si-Jam 2:14-26" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,'14-26');">Jam 2:14-26</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>III. <u>TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS WISDOM, NOT JUST SPEAKING</u> (<span class="noTag">Jam 3:1-18</span>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>A. THE DANGER OF THE TONGUE (<a id="si-Jam 3:1-12" onClick="return mV('Jam',3,'1-12');">Jam 3:1-12</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>B. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAVENLY AND EARTHLY WISDOM (<a id="si-Jam 3:13-18" onClick="return mV('Jam',3,'13-18');">Jam 3:13-18</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>IV. <u>TRUE RELIGION BEFRIENDS GOD THROUGH HUMILITY</u> (<span class="noTag">Jam 4:1-17</span>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>A. HOW TO BE AN ENEMY OF GOD (<a id="si-Jam 4:1-6" onClick="return mV('Jam',4,'1-6');">Jam 4:1-6</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>B. HOW TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD (<a id="si-Jam 4:7-17" onClick="return mV('Jam',4,'7-17');">Jam 4:7-17</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>V. <u>TRUE RELIGION BLESSED THROUGH PATIENCE, PRAYER AND LOVE</u> (<span class="noTag">Jam 5:1-20</span>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>A. THE CURSE OF RICH OPPRESSORS (<a id="si-Jam 5:1-6" onClick="return mV('Jam',5,'1-6');">Jam 5:1-6</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>B. THE BLESSING OF PATIENCE (<a id="si-Jam 5:7-12" onClick="return mV('Jam',5,'7-12');">Jam 5:7-12</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>C. THE BLESSING OF PRAYER (<a id="si-Jam 5:13-18" onClick="return mV('Jam',5,'13-18');">Jam 5:13-18</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA"><b>D. THE BLESSING OF LOVE FOR THE ERRING (<a id="si-Jam 5:19-20" onClick="return mV('Jam',5,'19-20');">Jam 5:19-20</a>)</b></div>
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<p> </p>
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<div class="levI" align="center" style="color:324395;font-size:150%;"><b>REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION</b></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>1) What four men bore the name of James in the New Testament?</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- James, the brother of John</div>
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<div class="levA">- James, the son of Alphaeus</div>
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<div class="levA">- James, the father of Judas</div>
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<div class="levA">- James, the brother of our Lord</div>
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<div class="levI"><b>2) Which one is most likely the author of the epistle?</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- James, the Lord's brother</div>
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<div class="levI"><b>3) To whom was this epistle addressed? (<a id="si-Jam 1:1" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'1');">Jam 1:1</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad</div>
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<div class="levI"><b>4) From the epistle itself, who were the original recipients? (cf. <a id="si-Jam 2:1" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,'1');">Jam 2:1</a>)</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- Jewish Christians</div>
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<div class="levI"><b>5) What is this epistle commonly called, along with <span class="noTag">1 & 2 Peter, 1 John, and Jude</span>? Why?</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- A "general" or "catholic" epistle</div>
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<div class="levA">- Because it is not addressed to a particular church or individual, but to Christians in general</div>
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<div class="levI"><b>6) When was this epistle likely written? From where?</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- A.D. 48-50</div>
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<div class="levA">- Jerusalem</div>
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<div class="levI"><b>7) As suggested in the introduction, what is the purpose of this epistle?</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- To instruct Christians concerning true and practical religion</div>
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<div class="levI"><b>8) What might serve as the "key verse" of this epistle?</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- <a id="si-Jam 1:22" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,22);">Jam 1:22</a></div>
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<div class="levI"><b>9) According to the outline above, what are the main points in this epistle?</b></div>
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<div class="levA">- True religion endures trials and temptations (<a id="si-Jam 1:1-18" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'1-18');">Jam 1:1-18</a>)</div>
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<div class="levA">- True religion consists of doing, not just hearing (<a id="si-Jam 1:19-27" onClick="return mV('Jam',1,'19-');">Jam 1:19-27</a>; <a id="si-Jam 2:1-26" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,'1-26');">Jam 2:1-26</a>)</div>
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<div class="levA">- True religion displays wisdom, not just speaking (<a id="si-Jam 3:1-18" onClick="return mV('Jam',3,'1-18');">Jam 3:1-18</a>)</div>
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<div class="levA">- True religion befriends God through humility (<a id="si-Jam 4:1-17" onClick="return mV('Jam',4,'1-17');">Jam 4:1-17</a>)</div>
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<div class="levA">- True religion blessed through patience, prayer and love (<a id="si-Jam 5:1-20" onClick="return mV('Jam',5,'1-20');">Jam 5:1-20</a>)</div>
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<p align="center" style="font-size:85%;margin-top:25px;">Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2003</p>
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<p class="bibliobox"><strong>Bibliographic Information:</strong><br>Author: Copeland, Mark A.<br>Title: "The Epistle of James"<br>Work: <em>Executable Outlines</em><br>Date Added: 28 Aug 2003<br>Source: Executable Outlines</p>
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