Bible Book Summaries › James
James: Summary & Key Themes
James at a glance, before you read it.
| Written by | James, the brother of Jesus (traditional) |
|---|---|
| Written to | Jewish believers scattered abroad |
| Type | Letter |
| Chapters | 5 |
| Position | Book 59 of 66 · book 20 of the New Testament |
Summary
James is practical wisdom: count trials as joy, ask God for wisdom, be doers of the word, tame the tongue and care for the poor. Real faith shows itself in action.
Main themes
- faith that works
- wisdom
- the tongue
Key verse
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.James 1:22 (KJV)
How to read James
Read it in one or two sittings first; short letters were written to be read aloud in one go. Ask three questions as you go: what did this mean to the first readers, what does it show about God, and what does it ask of me?
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