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Line 1: − − The style and content of this Epistle are uniquely similar to that of the [[Epistle to the Hebrews]], which reinforces the likelihood that they were written by James and his brother Jesus. The quality of the Greek in the Epistle of James is higher than the Greek written by the [[Apostles]], which further suggests that this Epistle was written by a relative of Jesus rather than by an average disciple. The only higher form of Greek in the [[New Testament]] is the [[Epistle to the Hebrews]], as likely written by Jesus himself. ''See'' [[Mystery:Did Jesus Write the Epistle to the Hebrews?]] + + + + + + + + + + +
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[[File:Saint James the Just.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|Neo-Byzantine icon of [[James the Just]] ]]
[[File:Saint James the Just.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|Neo-Byzantine icon of [[James the Just]] ]]
The '''Epistle of James''' refers to the writings of James, the [[Bishop]] of [[Jerusalem]], the [[Lord]]'s brother and one of the [[Twelve Apostles]]. This is one of the earliest written works of the [[New Testament]], probably written by the late 40s prior to the Jerusalem Council held in A.D. 50. The authenticity of this work has been fully accepted since at least the third century, as it was included in lists of the Sacred books.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08275b.htm Epistle of St. James] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref>
The '''Epistle of James''' refers to the writings of James, the [[Bishop]] of [[Jerusalem]], the [[Lord]]'s brother and one of the [[Twelve Apostles]]. This is one of the earliest written works of the [[New Testament]], probably written by the late 40s prior to the Jerusalem Council held in A.D. 50. The authenticity of this work has been fully accepted since at least the third century, as it was included in lists of the Sacred books.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08275b.htm Epistle of St. James] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref>
In terms of [[Theology|theological]] themes of the Epistle of James, the epistle centers on practical Christian living and emphasizes the [[Works (theology)|importance of good works alongside faith]]. Some key theological themes include: seeking [[wisdom]] from [[God]] as God is the source of all wisdom, the nature of true [[faith]], emphasizing that it manifests itself in good works and a life transformed by the [[Holy Spirit]] (See: [[Works (theology)]]). Other themes include enduring [[suffering]] and trials, material things will not last, everything belongs to God, caring for the vulnerable such as orphans and widows and the importance of godly speech.<ref>[https://enterthebible.org/courses/james/lessons/theological-themes-in-james Theological Themes in James]</ref><ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2019/03/what-is-the-book-of-james-about-here-are-10-key-themes/ What Is the Book of James About? Here Are 10 Key Themes], Zondervan Academic</ref>
In terms of [[Theology|theological]] themes of the Epistle of James, the epistle centers on practical Christian living and emphasizes the [[Works (theology)|importance of good works alongside faith]]. Some key theological themes include: seeking [[wisdom]] from [[God]] as God is the source of all wisdom, the nature of true [[faith]], emphasizing that it manifests itself in good works and a life transformed by the [[Holy Spirit]] (See: [[Works (theology)]]). Other themes include enduring [[suffering]] and trials, material things will not last, everything belongs to God, caring for the vulnerable such as orphans and widows and the importance of godly speech.<ref>[https://enterthebible.org/courses/james/lessons/theological-themes-in-james Theological Themes in James]</ref><ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2019/03/what-is-the-book-of-james-about-here-are-10-key-themes/ What Is the Book of James About? Here Are 10 Key Themes], Zondervan Academic</ref>
In support of James as the author, as the Epistle indicates, is its simplicity of introduction of the author (who would be familiar to all) and linguistic similarities between this Epistle and a speech given by James in [[Acts of the Apostles]] chapter 15.
In support of James as the author, as the Epistle indicates, is its simplicity of introduction of the author (who would be familiar to all) and linguistic similarities between this Epistle and a speech given by James in [[Acts of the Apostles]] chapter 15.
== Thomas Aquinas on the Epistle of James ==
[[Image:Saint Thomas Aquinas.jpg|right|thumb|200px|St. Thomas Aquinas]]
In Christian theology, "the [[doctrine]] of [[justification]] concerns [[God]]’s [[Grace|gracious]] judicial verdict in advance of the day of [[judgment]], pronouncing guilty [[sin]]ners, who turn in self-despairing trust to [[Jesus Christ]], [[Forgiveness|forgiven]], acquitted of all charges and declared morally upright in God’s sight."<ref>[https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-doctrine-of-justification/#:~:text=The%20biblical%20doctrine%20of%20justification,place%20when%20a%20person%20believes. The Doctrine of Justification], The Gospel Coalition website</ref>
St. Thomas Aquinas saw the Book of James, especially its emphasis on faith and works, through the prism of his [[understanding]] of Christian [[faith]] and justification. Aquinas viewed James's teachings as being complementary to the [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]]'s, emphasizing that saving faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated and perfected through works of [[love]] and charity. Aquinas understood that true faith will invariably lead to actions that demonstrate that faith.
Aquinas addressed any asserted tensions between Paul's emphasis on faith and James's emphasis on works in his theological work [[Summa Theologica]]. He reconciled these emphasis by indicating that while justification is by faith alone, that faith is not truly saving unless it is "formed by [[love]]". Thus, this means that a true, saving faith will necessarily lead to good works.
Faith Completed by Works:
Aquinas interpreted James 2:24 ("A man is justified by works and not by faith alone") not as being contradictory of Paul's teachings, but as an explanation of what bona-fide, saving faith looks like in actuality. He believed that works are not a separate requirement for salvation, but rather the outward manifestation of an inward and truly living faith.
== Martin Luther and the Epistle of James ==
== Martin Luther and the Epistle of James ==