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[[File:Saint James the Just.jpg|thumbnail|right|225px|Neo-Byzantine icon of [[James the Just]] ]]

[[File:Saint James the Just.jpg|thumbnail|right|225px|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 was written in a very high level of elegant [[Greek]], above the rest of the [[New Testament]] except the even higher-quality [[Epistle to the Hebrews]]. The Epistle of James 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>