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'''Epistle of James''' refers to the writings of James, son of Alpheus, the [[Bishop]] of [[Jerusalem]], the [[Lord]]'s brother and one of the 12 Apostles. The early Universal Church years, much of his work was disputed as to authenticity and scattered among churches. From the end of the third century its acceptance as inspired, canonical and as the work of St. James clearly appears from the various lists of the Sacred books drawn up since the fourth century.  

'''Epistle of James''' refers to the writings of James, son of Alpheus, the [[Bishop]] of [[Jerusalem]], the [[Lord]]'s brother and one of the [[twelve Apostles]]. It may be one of the earliest written works of the [[New Testament]], possibly as early as the late 40s.  The early Universal Church years, much of his work was disputed as to authenticity and scattered among churches. From the end of the third century its acceptance as inspired, canonical and as the work of St. James clearly appears from the various lists of the Sacred books drawn up since the fourth century.  

<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08275b.htm Epistle of St. James] Catholic  Encyclopedia</ref>

<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08275b.htm Epistle of St. James] Catholic  Encyclopedia</ref>

== Martin Luther ==

== Martin Luther ==

Luther strongly repudiated the Epistle as "a letter of straw", and "unworthy of the apostolic Spirit". He may have objected to it because it refutes his doctrine that [[Faith]] alone is necessary for salvation.

Martin Luther had difficulty with the Epistle of James as it did not easily fit his concept of ''justification by faith alone'' as James also seems to stress the importance of works.  Nevertheless, he kept it as a part of the New Testament Cannon in [[Protestant]] Churches.

== References ==

== References ==

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[[Category:Christianity]]

[[Category:Biblical Books]]

[[Category:12_Disciples]]

[[Category:New Testament Books]]