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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]].  It may be one of the earliest written works of the [[New Testament]], possibly as early as the late 40s.  There is reason to conclude that this letter was written prior to the Jerusalem Council, which was held in A.D. 50.  The authenticity of this inspired work has been fully accepted since at least the third century, as demonstrated by 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> although debate continues about who actually wrote it.

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 inspired work has been fully accepted since at least the third century, as demonstrated by 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>

 

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?]]

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.

== Martin Luther ==

== Martin Luther ==