Some attempts have been made to identify this James with the Lord’s brother (Gal. Apart from being listed with the other disciples, this James is completely obscure, and it is doubtful that he is the authoritative figure behind the epistle. 10:3 Mark 3:18 Luke 6:15 Acts 1:13), elsewhere called James the Less (Mark 15:40), was one of the twelve disciples. They are:ġ) James, the father of Judas (not Iscariot), is mentioned twice (Luke 6:16 Acts 1:13) as the father of one of the twelve disciples, but is otherwise completely unknown.Ģ) James, the son of Alphaeus (Matt. It should be pointed out that there are at least four men recorded with the name of James in the New Testament. This certainly indicates that Jesus the Christ was speaking and that the people of Nazareth knew who he was in relation to his brothers and sisters. However, such a point of view directly flies in the face of two gospels in canonical Scripture, (see Matthew 1:24-25 , Matthew 13:47-58 Mark 6:3). Some Roman Catholics generally dispute this, because they teach as doctrine the idea that the mother of Jesus was eternally a virgin. The Author: While there is some disagreement between Roman Catholic and Protestant points of view, it is largely regarded and most biblically accurate that the James who wrote this epistle was most likely the half-brother of Jesus the Messiah. God bless you.Īn Overview & Vital Statistics in the Book of James Meanwhile, it is my sincere hope that in whatever space you find yourself in your journey of faith, that this study will help you to walk with our Lord and succeed in obeying him. One chapter at a time, one section at a time and one concept at a time. Don't feel like you have to read it all in one sitting. If you're between devotional readings or you feel lead to go to the book of James though, consider using this. If you're already doing your own devotions, then stay on the track that God has you.
Keep it on your hard drive, or print it and keep it in a handy location. Don't feel like you need to read this right away. Think of it as a leisurely jog, not as a quick sprint through the word. Please understand, that this study is not meant to be either exhaustive or exhausting. My second lifetime all consuming passion, is loving and nurturing my brethren and fellow believers, and hoping them to succeed in doing the same.
My first passion is to grow in loving, trusting, understanding and obeying my Heavenly Father and my Savior by His Spirit. This is really the product of my life's two all consuming passions. So I started sharing them with the members of the small home groups that God allows me the privilege to lead. In late December 2005, I was in the middle of studying the book of Malachi when God impressed upon me that I should share these products of my quiet time with others. They were primarily meant for my own personal devotion, instruction and edification. Initially I had not intended on distributing these studies. The Lord really does want us to succeed in understanding and obeying Him! Although I always believed it, I have become increasingly more aware and solidified in the idea that God's word is incredibly practical. So, in obedience to the Lord, I began reading books of Scripture, one section at a time, all the while keeping a running list of God's instructions as he gives me grace to do so.
Late last year, the Lord was impressing upon me that I should start reading certain books of Scripture, and keeping a "running list of Key Points, Lessons, Guiding principles and Teachings from His word as I read. What follows is a devotional Bible study of the book of James. Key Points Lessons and Teachings from James