The Letter of James

Abstract

This essay focuses on the Letter of James, reviewing several perennial issues that continue to puzzle scholars. Given the number of debates swirling around this intriguing letter, the essay is by no means exhaustive. It begins by surveying some of the basic historical questions, including the letter’s authorship, its possible provenance, and the tricky subjects of date and audience. Subsequently, the chapter turns to discussions concerning literary matters, including the genre of James, the various sources from which the letter may be drawing, as well as its literary structure, its use of rhetorical techniques, and its satirical features. The essay also explores a few interpretive matters. Is there, for example, a central theme in the Letter of James? What does James mean when it refers to the “word of truth” (1:18)? The long-standing debate about the relationship between James and the letters of Paul receives some attention, as does the manner in which James describes the divine. The final topic examined is James’s understanding of rich and poor.