The Use of Jewish Traditions in the Book of James

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In the Bible, the book of James is surrounding by controversy. There are debates on its genre, author, when it was written, and who the book was addressed to. The book of James is said to be a letter, however James does not have the components of a letter. The components of a letter include a salutation, greeting, body, and a closing. James only contains a salutation and a greeting but lack the closing. Also, the body of a letter has one unified topic, however James does not. The body of James has many topics and has a rhythm that flows like a sermon or a loose arrangement of essay joined together in one book. Another element that presents some debate is the salutation of James. James addresses his readers has the “twelve tribes scattered among the nations”. Some interpreters conclude that James is speaking to the Jewish believers that live outside of Palestine whom believed in Jesus Christ, while others suggest that James is referring to the church as a whole. Not only does the salutation emerge debates, but also the element of who wrote the book of James brings about different opinions among interpreters. James introduces himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1 , NIV). Some scholars believe that James is the brother of Jesus who wrote the book between 46 and 62 C.E. however, other scholars suggest that the name James was only a pseudonym and was written between the late first and second century. Even though the book has various controversial details some of them are not important to the understanding of James’ message. The author of James and when it was written is relevant information to the passage if one is trying to decide if the passage was written before another. Also to consider if ... ... middle of paper ... ...d not only a hearer. James uses Matthew’s Jesus’ teaching to show his Jewish audience that only loving and having faith in God will not maintain their righteous with God they must also show their faith by their actions. Works Cited Darian R. Lockett, “James,” OEBB (Need Volume), 412 Lockett, “James,” OEBB (Need Volume), 412 Lockett, “James,” OEBB (need Volume), 412 It will always be the NIV translation unless otherwise stated. Lockett, “James,” OEBB (need Volume), 411 John Painter, “Letter of James,” NIDB, (need volume), 191 Lockett, “James,” OEBB, (need volume), 411 Pheme Perkins, 1st and 2nd Peter, James, and Jude, (need the rest of the information) Graham H. Twelftree, “Demon,” NIDB, (need volume), 94 Luke Timothy Johnson, “James 2:14-26,” NIB, (need volume), 198 Marion L. Soards, “Righteous in the NT,” NIDB, (Need Volume), 817

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