The authorship of the Epistle of James (or the Book of James) has been attributed to James, who was the brother (or half-brother) of Jesus Christ. Some Bible scholars feel the book may have been written by the Apostle Paul. This epistle was written around 48 to 49 A.D. James addressed this epistle to the Jews to continue living and growing within their new-found Christian faith. Since it holds much biblical wisdom for practical Christian living, the Book of James is often compared to the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, in so many ways.
Also, this book argues that the idea of good works is not against the apostle Paul’s teachings regarding justification by faith alone. Rather, this epistle focuses on faith that is complemented by good works, not contradicted by it.
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” (James 2:14).
