James Chapter 1

Tradition says that James was Jesus' half-brother, who became the leader of the Church in Jerusalem. He wrote this unique letter to Jewish believers who were dispersed from Jerusalem after persecution. It may have been written around AD 49, before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), or before his death in AD 62, when he was killed by Pharisees in Jerusalem. This book was the last to be included in the canonization of Scripture because some believed it focused on works and not faith, but he does believe one is saved by faith, but he shows us what true faith looks like.  In chapter one, James covers faith in the midst of trials, and faith in the midst of temptation. Then he reminds us that we are to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. He tells us that our words and actions should match, and if they don't, then we don't know who we are. We are not to be deceived, but to live in truth, and true religion keeps check on our tongues, watches out for orphans and widows (those in need), and pursued holiness, not the stains of the world.