Version: King James Version (public domain)
James
Faith seen in works
James is a practical letter about trials, controlling the tongue, caring for the poor and a faith that shows itself in works.
Historical context
It recalls Jewish wisdom literature and the Sermon on the Mount. Luther called it an “epistle of straw” because he found little about grace in it.
Explanation
Best-known passages
- “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (ch. 1)
- “Faith without works is dead” (ch. 2)
- The power of the tongue (ch. 3)