During the start of any book study, we take some time, before getting into verse 1, to discuss the book itself. Who wrote it? Why was it written? To whom was it written? What are the major themes?

Randy and I are using several different commentaries, but for the overview, I drew mainly from the Zondervan Exegetical on James by Blomberg and Kammell. It is well written and organized; I highly recommend it.

The bottom-line we drew from the book of James is below:

James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote the letter to the ethnic Jewish-Christian communities in Syria and Cilicia. James wrote his letter in the early to mid-40s A.D., meaning it is likely one of the earliest New Testament texts we possess! James focuses his letter on the issues facing the communities: trials and temptations; wisdom in speech and obedience; riches and poverty.

The presentation I prepared for the class is available. Download it and go through it again.