JAMES, BOOK OF

This book, authored by the Lord's half-brother (Gal. 1:19), is directed to the "twelve tribes scattered abroad." This is either Jewish Christians, or a figurative designation for "spiritual Israel" (Gal. 6:16), the church generally. The narrative is sometimes characterized as the "gospel of practical Christianity." It has two major thrusts. First, it is aimed at encouraging the saints in times of persecution (1:2-4). Too, the book admonishes that valid faith is that which acts in obeying God; faith without obedience is dead (2:14ff). This letter is a problem for those who allege that salvation is by "faith alone" (cf. 2:24).