People who study the Bible feel that 7 different men named James could have written this letter.  But most of them feel that this James was the half-brother of Jesus. He was not a follower of Jesus until after Jesus' resurrection.  Bible scholars feel that James was writing to Jewish Christians before 62 A.D.

According to the Jewish historian, Josephus, James was killed by stoning in 62 A.D.

The Book of James gives practical advice for Christian behavior.

Some of the main points:

Our faith is tested in times of trouble.
When we pray, we should ask God in faith.
We should hear God's word and obey it.
Christians should treat rich and poor people the same.
The most important law in the scriptures - love others as you love yourself.
If you break one of God's laws, you break them all.
A person with faith does good deeds and has good behavior.  Faith is dead if it does not produce good works.
It is important to control the tongue and not say bad things.
Peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and will harvest justice.
Do not brag about what will happen tomorrow.  Our lives can disappear very fast.
 

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