Adults

This class runs from March July 13-August 24

James is addressed to "the twelve tribes scattered among the nations." Some would say that these are early Jewish believers scattered from the Jerusalem church after Saul's (later named Paul) participation in the stoning of Stephen, and the persecution of the Jerusalem church (Acts 8.1, and 11.19)

James emphasizes good deeds and faith that works. It seems to be a call to action for Christians. For example, James 4.8 tells us to "Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." In James 2.17, he says, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Some would say that James contradicts the teaching of Paul in Ephesians 2. 8-9, where people are saved by faith alone and not works. But, Paul goes on to say in Ephesians 2.10, that believers "are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

As James and Paul knew each other quite well, and we study these writings, we will find no contradiction in God's Word.