AUTHOR: The Christian church attributes to James, leader of the Church in Jerusalem [Acts 12:17], son of Joseph and Mary and half-brother of Jesus Christ [Gal 1:19].

THEME: The letter of James was written to encourage the Jewish Christians who had been scattered throughout the Mediterranean because of the various trials and persecutions of Christians, to expose hypocritical practices and to teach correct behavior Christian. Here begins a series of so-called Universal Epistles, which are different from Paul's Epistles, because they are not addressed to any Church in particular, but to believers in general, except the second and third Epistles of St. John. James begins his letter by outlining some general features of the Christian life. He next exhorts Christians to act honestly in society; he solemnly warns them against the sinfulness of an unbridled tongue; distinguishes two kinds of wisdom, earthly and divine. James closes by emphasizing patience, encouraging them to pray for each other and, ultimately, to remain faithful to God. In this epistle, the relationship between genuine faith and godly living is highlighted. True faith is tried, active, incites love of neighbor, manifests itself in good works, masters the tongue, desires wisdom from God, trusts in God, is patient and diligent in prayer.

COMPILATION: This epistle is believed to be the oldest of all New Testament documents. There is no precision as to the date; some authors date it to A.D. 48, while others are even more radical, dating it to A.D. 40. For others this letter was written towards the end of James's life, probably in A.D. 60. It consists of 5 chapters and 108 verses.