These two brief epistles are here considered together, since it is generally held that their authors were brothers, who also were numbered among those who are described as "the brethren of the Lord." We learn from Matthew's Gospel (13:55) that Jesus had four brothers—who may have been, as many suppose, children of Joseph by a former marriage, being thus more strictly "half-brothers" of the Master. John indicates in a revealing phrase that during Jesus' ministry "his brethren" did not "believe in him" (John 7:5), but, at a later date, "James the Lord's brother" won the honorary title of "apostle" (Gal. 1:19), and is referred to as one of the outstanding leaders of the church at Jerusalem; while it appears that Judas (or "Jude") and possibly other members of Jesus' immediate family, became active Christians following his ascension (compare Acts 1:14).
As contrasted with the Pauline epistles, the letter of James is inclined to lay stress upon "works" rather than upon "faith," this thought being clearly brought out in the familiar and repeated affirmation that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20, 26); while Paul asserts that "a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 2:16). It is evident, however, that basically there is no contradiction between the convictions of these two great Christians, for the "works" commended by James are conceived of as providing active support for "faith." while in registering his objection to the "works of the law" Paul by no means condemns rightful activity, though warning against outmoded Hebraic forms and legal regulations. To put it in the words of Dr. C.W. Emmet (Hastings' Shorter Bible Dictionary: p. 424), "Each writer, in fact, would agree with the doctrine of the other when he came to understand it."
The epistle of James is clearly addressed to Christians of Jewish descent; and in view of this it is not surprising to find that it has close affinities to the Old Testament; in fact, its epigrammatic style has been compared to that of the book of Proverbs. While on the whole the writer of the letter may be said to sacrifice eloquence to practicality, it is to him that we owe such memorable phrases as "the perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25), and, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (4:8). James reminds his readers that temptation is not ordained by God, but comes rather as a consequence of their own sins, and that when they withstand and overcome it, they will win "the crown of life" (1:12). The writer commends patience and humility and stresses the healing effects of prayer, reminding his correspondents that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (5:16).
