Holier Than Thou

Who wrote the books of the Bible and when?

Epistle of James, a general letter to Jewish Christians, was written some time between 45 and 49 A.D. by James, a brother and disciple of Jesus. According to Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3, Jesus had four brothers, one of whom was James (there were also two apostles named James, the son of Zebedee and the son of Alphaeus). Many scholars agree that it was this brother of Jesus, mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Galations 1:19 and 2:9, who wrote the letter, which consists of several proverbial sayings and practical instructions for living the Christian life. Of primary emphasis is faith with deeds. The Epistle of James includes:

Greetings to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations
Take joy in the testing of your faith
Be quick to listen and slow to speak
What acceptible religion is
Favoritism forbidden
Faith and deeds must work together
Taming of the tongue
Wisdom from the devil and wisdom from heaven
Submit to God and resist the devil
Do not boast about tomorrow
Warning to rich oppressors
Patience in suffering
Do not swear on oath
The importance of prayer
Saving sinners from death

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but you don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:1-3)

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:13-16)