Fun Trivia : James

Structure Sub-topic of: New Testament Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries.

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

James

Who is traditionally credited with writing James?

James


A brother of Jesus. There was a son of Zebedee named James (who was the brother of John and a disciple of Christ), but the James traditionally attributed with authorship of the epistle is James the brother of Jesus. This James is not listed among the original twelve apostles, but he does have a commanding presence in the book of Acts, and he is referred to by Paul as a pillar of the church. James was either a half brother or stepbrother of Jesus, depending on your religious persuasion.



To whom does James address his letter?

James


To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. James 1:1: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." These other addresses listed among the answers come from the books of Revelation (the 7 churches), Titus, and Philippians.



How does James refer to the law?

James


the law of liberty. He calls it “the law of liberty” in 1:25 and 2:12. It is Paul who refers to the “curse of the law” in Galatians 3:13.



What must a man _not_ be slow to, according to James?

James


Hear. Rather, he must be “swift to hear,” slow to speak, and slow to grow angry (1:19).



In 2:21, James asks, "Was not Abraham our father justified by ___?" What is the missing word in this quote?

James


Works. James 3:21: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac?” Paul tells us Abraham was justified by faith: ”For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:1-3). Some scholars consider this to be a debate between James and Paul, but most Christians reconcile James and Paul by emphasizing that James is not speaking of faith in general or of works in general, but rather of a faith that is evidenced in works: “Faith wrought with his works,” says James earlier in 2:22, “and by works was faith made perfect.” He is not negating the role of faith, but rather emphasizing that true faith is inseparable from doing good works.



What is pure religion, according to James?

James


To care for widows and orphans. It is certainly not merely to believe: “Thou believeth that there is one God; thou doest well,” he says sarcastically, concluding, “the devils also believe, and tremble” (2:19). Rather, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (1:27) Paul also emphasizes caring for widows, and cautions Christians to care only for those with a true need, who are "widows indeed" (I Timothy 5:3).



In chapter 2, James upbraids Christians for discriminating against whom?

James


The Poor. He is angered that they “have despised the poor.” In James 2:9, he tells them that they sin if they “have respect to persons,” that is, if they show favoritism based on a person's financial status. They are to love their neighbors as themselves, James says. To discriminate based on financial status is a clear violation of this "royal law" (James 2:8). We are told in Acts 10:34, in no uncertain terms, that God Himself "is no respecter of persons."