en_tn_condensed/jas/front/intro.md

# Introduction to James

### Outline of the Book of James

1. Greetings (1:1)
1. Testing and maturity (1:2-18)
1. Hearing and doing the Word of God (1:19-27)
1. True faith seen in works 
    - Word of God (1:19-27)
    - Royal law of love (2:1-13)
    - Works (2:14-26)
1. Difficulties in community 
    - Dangers of the tongue (3:1-12)
    - Wisdom from above (3:13-18)
    - Worldly desires (4:1-12)
1. God's perspective on your decisions
    - Boasting about tomorrow (4:13-17)
    - Warning about riches (5:1-6)
    - Suffering with patience (5:7-11)
1. Closing exhortations
    - Oaths (5:12)
    - Prayer and healing (5:13-18)
    - Care for one another (5:19-20)

### Who wrote the Book of James?

The author identified himself as James. This was probably James, the half-brother of Jesus. James was a leader in the early church and was part of the Jerusalem council. The Apostle Paul also called him a "pillar" of the church. 

This is not the same man as the Apostle James. The Apostle James was killed before this letter was written.

### What is the Book of James about?

In this letter, James encouraged believers who were suffering. He told them know that God uses their suffering to help them become mature Christians. James also told them of the need for believers to do good deeds. He wrote much in this letter about how believers should live and treat one another. For example, he commanded them to treat one another fairly, to not fight with one another, and to use riches wisely.

James taught his readers by using many examples from nature such as in 1:6, 11 and 3:1-12. Also, many parts of this letter are similar to what Jesus wrote in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5-7).