The Letter of James (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT))

Scot McKnight here explains the Letter of James both in its own context and as it may be seen in light of ancient Judaism, the Graeco-Roman world, and emerging earliest Christianity. From beginning to end, the book is shaped for pastors, teachers, and scholars. McKnight is less interested in shedding new light on James than on providing a commentary for those who want to explain the letter and its significance to congregations and classes. This commentary is accessible to a broad readership, at once full of insight and of good sense and wit that makes for good reading. The Letter of James is an especially helpful source for consultation as to what James is about. James in the story -- James: who wrote the letter? -- What are the central themes of James? -- What is the structure of James? -- Commentary. Salutation (1:1) -- The Christian and trials (1:2-18) -- General exhortations (1:19-27) -- The Christian and partiality (2:1-13) -- The Christian and works (2:14-26) -- General exhortations for teachers (3:1-4:12) -- The Messianic community and the wealthy (4:13-5:11) -- Concluding exhortations (5:12-20).;Scot McKnight's commentary expounds James both in its own context and in the context of ancient Judaism, the Greco-Roman world, and the emerging Christian faith. --from publisher description.