Jas 1.1; Introduction; James greets the twelve tribes that were dispersed.

Jas 1.2-18; Teaching-Instruction; Trials perfect and complete believers. God gives wisdom to those who ask. Rich and lowly brothers.

Jas 1.19-27; Instruction; Be quick to hear, slow to speak and come to anger. Anger does not produce the righteousness of God. Receive the implanted word. Be listeners and doers of the word. Control your tongue. Help the poor.

Jas 2.1-13; Instruction; Show no partiality between the rich and the poor. Breaking one aspect of the law is the same as breaking the whole law. Speak and act as those who are judged by the law of liberty.

Jas 2.14-26; Teaching-Instruction; Faith apart from works is useless. God identifies the righteous by their works and not by their faith alone. Abraham was recognised as being righteous by God when he believed and when he offered up Isaac.

Jas 3.1-12; Teaching-Instruction; Teachers are judged with greater strictness. Their tongues influence the whole body. From the same mouths come blessing and curse. James exhorts them to control their tongues.

Jas 3.13-18; Teaching-Instruction; Jealousy and selfish ambition cause disorder and vile practice. The wisdom from above is pure, peaceful, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good works, impartial and sincere.

Jas 4.1-12; Warning-Instruction; Criticism for those who have lapsed into sin. God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Do not speak against your brothers and judge them. God is the only judge, he saves and destroys.

Jas 4.13-17; Instruction-Teaching; Do not live for future wealth. Instead leave it to the Lord. Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Jas 5.1-6; Warning-Judgment; Those who have rejoiced in their riches are condemned. They mistreat their labourers, defraud others, lived in self-indulgence and murdered the righteous person.

Jas 5.7-12; Instruction; In the light of their persecution, James instructs them to be patient. The coming of the Lord and his judgment is at hand. Remember the persecution of the prophets. Do not make vows, be honest in what you say and promise.

Jas 5.13-20; Instruction; Pray when you suffer. Praise when cheerful. Pray for others who are sick. Restore wandering sinners and save their soul from death and cover their sins.