JEWISH EPISTLES Week 46: The Other Apostles’ Teachings (1) James, 45 Others (Hebrews and James) Jude, 45-70 from This week we will look at the two letters written specifically to the Jewish Christians. Galatians, 49 Chronologically speaking, James was probably first of all the New Testament letters Letters written, even before Paul penned Galatians (45ad-ish). And though we do not know exactly who wrote the letter to the Hebrews (some regard Paul as the author while others 1 Thessalonians, 50 propose Luke, Barnabas, or Apollos), the time frame in which it was written was between 2 Thessalonians, 51 64-69ad and most likely to the Jews dispersed in Rome. Peter from James: More than any other book in the New Testament, James places the spotlight on 1 Corinthians, 55 the necessity for believers to act in accordance with their faith. Jesus’ half-brother (who became a follower after Jesus’ resurrection), was one of the leaders of the church at Letters 2 Corinthians, 56 Jerusalem, and wrote this letter in the same vein as the book of Proverbs to provoke the Jewish Christians to let their faith be seen by their works. He brought focus to practical Romans, 57 action in the life of faith. He encouraged God’s people to act like God’s people. Because Book of Acts ends John to James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless. Colossians, 60-62 from He offered numerous practical examples to illustrate his point: faith endures in the Philemon, 60-62 midst of trials, calls on God for wisdom, bridles the tongue, sets aside wickedness, visits orphans and widows, and does not favor those who have money. While James recognized Letters that even believers stumble, he also knew that faith should not coexist with people who Ephesians, 60-62 snub their noses at the less fortunate, ignore the plight of others, or curse those in their paths. In language and themes that sound similar to Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, James Philippians, 60-62 Paul nails the hypocritical person who says one thing but does another. 1 Peter, 60-65 from Hebrews: The goal of the author is to encourage the Jewish believers who were struggling under Nero’s persecution. The heated trials they faced provoked them to consider going 1 Timothy, 63 back toward the Mosaic Law and denying their profession in Christ. The writer reminds Letters these Christians that, though they were confronted with suffering, they were indeed Titus, 63 following a better way and that they should persevere in their belief in Jesus as the Messiah. 2 Peter, 64-66 So the book of Hebrews is a message about Jesus Christ exceeding all other people, 2 Timothy, 65-67 pursuits, or objects to which humans offer allegiance and look to for hope. The letter reminds them of how Jesus is better than the angels, is bringing better lives to humanity through salvation, is Hebrews, 65-69 Week Forty-Six Reading Plan offering a better hope than the Law could 1 John, 80s Hebrews 4:14-6:20 Christ Our High Priest promise, is a better Hebrews 10:1-39 Christ’s Death Once for All sacrifice for our sins 2 John, 80s Hebrews 11:1-40 Hall of Faith than a bull or a goat, Hebrews 12:1-13:8 The Race of Faith and is providing a better 3 John, 80s James 1:1-2:26 Just Do It! inheritance in heaven for James 3:1-4:17 Draw Near to God His children. “With this Revelation, 90s as our hope,” he says, James 5:1-19 One Another Comparison Chart Timeline Book Length “persevere!” Chapter Chapter 1 HEBREWS – Better Things 13 A Better Way A Living Way Nearly 100 OT references are made in the Book to the Hebrews A Better Revelation A Better Leader A Better Priest A Better Sacrifice Better Hope & Promises 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 13 Prophet Priest King Jesus as Eternal Son Perfect Savior Great Shepherd } “Much better than...” 1:4 “Better than...” 7:19 “Let us” have... 12:1 prophets earthly priesthood faith to believe God angels Old covenant hope to endure trials Topic Moses Sanctuary Sabbath Animal sacrifices love to encourage Priests Daily offerings others } Chapter Chapter 1 JAMES – True Wisdom 5 “Be doers of the word and not hearers only!” Real Faith produces Authentic Deeds. 1 TRIALS 2 WORKS 3 WORDS 4 WALK 5 WAITING OF FAITH OF FAITH OF FAITH OF FAITH FAITH Elements for Sin of favoring Controlling the Problem: Pride Mirage of materialism Christian living the rich tongue & heart Solution: Humility Endurance in suffering Endure thru trials Sin of indifference Live authentically Two Examples: toward the poor Pride toward others Endurance thru prayer Listening & doing Two kinds of Pride toward God Faith and Deeds wisdom Pure religion Submit to God This letter was sent to Jewish believers outside of Jerusalem that were being harassed because of their commitment to Jesus as the Messiah. The letter pre-dates Paul’s travels, probably around 45ad. James was the younger half-brother of Jesus, converted after the resurrection. The key words are faith and works. The key verse is 2:26. One sentence summary: True faith lives out everyday-life by good deeds, especially in the face of trials. Orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy!.