PPG view of the Book of James.

The Pentecostal view of the book of James in the Bible takes into account the primitive history of the time. James, the author of the book, was one of Jesus’s brothers and one of the first appointees of the nascent church founded by Jesus in the 1st century. The book provides clear direction on how to lead a godly and righteous life and advocates for the traits of humility, faith, and love as essential components of living a spiritual life.

The Pentecostal tradition is predicated on the belief that Christ’s mission was to bring about Divine transformation in the people he encountered, and James’s book constituted the blueprint for living a consecrated life. This view of the book of James reflects the primitive faith of the early church, a faith that sought to refashion life in accordance with the word and will of God. Therefore, Pentecostals emphasize that the book of James is relevant to the religious experience of the contemporary and ancient church.

The book of James can be divided into three main categories: faith, practical living, and theology. The Pentecostal approach to the book emphasizes the need to strive with the utmost effort to be doers of the word, rather than just mere observers of it. The book is uncompromising in its message and stresses the importance of living out one’s faith. As James says, “ faith without works is dead”, stressing that belief isn’t enough; it must also be put into action through service, especially in aiding those in need.

The truth, upholds James, is to do what is right, and this must be done out of a genuine, selfless love for one’s neighbor. Moreover, the book is adamant about good conduct, interpreting the law correctly, and avoiding biased judgement. Another emphasis is on the role of wisdom and understanding in day to day life; the Pentecostal view is that, guided by the Spirit, these virtues are essential in carrying out God’s commands.

The book of James is, above all, an awakening call to the first believers and to modern-day Christians to conduct their lives in accordance with God’s will by faithfully following its exhortation. From the Pentecostal standpoint, the book speaks to the hearts and minds of readers urging them to listen, follow, and obey the Lord. Ultimately, it brings the Old and New Testament together by connecting its spiritual principles with lived experience. It is, to the Pentecostal, a timeless message from the distant past still appropriate to life today.