Abstract
The epistle of James provides a window into a messianic movement that is beginning to develop into a community of faithful amidst a larger Hellenistic socio-cultural environment. It presents a series of exhortations crossing the spectrum of life situations audiences encounter as they settle into community together. Throughout the instruction, a foundational moral code is presupposed through which the author constructs the requisite worldview. Further, James speaks to this community through the full authority of 'the name of the Lord' and understands himself as both servant and teacher in this new life in light of the coming of that Lord (1:1; 3:1; 5:7-9). The last fourteen verses of the epistle offer a final essay on the need to stand fast through perseverance and prayer, as well as a summary statement of the goal of the entire effort. The formation of the community engenders a new action arising from the 'implanted word' that will produce a 'kind of first fruits' of God's creatures who lead the way of salvation (1:18, 21; 5:19-20). The concluding injunction indicates that this way is tantamount to eschatological restoration.