WEEKLY COMIC: He Paid It All

FINISH THE VERSE: James 2

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link. The // in the verse marks the minimum number of words you need from the FTV to uniquely identify it.

QUESTION:  My brothers, show // no partiality...
ANSWER:  ...as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (James 2:1)

QUESTION:  For whoever // keeps the whole law...
ANSWER:  ...but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. (James 2:10)

QUESTION:  For judgement // is without mercy...
ANSWER:  ...to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy tri- umphs over judgment. (James 2:13)


QUESTION:  For as // the body...
ANSWER:  ...apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:26)

GETTING READY: Who wrote the Epistle of James?

This was posted earlier in the year during the run-up to the season, but we'll be posting this "Getting Ready" series for James again to refresh your memory.

Who wrote the epistle of James?

Like the book of Romans, the epistle of James starts off telling us right away who the author was:  "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ"  (James1:1 ESV).  But unlike Paul, there isn't only one known early church leader by this name!  Jesus had two disciples who went by the name James:  James, son of Zebedee (brother of John) and James, son of Alphaeus.  However, it is unlikely that either of these men wrote this letter.  James, son of Zebedee, died about 44 A.D while this letter came after 60 A.D.  And while James, son of Alphaeus, is mentioned as an apostle, he is never mentioned again in scripture after the gospels and is not known among the church fathers as a writer of letters.

So, who is this mysterious writer?  Well, there is one other James who was quite prominent in the Early Church, mentioned repeatedly by other writers of the New Testament:  James, brother of Jesus!

• Matthew 13:55 mentions James as Jesus's brother
• Paul visited James in Acts 21
• In 1 Corinthians 15:7, Paul confirms that Jesus appeared to James after the resurrection.
• In Galatians 1:19, Paul confirms his visit to James.
• In Galatians 2:9, Paul indicates he views James as a "pillar" of the church.
• In Jude 1:1, the writer - also believed to be a brother of Jesus - identifies himself as a "brother of James"

(If it's not obvious, technically James would be the adoptive or half-brother of Jesus.  His mother was Mary, but his father was Joseph and not God.)

In fact, early church fathers are united in identifying James the brother of Jesus as the writer of this book.  So, all of the evidence points in the same direction.  And it is rare even among modern scholars to find anyone who has a different view.

PHOTOS: "Super Bowl" of Bible Quizzing

It was great to get together with the other Sunday School class for a combined "Super Bowl of Bible Quizzing".  The paparazzi were out and about, so we have some fun pics from the event for your enjoyment.  Click on the image below for the whole set.

THIS WEEK: Study James, Chapter 2

This week (February 3 thru February 9), please study James, chapter 2.

If you want to read the chapter online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Click here to download an MP3 of the chapter.

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here. (Free website, BibleGateway.Com)

If you want to download the puzzle for this week, click here.

Study Tip: Midwinter is behind us, but don't lose your motivation! Remember that we ARE having Quiz Meets in February and Districts is coming up in March.  Study hard, practice hard, and you will find yourself in a good position in the weeks to come!

Upcoming Events:
- February 15, CT Side Meet in Monroe, CT

CHAPTER REVIEW: James 1

If you'll miss practice this week we don't want you to miss out on the review of the chapter.  You can download Coach Mark's lesson by clicking here, or on the image below.

PHOTOS: Pictures from Midwinter!

Congratulations again on your First Place win at Midwinter, team!  The photos from both Coach Mark and Coach Matt are up and ready for your enjoyment.  Click on the images below for the whole set.

Coach Mark:


Coach Matt: