Summary
This treatment of James approaches the epistle through historical and literary analysis. Attention is given to structure, wisdom background, and ethical exhortation. The author reads James as a coherent theological voice within early Christianity, interacting with broader scholarly debate.
Strengths
The work is thorough in linguistic and contextual detail. It illuminates first century Jewish context and rhetorical movement, offering readers a disciplined reading of the text.
Limitations
The theological synthesis does not consistently reflect evangelical commitments, and some doctrinal tensions are resolved in ways that may not persuade confessional readers. Pastoral direction is limited.
How We Would Use It
Useful for understanding historical setting and scholarly perspectives. It should be paired with more pastorally driven expositions.
Closing Recommendation
An academically significant volume best suited for advanced readers who can weigh its conclusions carefully.
Luke Timothy Johnson
Luke Timothy Johnson is an American New Testament scholar of the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries, working within the Roman Catholic tradition and the wider world of critical biblical scholarship.
He has written extensively on the New Testament, including substantial commentaries and studies on early Christian history and theology. His work often engages historical and literary questions while reflecting on the theological vision of the early church.
Johnson is appreciated for his intellectual range and for his attempt to read the New Testament as both ancient text and living Scripture within the church. His writing is measured and reflective, combining academic depth with an awareness of the theological claims that stand at the heart of Christian faith.
Theological Perspective: Non-Evangelical/Critical