James is the Book of New Testament wisdom literature. Another title could be: “Proverbs for the Church” as a practical exposition of faith-works. The first Scripture to be written since Malachi takes the Truth of the Old Testament and applies it through the perspective of grace. James makes reference to Abraham, Rahab, Job, Elijah. He makes referenceto the Law and to the Ten Commandments. James includes allusions to passages in 21 OT [Old Testament] books: (Genesis through Deuteronomy, Joshua, 1st Kings, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and 7 out of 12 Minor Prophets).
The Greek title, Yakōbos comes from the first word of James 1:1. Hebrew “Jacob” becomes Greek and English James, with the Book named for the author who delivered the message.
James, the half brother of Jesus Christ was an unbeliever during the Lord’s earthly ministry (Jn. 7:5), becoming saved after His resurrection (Acts 1:14). Called as an Apostle through a personal Resurrection appearance of Christ (1st Cor. 15:7a; Gal. 1:19), James became the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13ff.; Gal. 2:9).