In the history of interpretation the letter of James has been marginalized and compared unfavorably with the writings of Paul. James argues for an important canonical role for James, not subordinate to Paul, but a complementary scriptural voice. Richard Baukham explores the historical and literary context of the text, discussing the significance of James as the brother of Jesus and leader of the early Jerusalem church.

Major themes of James--wholeness, poverty, speech, ethics and prayer--are explored in relation to the current contexts of the contemporary reader of James.