'Who is wise and understanding among you' (James 3: 13)? An analysis of wisdom, eschatology and apocalypticism in the epistle of James

摘要

Three questions form the basis of this analysis of the relationship of theEpistle of James to the traditions of wisdom, eschatology and apocalypticism.What kind of traditions are involved in James? What is the worldview of James? What audience or community is presupposed by this writing?Foremost is the connection that James demonstrates to the wisdomtradition evident in the Old Testament and extra-testamental literature.In particular two types of wisdom tradition are noted in James: practicalwisdom advice as expressed in short sayings, wisdom instructionsand admonitions and reflection on the nature of wisdom (1:5-8; 2:1-7;and 3:13-18) as coming from God. Finally, the question of how muchapocalyptic symbolism is evident in the eschatological world view of theepistle is addressed.