Hebrew-Christian Epistles. To Jews that believed, including profession, in special circumstances. James (A.D. 45). no call to leave, still keeping law (Acts 21:18-24), faith be manifested by works! Hebrews (A.D. 63) a call to separate. Peter (A.D. 65-67), believers had already left, feeling the loss. A common theme: reality of faith lived. Not Church.
Overview. A transitional time. Still keeping law (Acts 21:20), but saw a new motive, in contrast to external pressure (James 1:25). A danger, laying hold of unseen (2 Cor. 5:7), that Christianity be profession only, without reality. Intellectual reception of the gospel is worthless. “Faith without works is dead”. Key verse: “show me thy faith”.