While Pauline teachings concentrate on our justification with God, James’ teachings concentrate on the works that exemplify that justification. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit and questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruits of the Spirit cannot be seen, much as Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23.
Wakati mafundisho ya kipaulo yaliangazia sana kwa kuhesabiwa haki kwetu na Mungu, mafundisho ya Yakobo yanaangazia sana kazi ambazo zinaruhusu huko kuhesabiwa haki. Yakobo alikuwa anaandika kwa Wayahudi kuwatia moyo kuendelea kukua katika imani hii mpya ya Kikristo. Yakobo anasisitiza kwamba matendo mazuri kiasili yatatokea kutoka kwa wale ambao wamejazwa na Roho na anauliza iwapo mtu anaweza kuwa na imani au kukosa imani ya kuokoa ikiwa matunda ya roho hayawezi kuonekana, kiasi kama Paulo anaeleza katika Wagalatia 5: 22-23.