Week 19

Numbers 15-16:41

Sacrifices for sin & the rebellion of Korah

God is giving Moses instructions about sacrifices that should be practiced when they start living in the promised land. He is talking about the sacrifices that the next generation will need to produce in worship, when they are in Canaan. Why is he doing this? One, to say that He will be with Israel moving forward. Second, He is probably telling Israel that his promises are everlasting. If they did not obey and therefore lost the grace of God, another people will rise up to take that place - in this case, the children of these people are those who will enjoy the promised land.

Leviticus and Numbers show us the seriousness of sin. But, does it stand true in today's era of grace period? Well, the New Testament shows that sin is serious even in the finished work of grace - read Hebrews 10:26:

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,  but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.




Moses handled this beautifully, he did not defend himself. He fell face down and prayed. When someone challenges you, get out of the way, let God defend you. 

So is there a path to receiving the grace of God? 1 John 1:9 gives us the answer:"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

The rebellion of Korah is a gripping tale - he takes 250 elders with him. And, all of them suffer death and destruction. Satan brings the thought that Moses has violated Korah and his people. Such a thought leads them to sin and suffer the consequence of sin. When such thoughts happens to you, stop - think - pray. It may lead you to destruction, if it is brought on by Satan.

Numbers 16:42-18:32
More purging

God continues to purify the camp of Israel. Another 14,700 people dies from plague. These portions in Numbers continues to show us His seriousness about sin. He intends to purify the congregation. How does this matter today? Our willingness to tolerate sin in our churches make us less powerful in exercising God's promises. It does not mean we have to identify the sin in individual persons. But it means that the emphasis of our church teaching should be to make it's members a holy community.

The story of Aaron's staff proves once again that the leadership in church is elected not by a committee, but by God. If God is not in the decision making process, the leadership is without His support.

Next, let's focus on giving a portion of our income - it maybe prudent to read Malachi 3:6 onward. I have erred (continue to) in this area. May God bless you and me to open our wallets without any reservation. 

Numbers 19-21
Aaron and Miriam dies, and the return to Kadesh (End of wandering)

Numbers 19 is confusing. Note that the sacrifice in this portion is not on or at the Tabernacle. It also sacrifices the entire animal, including the blood. Four commentators interpret this in different manners. This is a typical example that Biblical interpretation should not be entirely dependent on one teacher or theologian.

Numbers 20 resembles Exodus 17. In Ex 17, he hit the rock as commanded by God. In this passage, he disobeys God's command to speak to the rock, and instead strikes it. For this act of commission, he paid the price - He is unable to set foot on the promised land. The Lord tells Joshua, the next leader, to do everything as He commands, to the letter.

Moses may have been angry with the people, and maybe even with God. It appears from verse 12 that He may have offended God. When you are angry, you end up committing sin one way or the other. Godly faith is not just believing him, but obeying him.

Aaron dies and his garments and responsibilities are passed on to Eleazar, Aaron's son. Moses' responsibilities are passed on to Joshua. Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is our great high priest, and unlike Aaron, he never dies. He abides as our high priest forever.

Israel now moves to the present day Jordan, almost at the entrance of the promised land. But they face two kings and God gives them victory. Still, Israel grumbles. God sends the vipers. But God uses a symbol of sin to bring healing - through the bronze snake. It appears that the bronze serpent could be a signpost that points the old testament believers to Christ, who became sin on that cross at Calvary. All who looks to Him are saved. 

Numbers 22-24
Baalam, his donkey and King Balak

When God has prepared to bless someone, NOTHING can change it to a curse!

This is one of the most mysterious passages in the Bible. Here are few questions that this passage raises:
1. Is Balaam a prophet of Jehovah?
- It appears that Balaam was selling his services to people. Otherwise, the King may not have tried to buy him of. Again, Peter, Jude, Revelations and Deutronomy confirm that Balaam was not Jehovah's prophet.
He was likely negotiating with the princes rather than saying an outright No. Also, he was into sorcery (24:1), which God has out-rightly banned.

2. Did the donkey really speak? Why didn't Balaam see the angel of the Lord?
- the donkey may or may not have audibly talked. That's besides the point. What is important is that Balaam did not have the spiritual maturity to see the angel of the Lord.

3. Did Balaam intend to bless or curse Israelites?
- He definitely shows every inclination to be able to adjust his words based on what the princes and the King would say. But God makes him do the opposite and instead bless the Israelites. This is one instance where God uses the unrighteous to bring forth blessing.

4. Is there a contradiction in Numbers 22:20 and 21? Didn't God ask Balaam to go, and then He is being stopped from going?
- Verse 20 actually states that "if the princes comes, then go". But according to verse 21, Balaam did not await the princes and instead sets off on his journey, therefore, disobeying God. This is not a contradiction, if this account can be held true (Matthew Henry). This is another instance where the NIV leads us in a wrong interpretation of the bible. Malayalam bible again provides the correct translation, likely from the KJV.

5. Is 24:17 a prophesy about Jesus?
- God uses Balaam to pronounce a prophesy about Jesus. Simon, the three wise kings et al, interpreted this correctly and waited in eager expectation of the Lord's coming.

6. How does Balaam say the right things about God and His promises (see 23:19)?
- Again, another instance of God using the unrighteous to speak the right words. He causes the wicked to often do good deeds or sometimes miracles, or He gets the message correct. That does not mean that the messenger is an anointed man of God.

Numbers 25-27

Moses sees the promised land

In chapter 25, at the gates of the promised land, Israel can be seen joining the same people they opposed - they indulged in sexual sins with the Moabite women.  Israel did not have to worry about the kings or the tribes. God had promised his protection on the people. But the only people who could destroy them is within themselves. The false prophet that Moab hired was unable to curse Israel, but the Moabite women slowly caused Israel to sin. It's the same for us. It's not the enemy outside that will trouble us most, and separate us from God. It will be ourselves, our pride and our sins. 

There are two strong commands, or themes in the OT and NT - first, sexual intimacy should be within the marriage, not outside. Second, one should chose a believer as his/her partner in marriage. 

In chapter 26, one can see the second census. Only Joshua and Caleb remain from the original generation that initially came to the boundary of promised land. 

Finally, Moses is unable to enter the promised land due to his previous sin of disobedience. God chose Joshua as the new leader. It is important to note that the choice was not by popular election, instead God made the election. He had been preparing Joshua for this moment. 

Week 18

Numbers 7:1-17, 84-89; Leviticus 1
The burnt offering

Numbers 7:12-83: Why does God want Moses to repeat the same verses several times, except with different names? The chapter may have become longer. But it emphasizes the fact that God takes notice of everything you do - even if the gifts are identical, everything is accurately noted by God. Ours is a religion of grace. So why would this be important? Our good works have significance - it does not earn us salvation. His finished work on the calvary has given us that. But our works bring great glory to Him.

Blessed are the ones who die in the Lord, for their work follows them. He takes notice of our works.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Revelations 14:13

The act of submitting an offering is an act of worship. - which is the single most important aspect in the young nation's daily life. The finished work on the cross has made such offerings irrelevant. But our voluntary submission of our life is The ACT of WORSHIP that God expects from us. 

Numbers 8; Leviticus 3-4

Sacrifices

Why is this 'boring' portion important for the contemporary church?

1. It helps us understand the redemptive work of Jesus, and much of New Testament.

2. It helps us understand the seriousness of sin. The constant reminder for sacrifices shows just that. Thankfully one last sacrifice (that of Jesus) redeemed us of all the requirements that were mandated for the Israelites.

3. It emphasizes the importance of preparation - Israel is preparing for a long journey to the promised land. 

 

Numbers 9-10; Leviticus 5:14-6:7

The Cloud

Moses' authority (Numbers 9:5) comes from verse 1 - 'The Lord spoke to Moses'. Note how Moses takes the people's question to the Lord. Isn't that the pattern we should follow too?

Also note how the route, and when they would go is decided by God, and not by Moses. God is the head of our church.

'At the Lord's commands, they would encamp; and at his command they set out.' That should be the story of our life's journeys as well.

Numbers 9: 18-23 - "At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. ¹⁹ When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out. ²⁰ Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. ²¹ Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. ²² Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. ²³ At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses."

 

Numbers 11-12
The Quail

The people start complaining three days into their wilderness journey. They forget all that the Lord did for them. Our memory lasts only for a brief moment. Moses cannot take it anymore - he cries out to the Lord. "Why did you place me in the leadership of this disgruntled people?"

This is probably the first case of 'ministerial burnout'. Another similar incident happens in Elijah's life. What is God's solution? He gathers the elders together and allows for division of responsibilities. Moses is sort of the OT equivalent of Apostle Paul. He did it all alone, except when he burnt out. God allows us to share our burden with fellow believers. He asked Elijah to find Elisha. He asked the apostles to find the deacons (Stephen and others).

Another interesting aspect of human behavior comes out in Numbers 12 - jealousy. Miriam and Aaron displays just that. Note the description about Moses - he was MEEK. Meekness is defined as "quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive". Contrast the two characters - jealousy vs. meekness. We should work towards becoming meek. 

 

Numbers 13-14
Joshua & Caleb

Twelve spies set out to the promised land. Joshua and Caleb bring good news. The rest talk about how the land 'flows with milk and honey' and that the land 'devours its inhabitants' - quite contradictory statements. Who's idea was to spy the land? Read Deuteronomy 1. Moses says that the Israelites asked for spies to be sent. This is how we should study the bible. Cross reference the portions. If you read just Numbers 13-14, we would know that God ordered the spies. It's only when you read the Bible in it's entirety that it becomes alive and complete.

The idea of the spies were from the people, and not from God. When we put our modifications into God's plans, be prepared for consequences. Another place where this repeats is in the history of Israel. They did not have a king. So they went to Samuel and asked for a king to be anointed. He warned them that it may not go well - which is what happened. When we plan out things out of God's plans, there will be consequences.

Note how the people were worried about the giants of Nephilim. They have seen bigger issues and have overcome it, with God. Now these giants worry them and prevent them from going into the promised land.

Because of this disobedience, Israel wanders in the desert for another 40 years. And, an entire generation is dead before they can move into God's promised land - except Joshua and Caleb. That is 600,000 minus 2. See how unbelief is more contagious than even the deadliest pestilence.

Finally, the people attempt to walk into the promised land - but they again go against God's commands and suffer destruction. 

 

 

 

Week 17

James 3-5
Be Doers of the Word

James writes to the early Jewish Christians. He is more concerned about practical Christianity. Being doers of the word rather than just listeners. As a result, he talks about:
1. Taming the tongue - you can either bless or curse, build or tear down, encourage or demoralize (Proverbs 12:18)
2. Living in wisdom - It is always recommended that we often do attitude checks on ourselves.
3. Do not judge others. Be humble.
4. Live a life of justice.
5. Austere living is important
6. Lead a prayerful life, of righteousness.

Submission and humility were two very important tenets of early Church. And the return of Jesus is the most important reason why we should live a holy life. Wherever Jesus' second coming is mentioned, there is some reference to 'so live right; so live holy life; etc). Therefore, the point with eschatological debate about when and how Jesus will come. What should be emphasized is the holy living, in preparation for Christ's return.

Final point is with regards to praying for the sick. James suggests that some sickness can be due to sins. And, the solution for such a sickness would lie in prayer. Also note how a righteous man's prayer is effective. Can you be that man? 

Proverbs 10 and 12

Similar to James' letter

The style in Proverbs is so similar to what James writes. These chapters in proverbs and James have a common theme - words, tongue, speech, lips. All the various references relate to the positive or negative effects of tongue and our words. 

The positive effects of tongue:1. Pr 10:11 - Fountain of life - God uses righteous people as his instrument through which life flows to others.
2. 10:13 - God brought wisdom through people.
3. 10:20 - Valuable speech - how important are people who have such valuable words for us when we are in need of advice.
4. 10:21 - nourishing words - Who do you nourish with your speech?
5. 10:32 - lips of the righteous is fitting - speaks the right word at the right time. A word fitly spoken is a rare treasure.
6. 12:6 - Speech of the upright rescues them. The integrity of the righteous is reflected in their words and often rescues them in difficult situations. Remember how God honored Shadrack Meshak and Abednego.
7. 12:14 - Our good words will bring blessings back to us.
8. 12:18 - Tongue of the wise brings healing - "I forgive you', "would you forgive me?".
9. 12:19 - Truthful words endures forever. One truthful word is powerful.
10. 12:25 - Kind word cheers people up. 

The negative effects of tongue:1. 10:6 and 10:11 - violent words overwhelms the wicked.
2. 10:8 - chattering words destroy people (gossip, loose talk etc) - where words are many, sin is not absent.
3. Lying lips
4. Slandering lips - can we make a promise never to pass along unsubstantiated words.
5. The evil man is always trapped by his own sinful words. Lie begets another. 

Numbers 1, 2

The Census

We just finished the first two sections of Acts - from the crucifixion of Jesus to the spread of Christianity in Jerusalem and Judea. Then  we read the book of James which was written during this period of early Church. We then read two chapters of Proverbs to show the old testament character of James.

Greek translation of the name 'Septuagint' means Numbers. This book covers a period of 39 years.
There can be three divisions:
First section is from chapter 1 - 10:10: this time span took 30 plus years. It portrays the journey of Israel in Sinai desert.
Section two deals with chapter 10:10 - 21: In route to Moab
Final section: Israel is at the gate of the promised land.

Moses reveals thoughts as a prophet in this book. What are the characteristics of a prophet?
1. He should speak what he hears from God.
2. The people should accept his authority as though what he speaks comes from God.

Does our pastor or priest have such an authority? Or are we willing to place such a tremendous responsibility on them?

Note that God's position in the center of the camp shows His position in our lives. 

Numbers 3-4, Lev 10:1-11
The Levites, Nadab and Abihu

Israel prepares to leave Mount Sinai in their journey to the promised land. God is seen organizing the Israelite's for the trip. The census of chapter 4 carries a purpose - it helps with allotting the heavy work of transporting the arc. If you notice, the age 30 is important in selection of the men who serve at the altar (Numbers 4:3). Jesus too starts his public ministry at the age of 30.

The principle of dividing the responsibilities among the various Levites is found in New Testament also - Paul mentions how we serve different purpose in the Church, and when we work together, it functions as God intends it to be.

Why did God substitute the Levites with the first born of Israelite's?
The story of Nadab and Abihu's death shows how when we come to God we have to come in His terms and not on ours. It is so similar to the story of Cain. They did not follow the specific instruction of God. They presumed that they could worship God in anyway they chose. God wants us to worship Him on his terms.

Numbers 5-6
The Nation continues its preparation

Chapter 3-4 deals with Levites responsibilities. Chapters 5-6 talks of cleansing, purity.
Why does 5:3 suggest that those with 'leprosy' could not come to the temple? Probably, this was God's way of preparing the Israelites from contagious illness. But the physical purity has a parallel with our spiritual purity. A holy God cannot have fellowship with an impure people. We have to keep a high level of purity. 1 John talks about how we must walk in purity.

Today's church does not exhibit the standards of moral purity that God expects from us. We, like Israelites, are on a journey to the promised land. Can we maintain the purity that God expects of us?

In chapter 5, why is the woman subjected to more rituals, if she was caught in adultery? Well, Deuteronomy does place equal stress on the male too. But it is unclear why these rituals are mentioned in such detail. But it is unequivocally stated that marital purity is paramount.

Week 16

Acts 8
To Judea & Samaria

The first part of the chapter introduces Saul (later, Paul). He is leading a group which is harassing the early church. The sensible suggestion that Gamaliel said (Acts 7) is thrown to wind, and the persecutions have begun. God may have allowed the persecution to push the church to an evangelistic mode and to aid in the spread of the faith. That may have helped them become 'Gossipers of the gospel'. It is said that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. 

Next we see how Philip is sent to Samaria. When Solomon died, Israel was divided into the northern kingdom with Samaria as the capital and the southern kingdom of Judah with Jerusalem as the capital. The Assyrians captured the North and by their strategy of dominance uprooted the jews in that part to go all over the entire Assyrian nation as slaves. They also permitted a lot of migration, thereby soon diluting the jewish blood. The Jewish kingdom of Judah however was attacked by Babylon. But under Nehemiah's leadership, jews returned to their nation to rebuild the temple. Jews in the south believed themselves to be pure and despised the North. The northern kingdom was skeptical of the south as well. All of these contributed to the jews considering the Samaritans as the scum of the earth and also led to terrible animosity towards the jews of the south from the samaritans. Hence, the parable of the good samaritan being narrated by Jesus to the jews is such a radical step.

Philip going to Samaria was also such a radical move. Over there, he delivers the gospel and they believe and get baptized. But we can see that they received the Holy Spirit after much delay (only when Peter and John were sent to them). Why so? Is this the natural order? Read this Piper commentary to understand the various theories.
http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/what-does-it-mean-to-receive-the-holy-spirit

"Many interpreters would say that even if the Samaritans were already true believers and the Holy Spirit was given in two stages, this was not meant to be normative for all Christians. Instead it was an exceptional pattern so that (for example) the Jewish apostles would come down to Samaria and signify by their laying on of hands that there is oneness between the Samaritan and Jewish church in spite of age old hostilities between Jews and Samaritans." God is healing the rift between these two communities. 

The Epistles clearly teaches us that when you believe, repent and accept the person of Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit. This portion again illustrates the importance of studying the word and understanding what is doctrine versus narration. You clearly cannot make a theology out of Acts 8. 

The character of Simon the magician is very interesting. He teaches us several things:

- he had real magical power that did not come from God

- the power that he had was inferior to what the apostles had (that's why he was trying to buy the gift of Holy Spirit)

- although he was baptized, he did not accept the person of Christ. Just believing intellectually is not enough to be saved, you have to repent and accept the person of Christ to be saved (John 1:12)

Moving on, Philip is suddenly send out to meet the Ethiopian in a classic case of 'divine appointment'. He had a thriving ministry in Samaria, but God uproots him yet again. We can see that he uses Prophet Isaiah's prophesy about Christ and his death, and the reason for his death (written 600 years before Christ), to convert him. This is the first step towards the evangelizing of Africa. 

Acts 9:1-31; Galatians 1:11-24; Phil 3:1-8
Saul becomes Paul

Acts 9 is an extraordinary chapter - Saul of Tarsus becomes Paul, the apostle to the gentiles. 
"God set me apart from birth" (Gal 1). - Paul was by birth a Roman citizen (allows for free movement and travel); born in Tarsus (able to understand the intellectual Hellenistic philosophy - helps communicate the gospel); born a jew of the tribe of Benjamin (credibility before the early church); instructed by Gamaliel (able to debate and bring forth complex thoughts into simple words). And then, he starts persecuting the early church (the Way). God set him apart from birth. God had a very specific plan for Paul's life. He has such a plan for YOU too. God shapes and molds you into the person He wants you to be.

Acts 9: 15-16:

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

God is the initiator of Paul's conversion. He was on a path to destroy the early Church. He did not seek an appointment with Jesus. But "his grace arrested Paul". The wonderful truth is that God finds you, even if you are not seeking him. I accept that the conversion experience of Paul is extraordinary. Not everyone has such an experience. God probably brought this story in Paul's life so that the rest of his ministry is strengthened. The testimony of Ananias may also be important in this instance. Another similar conversion story comes from my own country - Sadhu Sundar Singh. Read about his conversion to Christianity here.

I have always been amazed at Ananias' ministry - Paul is probably the only convert that Ananias earned for Christ. But what a strike rate - he hit the ball out of the park, with Paul's conversion. Similarly, all of our ministry maybe for one person. And, not a big ministry which is popular. Persist.

Next, note that Paul went to Arabian wilderness - probably to meditate, pray and learn from God. We really do not know what happened during this time. But the message is clear - even Paul needed a time of preparation before he could be used by God, effectively. It is not to say that you should not start witnessing once you are a christian. It's just a testament to the fact that new christians should not be elevated to leadership positions too early.

Acts 9: 26-27: When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. Another person like Ananias is Barnabas. Watch how he disciples Paul. Would you like to be a Barnabas or an Ananias? I would.
The passages in Galatians and Philippians are powerful writings that explain the conversion story. Please read them carefully. Let me show you the best part of it here:

Philippians 3: 7-9:

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 

What do I count as my losses? What do I count as my gains? 

Am I found in Him? 

Do I have the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith? 

Acts 9:32 - 11:30

Aeneas, Tabitha, Antioch Christians

Peter is back in action in this chapter. He heals people, but it appears that as the church is formed, the frequency of miracles maybe tapering down.

God establishes the first gentile home church - the Centurion and his gentile household. The way God led Peter to this house was incredible and powerful. Without such a powerful movement of God, the Jew-Gentile barrier may not have been broken. The fact that the two miracles Peter performed happened before the conversion of Cornelius may signify something relevant. The subsequent actions of Peter were strengthened in the eyes of the Jewish Christians due to the miracles which Peter performed. There was no one anyone could tell Peter he is not acting through the Spirit.

As Peter was speaking, the gentiles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This pattern is not present in other circumstances. It occurred in this order likely to strengthen the case for Gentile Christians. The subsequent baptism symbolizes the forgiveness of sins. Through baptism, one confesses that Christ is the Lord of his life.

Note how the gentile church was established - Acts 10:27 - Cornelius' gathered a bunch of his friends. That's exactly how the Church grows - through expanded influence.

Also note how Barnabas again does a most important task - finding Paul (Acts 11:25). What a great disciple!

Acts 12
Peter escapes the prison

Acts 12 is the final chapter before which Paul takes up the big space in early church history. But before that, let's talk about Herod. There are 4 Herod's mentioned in the bible - Herod the great (the infant killer), Herod antipas (killed Jesus), Herod Agrippa (grew up in Rome and was a friend of Caligula - brutal emperor), and finally Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25-26). The story of Herod Agrippa's pathetic death is also described in historical texts.

Apostle James is the first apostle to be martyred. John dies last - of old age. Around the same time as James was martyred, Peter was spared the death through this great prison escape. Does it mean James was a sinner? And Peter was more favored by God? Or was it because the church may have prayed harder for Peter? The answer lies in our understanding of the providence of God. God's ways are something we just cannot understand or comprehend.

If you notice Peter's escape and the after-events, Rhoda the servant girl is being mentioned. She was told by the praying believers that she is crazy. The believers were praying for a miracle and it happens, but they refuse to believe it. Does this happen to us often?

Note that this portion talks about a 'guardian angel'. Does it mean that for every believer there exists a guardian angel? This is why it is so important to read the bible in a historical context and obtain doctrines if certain passages are corroborated in several other portions in the bible. The Jews of that age considered that there were guardian angels for every person. But the bible (in Hebrews 1:14 and Mathew 18:10) does not say that each one of us has a specific angel. It does mention that angels guard us.

Mathew 18:10: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

James' martyrdom was in AD 44. This is the time the center of the church shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch. 

James 1-2
A letter to the early Jewish Christians

James is the brother of Jesus, commonly referred as James the just. He emphasizes justice to the poor and needy, and practical Christianity in his book. James' epistle is the oldest book in the New testament. We can date it to AD 45-50. The book refers to the time of the early church seen in Acts 8-12. Much of what is written is therefore addressed to the early Jewish Christians. One can note that the sins mentioned in the epistle of James are more subtle than the ones mentioned by Paul in his epistles (sexual sins for instance). Another interesting observation is how James refers to Jesus in the introduction (as his master and Lord, despite being his brother).

James talks about faith in action - faith without works is useless. Is James 2:21 contradicting what Paul writes in Hebrews 12 that Abraham received what he did due to his faith? Actually, both are agreeing in that true faith naturally shows up in good action. This way one can help define true faith. James 2:10 also helps convict us that one sin is enough, small or big, for us to fall short of God's expectations. This will always convict us of our self-righteousness. Of note, James was martyred in AD 62.