The parallels are striking – little wonder that both the Sermon on the Mount (as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew) and the Book of James are both foundational in the development of the early A.A. program and work.

The following parallels are a few of the 18 listed by Ralph P. Martin* in the introduction of his commentary on James (lxxv-lxxvi):

Matthew 5:12 – “Rejoice in trials”/James 1:2 – “Count it a joy when you are tried”

Matthew 5:5, 9 – “Blessed are the meek . . . peacemakers”/James 3:17-18 – “Wisdom is both meek . . . peacemaking”

Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15; 7:1 – “Don’t judge, lest you be judged”/James 2:13 – “The one who shows no mercy will be judged”

Against anger – Matthew 5:22/James1:20

Against divided loyalty – Matthew 6:24/James 4:4

Against slander – Matthew 5:22; 7:1-2/James 4:11

Blessing of the poor – Matthew 5:3/James 2:5

*Martin, Ralph P.  James.  Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 48.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1988.