Both letters share a very practical approach to the Christian life. Both writers wait for the return of Jesus Christ in glory and are very concerned that their readers should be found in a state of holy living on that great Day. As we have seen, James is concerned about how faith should be demonstrated in the intentions and actions of day-to-day Christian living. Peter is equally concerned that the Christian should be known by how he lives and what he does. 'Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming' (2: 12). The conduct and actions of the Christian should be a clear witness to the pagan.

Each letter is concerned with testing and trials in the Christian life although this is not such a major issue for James as it is for Peter. Both writers make wide use of the Jewish Scriptures and both letters were intended to be circulated amongst a number of church congregations.

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