I'm about to start the book of James.

I first came up with the idea for Bible Summary in July 2010. At the time I was near the end of reading through the New Testament, just about to start the book of James.

I decided to use James as a five day test run for the project (although not publishing to Twitter). Could I really imagine myself summarising a chapter every day?

As it turned out, I was amazed by how much I got out of the process, and by how much I looked forward to the task each morning. Summarising James made me all the more eager to summarise the whole Bible.

So James is kind of where the project began. It feels significant to reach the book for real. My style has developed quite significantly in the many months of summarising, so it will be interesting to see whether anything from the test run survives.

I'll post the original summaries below so you can check with me over the next few days...

James - 2010 test version

Jas1: Let trials produce perseverance in you. Riches won't last. God will give you everything you need. Don't just hear God's word, do it!

Jas2: Don't show favouritism to the rich; if you break one law you've broken it all. Faith that isn't shown in the way you live is useless.

Jas3: Be careful how you speak; the tongue is like a small fire that sets a forest ablaze. Godly wisdom is shown in a life of peace.

Jas4: Worldly desires cause conflict. Resist the devil; draw near to God. Don't judge one another. Don't be proud.

Jas5: To the rich: you're storing up judgement! Beloved: wait patiently for the Lord. Pray for one another for healing and forgiveness.