The similarities are strong in form and general content, but only loose in wording. Here we have not literary dependence, but a common theme in Christianity that stems from Jesus himself (Matt. 5:11). Suffering has an eschatological purpose (see excursus 4, “James and Suffering”). 2 Regard it altogether joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, 3 and know that the ⌜proving⌝ of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let that endurance finish its work, so that you