The Book of James is in a section of the New Testament referred to as the ‘General Epistles that includes James through Jude.’ This section is also known as the Catholic Epistles. Catholic meaning ‘universal’ or ‘general.’ Books in this section are known by this name because they were not addressed to a known congregation. From James 1:1 we learn that James is writing to Jewish Christians living in Gentile lands.
The book of James was written by the half-brother of Jesus. James was not a believer during Jesus’ earthly ministry (Jn. 7:3-5) but came to faith apparently after a special resurrection appearance by Jesus to him (1 Cor. 15:7). James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and headed up the Jerusalem council in Acts 15. He is mentioned extra-biblically in the writings of Josephus. Recall at the end of Paul’s third missionary journey Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and sent to the governor Felix for protection and trial. Felix was recalled to Rome about A.D. 59, and he left Paul as a prisoner in Caesarea. Felix was replaced by Festus who had Paul sent to Rome to be tried by Caesar (Acts 24-25). Festus died after about 2 years in office, and while they awaited his replacement from Rome the High Priest Ananus had James the writer of this letter and leader of the Jerusalem church stoned to death. According to Josephus Ant. 20.200-203 the people complained so much at this injustice that Ananus was removed from the High Priesthood after only 3 months in office. Later church history speaks of James as ‘James the Just.’
The book of James may have been the first New Testament book written. Obviously, it had to be written before he was stoned to death about A.D. 62. Many believe it would also have been written before his discussions with Paul at the Jerusalem council, making it quite possibly the earliest N.T. letter. It covers various subjects from a Christian worldview. Notice as you read this epistle how often James addresses his readers directly, translated as ‘brothers’ or ‘brothers and sisters’ or ‘brethren’ depending on your translation. These direct addresses introduce new sections of his letter. Also, as you read scan the cross-references in your reference Bible and notice how many will refer you to the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5-7. Much of what James teaches can be found in capsule form in the teaching of Jesus.
James is a very practical book much like Proverbs in the Old Testament. How should Christians handle the trials and tribulations that come their way? These trials will often test our faith. James begins his letter with the shocking view that we should ‘consider them great joy.’ This theme of trials and testing (same Greek word) will occur several times in the letter. James is also concerned with the rich and the poor or as some have referred to them as the haves and the have nots. The church must not show favoritism to the rich and the rich have a responsibility to help the have nots. When you are reading this week notice how often James repeats this theme. James will also speak to how we use our tongue. What should be the characteristics of Christian speech? James will address this theme several times. From dealing with speech in anger to being careful as to what we teach to making harmful statements that will spread like a wildfire and can’t be brought under control. James also discusses how works are related to faith. Many through the years have seen James at odds with Paul’s doctrine of salvation by ‘faith alone.’ But there is really no disagreement. The faith that saves is also the faith that produces works. James seems to follow the old guide that says, “Tell um what you’re gona tell um, Tell um, then Tell um what you told um.” You’ll notice that James will cycle through these various themes throughout his letter. It’s an easy letter to read and understand and gives very practical advice on how we should live, but how often do we not heed James’ advice?
The book of James was written by the half-brother of Jesus. James was not a believer during Jesus’ earthly ministry (Jn. 7:3-5) but came to faith apparently after a special resurrection appearance by Jesus to him (1 Cor. 15:7). James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and headed up the Jerusalem council in Acts 15. He is mentioned extra-biblically in the writings of Josephus. Recall at the end of Paul’s third missionary journey Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and sent to the governor Felix for protection and trial. Felix was recalled to Rome about A.D. 59, and he left Paul as a prisoner in Caesarea. Felix was replaced by Festus who had Paul sent to Rome to be tried by Caesar (Acts 24-25). Festus died after about 2 years in office, and while they awaited his replacement from Rome the High Priest Ananus had James the writer of this letter and leader of the Jerusalem church stoned to death. According to Josephus Ant. 20.200-203 the people complained so much at this injustice that Ananus was removed from the High Priesthood after only 3 months in office. Later church history speaks of James as ‘James the Just.’
The book of James may have been the first New Testament book written. Obviously, it had to be written before he was stoned to death about A.D. 62. Many believe it would also have been written before his discussions with Paul at the Jerusalem council, making it quite possibly the earliest N.T. letter. It covers various subjects from a Christian worldview. Notice as you read this epistle how often James addresses his readers directly, translated as ‘brothers’ or ‘brothers and sisters’ or ‘brethren’ depending on your translation. These direct addresses introduce new sections of his letter. Also, as you read scan the cross-references in your reference Bible and notice how many will refer you to the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5-7. Much of what James teaches can be found in capsule form in the teaching of Jesus.
James is a very practical book much like Proverbs in the Old Testament. How should Christians handle the trials and tribulations that come their way? These trials will often test our faith. James begins his letter with the shocking view that we should ‘consider them great joy.’ This theme of trials and testing (same Greek word) will occur several times in the letter. James is also concerned with the rich and the poor or as some have referred to them as the haves and the have nots. The church must not show favoritism to the rich and the rich have a responsibility to help the have nots. When you are reading this week notice how often James repeats this theme. James will also speak to how we use our tongue. What should be the characteristics of Christian speech? James will address this theme several times. From dealing with speech in anger to being careful as to what we teach to making harmful statements that will spread like a wildfire and can’t be brought under control. James also discusses how works are related to faith. Many through the years have seen James at odds with Paul’s doctrine of salvation by ‘faith alone.’ But there is really no disagreement. The faith that saves is also the faith that produces works. James seems to follow the old guide that says, “Tell um what you’re gona tell um, Tell um, then Tell um what you told um.” You’ll notice that James will cycle through these various themes throughout his letter. It’s an easy letter to read and understand and gives very practical advice on how we should live, but how often do we not heed James’ advice?
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