WRITTEN BY:

It is held by most scholars that James, the oldest half-brother of Jesus, wrote this letter. His other brothers were Joseph, Simon, Judas (Matthew 13:55 ). Prior to the resurrection of Jesus, neither James, nor his brothers were believers in Christ (John 7:3-5 ).

James became a believer when the Lord appeared to him after His glorious resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7 ). He was among the 120 in the upper room (Acts 1:13-14 ), and on the day of Pentecost was endued with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4 ). James, along with Cephas and John were pillars of the Church (Galatians 2:9 ). That he became regarded as the leader among leaders of the Jerusalem Church is suggested by Peter on his miraculous deliverance from prison, requesting that word of his release be sent to James and to the brethren (Acts 12:16-17 ). Also his accepted summary of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:13-14,19 ). His oversight leadership is further attested by Paul's final visit with James (Acts 21:17-18 ). He was a supporter and encourager of Paul after his conversion (Galatians 1:18-19 ).

James endorsed Paul's ministry and teaching, as to what had been accomplished during the 14 years since they had last met, and his ongoing ministry as apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:1,9 ). James concentrated on his own ministry of winning his Jewish brethren to Jesus, and pastoral ministry to believers and leaders. His influence on his Jewish brethren was possibly greater because he persisted in observing the ceremonial law - he was known as James the Just, but the downside was by his example he encouraged segregation. He had a disturbing effect on Peter who withdrew from eating with the Gentiles when James' men were present (Galatians 2:11-12 ). James used his influence to persuade Paul to practice certain observance of the law to appease Jewish legalizers (Acts 21:17-18, 21-24 ). The appeal to Paul was all the stronger because James and the brethren reaffirmed the freedom of the Gentile believers (Acts 21:25 ). This action of appeasement did not stop the hate for Paul, nor prevent the uproar that led to Paul's arrest (Acts 21:30 ).

Many commentators quote tradition regarding the devout life of James. It is said that he spent so much time on his knees that they became as calloused as the knees of camels. Tradition says he was martyred by being cast down from the temple pinnacle and stoned as he lay dying. He was martyred in A.D. 62.

RECIPIENTS:

"James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1,2, and 3 John, and Jude were called by the Early Church the "General". "universal". or "Catholic" epistles because their addresses ( with the exception of 2 and 3 John) were not limited to a single locality. James for example, is addressed to the twelve tribes who "are dispersed abroad" (1:1) a designation for believers everywhere (likely all Jewish Christians at that early date)." Ryrie

STYLE:

"The book of James is the most Jewish book of the New Testament and fits well within the stream of wisdom literature from the Old Testament. It is closer in the New Testament to the gospel of Matthew, especially the sermon on the mount. The book is a representative of Jewish Christianity of the type found in the Jerusalem congregation where James was the dominant figure from about A.D. 45 until his martyrdom in A.D. 62." Spiros Zodhiates - The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible

TEACHING:

This epistle contains a whole range of New Testament teaching. Here are examples:-

James places Jesus Christ as one in equality with God the Father (James 1:1; 2:1 )

	James teaches that God is the Father (James 1:17 )
	The great Giver (James 1:17 )
	Eternal and unchanging (James 1:17 )
	One God (James 2:19 )
	The source and giver of wisdom (James 1:5 )
	Who gives new birth through the word of truth (James 1:18 )
	James teaches God allows our faith to be tested (James 1:2-3 )
	James teaches that sin brings death (James 1:15 )
	That God never tempts to sin (James 1:13 )
	It is evil desire that drags into sin (James 1:14 )
	And the evil one, the devil, that entices (James 1:13-14 )

Concerning the Word James asserts it as truth (James 1:18 )

	It gives us birth and works in us a pleasing life to God (James 1:18 )
	Wisdom does what the Word says (James 1:22-25 )
	Doing the Word prospers the doer (James 1:25 )
	The Word is authoritative (James 1:25 )
	In Christ we have freedom and power to continue in the Word (James 1:25 )
	The Word convinces of sin (James 2:9 )
	The implanted Word keeps from sin (James 1:21 )

James teaches true faith involves action (James 1:27 )

	Faith practices impartiality (James 2:1-7 )
	True faith keeps the law of love (James 2:8-13 )
	True faith will be obedient (James 2:20-25 )
	Faith enjoys friendship with God (James 2:23 )
	Faith shows itself in a controlled tongue (James 3:1-12 )
	Faith submits to God And resists the devil(James 4:7 )
	Faith actively engages in doing God's revealed will (James 4:15 )
	Faith with patience awaits the Lord's coming, when there will be righteous judgment (James 5:1-9 )
	Faith endures patiently in the face of suffering (James 5:10-11 )
	The prayer of faith is a channel of healing (James 5:13-16 )
	The prayer of faith is a channel of miracles (James 5:17-18 ).

Paul writes to show that we are saved through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. James writes to show that our faith should be demonstrated in practical godliness. These practical themes from James are God's thoughts to change our thinking and infect our living.