Introduction to James

The letter of James is a practical and pastoral book. James’ down-to-earth advice instructs believers on how to live wisely and with integrity. James tells Christians to endure whatever difficulties might come their way, with the knowledge that God will use their struggles to help them mature as Christians.

Background

From the early church period forward, the James of this letter was often associated with James the brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3; Matt 13:55). This James is not one of the 12 disciples in the Gospels, yet according to Paul, the resurrected Jesus did appear to him (1 Cor 15:7). Paul indicates that James was identified with the apostles (Gal 1:19; 2:9; compare Acts 15:13; 21:18). James became a prominent leader among the Christians in Jerusalem, and the early church writer Hegesippus even describes him as the head of the Jerusalem church.

However, there is some modern discussion of whether this letter was, indeed, written by James the brother of Jesus. It’s possible that it was written in James’ name after his death—perhaps with material that originated with James and was reworked later by an editor. If James wrote the letter, it probably dates to the late 40s, around the time of the Jerusalem Council (described in Acts 15). The latest it could have been written would be ad 62, when James was martyred in Jerusalem.

The letter of James is addressed to the dispersed twelve tribes of Israel (Jas 1:1). This could be a way of describing the global church or Jewish Christians living outside Palestine (compare 1 Pet 1:1). James might have been writing to Jewish Christians who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out in Jerusalem after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1). It seems the letter has two main concerns: the attitude of Christians in response to adversity and living with true wisdom “from above,” especially in manners concerning speech and wealth.

Structure

James is difficult to organize into an outline because the author frequently shifts from one set of issues to another. The letter bears some similarities to Proverbs and other Wisdom Literature. Although the letter has an opening (Jas 1:1) and a body (1:2–5:20), it lacks the standard closing (such as in Paul’s letters, for example).

The body of the letter begins with a call for the readers to remain faithful in the trials they are experiencing (1:2–18). Then James offers them practical guidance for living out their faith (1:19–3:12). In particular, he is concerned about believers neglecting to care for the impoverished (2:1–13), failing to take action (2:14–26), and speaking carelessly (3:1–12). The next large section of the letter (3:13–5:6) deals with wisdom in action. The wise are not arrogant, boastful, and ambitious, but rather pure, humble, and peaceful. Finally, James counsels his readers to be patient in their suffering and to rely on God and each other (5:7–20).

Outline

• Faithfulness in trials (1:1–18)

• Faith and works (1:19–3:12)

• Acting wisely and unwisely (3:13–5:6)

• Endurance and prayer (5:7–20)

Themes

James is all about faith and wisdom coming to life through action. Trust in God can’t be confined to one compartment of life; it has implications for everything. It affects how we speak and how we spend money. James says that if you can control your tongue, you can control your other actions as well. Wise speech leads to wise actions, including the wise use of time and resources (1:19–2:13; 5:1–6). We now live according to the leadership of Christ, whose words and message have become our new law of liberty (1:22–25).

James also sees a close relationship between wisdom and testing (5:7–18). We grow through perseverance in the face of hardship—responding to our struggles with prayer and trust in God. In this way, suffering produces wisdom in us.

The teachings of Jesus are echoed throughout the book of James, as he shows believers how to live a life that truly represents the good news of Christ (for example, compare 4:10 with Matt 23:12). Genuine faith produces a life that looks like Christ—and faith without works is dead (Jas 2:14–26). James’ driving concern is for believers to live in total allegiance to God. The letter proclaims that our lives should be marked by love for God and others. We should show Jesus to every person around us, in every word we speak and every action we take.

Further Reading

James, Letter of CLBD

James, Brother of Jesus CLBD