Introduction to James
Beginning a study of a book of the Bible is something like preparing for a trip: You like to know where you are going and what you can expect to see.
Perhaps the best way to launch a study of the epistle of James is to answer three important questions: Who was James? To whom did he write? And why?
Who Was James?
James was a popular name in New Testament times. There were several men who bore this name.
James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, was one of the most prominent to bear the name. He was a fisherman called by Christ to follow and become a disciple (Matt. 4:18–22). He and his brother John were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” because of their impulsiveness (Mark 3:17). Killed by Herod in AD 44, James was the first to give his life for Christ (Acts 12:1–2).
James, the son of Alphaeus, was another of the disciples, but little was known about him. There is no indication that this James wrote the letter you are about to study.
There is even less known about James, the father of Judas the disciple (not Judas Iscariot).
James, the half brother of Jesus, seems the most likely candidate for the author of this epistle; however, he does not identify himself in this way. James and the other brothers did not believe in Jesus during His earthly ministry (John 7:1–5; Mark 3:31–35), yet we find them later in the upper room praying with the disciples (Acts 1:14). First Corinthians 15:7 indicates that Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection, which likely was what convinced James that Jesus was truly the Savior.
The James we will discuss became the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and it was he who moderated the church conference described in Acts 15. We have no record in the Bible, but many sources tell us that James was martyred in AD 62.
What kind of man was James? He must have been a deeply spiritual man to gain the leadership of the Jerusalem church in so short a time. Tradition tells us that he was a man of prayer, which explains the emphasis on prayer in his letter.
James was a Jew, reared in the tradition of the law of Moses, and his Jewish legalism stands out in his letter. While still an unbeliever, James must have paid attention to what Jesus taught; numerous allusions to Jesus’ sayings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, appear throughout his letter.
To Whom Did James Write?
James led the church in Jerusalem during a very difficult time, but his letter was directed to the Jews living outside the land of Palestine. James sent his letter to Christian Jews, addressing them as brethren (which indicated they were brothers in Christ Jesus). Christian Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire had needs and problems unique to their situation. As Jews, they were rejected by Gentiles; and as Christian Jews, they were rejected by their own countrymen.
Why Did James Write?
As you read the epistle, you discover that these Jewish Christians were having some problems in their personal lives and in their church. They were going through difficult trials and facing many temptations. One of the major problems in the church was a failure on the part of many to live what they professed to believe. They also had problems with divisions caused by careless words. And many were dealing with worldliness.
As you review this list of problems, it may look somewhat familiar. Do our churches today not have people who are going through difficult times? Facing trials and temptations? Wresthng with the sins of the tongue and worldliness?
All of the problems James discussed had a common cause: spiritual immaturity. These Christians simply weren’t growing up.
The epistle of James logically follows the letter to the Hebrews,
for one of the themes of Hebrews is spiritual perfection. The writer of Hebrews explained how perfect salvation could be had in Christ. James’ letter exhorts readers to build on this perfect salvation and grow into maturity.
Since the theme of James is spiritual maturity, we must begin by
examining our own hearts. This may be a bit uncomfortable at times. There may even be a time in this study when you wonder if continuing is too dangerous. You may want to take an easier way—turn back to your old way of life. Don’t do it! When that time arrives, you will be on the verge of a new and wonderful blessing in your own life, a thrilling new step of maturity.
Not everyone who grows old, grows up. There is a difference between age and maturity. Mature Christians are spirit-filled Christians who encourage others and help build their local church.
Welcome to the next step in your spiritual maturity!
—Warren W. Wiersbe