James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Who was James, known as James the Just, and why did he write the Epistle of James? Scholars widely agree that the epistle was authored by James, the brother of Jesus, identified in the New Testament as one of Mary’s sons (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55). He wrote it to the “twelve tribes in the dispersion”. This likely refers to Jewish Christians living outside Judea. James, as a leader in the Jerusalem church, addressed these believers, who were part of the broader Jewish diaspora but had embraced Jesus as the Messiah.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, James, like other family members, was skeptical of his brother’s claims. Imagine your sibling proclaiming, “I am the promised Messiah, the One who will liberate you, forgive your sins, and reign as God.” Such bold declarations would naturally stir doubt, and James was no exception.
Yet, James’ perspective shifted profoundly after he witnessed the resurrected Jesus, an encounter recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:7. This transformative experience led to his conversion, establishing him as a key leader in the early church and earning him the title “James the Just” for his righteousness and devotion. Early church historian Hegesippus described James’ fervent prayer life, noting that his knees became calloused, resembling a camel’s, due to constant kneeling. His faith was so resolute that he was martyred for it in A.D. 62.
Consider this: a skeptic, once unconvinced by his own brother, encounters the risen Christ, becomes a devoted believer, and ultimately gives his life for his faith. For skeptics today, James’ journey is a compelling invitation to reconsider the claims of Jesus.
The Book of James, often classified as an epistle, sermon, wisdom literature, diatribe, and moral exhortation, offers practical guidance for early Christians. Its central themes include perseverance through trials, living out authentic faith, and avoiding double-mindedness. James urges believers to stand firm under pressure, demonstrating their faith through actions, integrity, and care for the marginalized. Written with the authority of one who witnessed Jesus’ resurrection, the epistle encourages Christians to remain steadfast, trusting in God to navigate life’s challenges.
“You heal a divided heart with the gospel. With grace. When was the last time you asked someone to forgive you, the last time you repented out loud to God for your specific thoughts, words, or actions? That’s how we measure whether or not we’re taking the medicine. And we can start now, wherever we are.” - David Gibson
