Introduction
The Epistle of James, found in the New Testament, bears the name of its author, James, a significant leader in the early church. To understand the epistle, one must examine the background of James the man, his relationship to Christ, his role in the early church, and the message he conveyed under the inspiration of God.
James the Person
In the KJV, James is identified as the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). This introduction shows his humility and devotion. James does not call himself the brother of Jesus, though he was indeed the half-brother of Christ, the son of Joseph and Mary (Matthew 13:55: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?”). During Christ’s earthly ministry, James, along with his other brothers, did not at first believe in Him (John 7:5: “For neither did his brethren believe in him”).
It was after the resurrection of Christ that James came to faith. The Apostle Paul records in 1 Corinthians 15:7 that Christ appeared specifically to James: “After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.” This personal appearance likely played a great role in James’s transformation from unbelief to faith.
James in the Early Church
James became a leading figure in the early church at Jerusalem. In Acts 12:17, after Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison, Peter said, “Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren.” James’s name being mentioned first indicates his importance. Later, in Acts 15, at the Jerusalem council, James acted as a presiding leader, giving judgment concerning Gentile believers. Acts 15:13 states, “And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me.” His role showed wisdom, spiritual discernment, and authority among the apostles and elders.
Paul also acknowledged James as a “pillar” of the church in Galatians 2:9: “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship.” James was recognized as a steadfast leader whose influence extended widely.
The Writing of the Epistle of James
The Book of James is addressed “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1). This indicates that the letter was directed primarily to Jewish believers who were dispersed due to persecution. The epistle emphasizes practical faith and righteous living. James stresses that true faith produces works: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).
The epistle bears the character of wisdom literature, similar to the Proverbs, as it addresses daily living, controlling the tongue (James 3:5–6), patience in trials (James 1:2–4), and care for the poor and afflicted (James 1:27). His style is straightforward and authoritative, reflecting his position as a leader in the church and as a man who desired believers to live out their faith in a visible and holy manner.
The Character and Testimony of James
Tradition, supported by early church historians, refers to James as “James the Just,” a man of prayer and righteousness. His life was consistent with his writing, as he called believers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). James’s influence and leadership, combined with his close connection to the Lord Jesus Christ, gave his epistle a weight of authority and spiritual power that continues to encourage believers today.
Conclusion
James, though once an unbelieving brother of Jesus, became a devoted servant of God and a foundational leader in the early church. Through his epistle, he exhorted believers to live out genuine faith marked by works of righteousness, patience in trials, and steadfast devotion to God. His message, preserved in the KJV, continues to challenge Christians to demonstrate their faith by their actions, proving that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).