Theme
Real Faith Produces Genuine Works. Key verse James 2:17.
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead.
Outline
- James 1 - Real Faith produces Genuine Stability
- James 2-3:12 - Real Faith produces Genuine Love
- James 3-5:6 - Real Faith produces Genuine Humility
- James 5:7-20 - Real Faith produces Genuine Patience
Who?
The name 'James' was very common – the NT lists at least 5 men with the names 'James', two of whom were Jesus' disciples and one of whom was His half-brother.
Survey of the Choices – Author
- James the son of Zebedee & brother of John: This man was the most prominent "James" in the gospels. He was one of the "sons of thunder," originally a fisherman with John (his brother), along with Peter and Andrew. He became a disciple of Jesus and was later martyred by Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in Acts 12:2 (AD 44). Unlikely that this James could have written this epistle before he was killed, and there is no tradition arguing that he did.
- James the son of Alphaeus, another disciple: Very little is known about this James, the brother of Matthew (Levi). He was another disciple of our Lord, but again, there is no hint that he is the one who wrote this epistle.
- James the father of Judas the disciple (Judas Thaddaeus): Even more obscure. Not a likely candidate.
- James the brother of Jude & half-brother of our Lord: Most probably the author of this epistle. He is not so identified, but much about his character is revealed that is in keeping with what is known about him. The fact that he does not so identify himself (as our Lord's brother) may be an indication of his humility, but it also reveals the standing and personal authority he had in the opinion of his readers. James the brother of Jesus became the leader of the church at an early date (Acts 12:17; 15:13-21; 21:18; Gal 1:19; 2:9,12). He was a man well known and highly esteemed in the new Christian community.
"James, a servant of God and of Jesus Christ" was an entirely sufficient identification to them. The brevity of it only makes the author obscure to the modern reader.
Other Supporting Reasons
- The language of the epistle is similar to James' speech at the Apostolic Council (Acts 15:13-21), and to the epistle subsequently sent out to Gentiles (Acts 15:23-29). Circumstances reflected in the epistle fit the date and situation in which James of Jerusalem would be writing.
- The epistle also has a primitive Christian theology which fits well into the kind of early Jewish-Christian environment associated with James the brother of Jesus.
James apparently was an unbeliever during the ministry of Jesus (John 7:3-5). He even challenged Jesus and misunderstood his mission. A post-resurrection appearance of Christ to him (1 Cor 15:7) probably led to his conversion, as he was with the believers in the upper room (Acts 1:14).
He was called the "righteous" or the "just" because of his faithfulness to the law and his devotion to prayer. He was said to have "knees like those of camels" because of his much time spent in prayer. He was also known as James Adelphotheos, which means the brother of God, James, the Brother of the Lord, and James of Jerusalem.
According to Josephus, James was martyred in AD 62.
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