The Book of James
Mike Johnson
The book of James is a very practical and helpful book of the Bible. The purpose of this article will be to give a brief overview of this very important New Testament letter.
Let us start by asking, “Who wrote the book of James?” This is obvious— James wrote it. James 1:1 says, “James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad . . . .” However, the answer is not as simple as it may seem because there are several people named “James” in the Bible. There are two apostles named James. These are James the son of Zebedee and brother of John, and James the son of Alpheus. James, the son of Alpheus, was not likely the author. He is almost unknown in the Gospels. James, the son of Zebedee, is more conspicuous in the Gospels. He was probably martyred no later than 44 AD which was before the book of James was actually written. Another James was the one who was the half-brother of the Lord. It is quite possible that he is the author of the book of James.
James, the half-brother of the Lord, is specifically mentioned in such passages as Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. There are times when he was likely included in passages which refer to Jesus’ “brethren” (John 2:12, 7:3). In John 7:5, we are told that during His ministry, Jesus’ brothers were not believers. We learn from I Corinthians 15:7 that Jesus did appear to his half-brother James after the resurrection, and James obviously became a believer. James played a very important role later in the early church at Jerusalem as can be seen in the part that he played in the discussion of the Gentile question (Acts 15). James is also mentioned in Galatians 2:12 and Acts 21:18-19. The New Testament does not tell us how James died, but Josephus points out that he was stoned by order of the high priest.
The book of James is addressed to the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” Many believe that James has particular reference to Jewish Christians. The Jews listed as present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost were clearly from many different places (Acts 2:9-11) . Some think that the expression used by James is simply figurative to refer to all Christians. This may well be the case. Regardless, the book is very useful and needed for all Christians today.
The book of James is a very practical book. It deals very strongly with moral instructions and practical conduct. It urges the need for liberty, equality, brotherhood, humility, justice, and peace. It contains the well-known discussion of faith and works in chapter two (vs. 14-26). Also, an often referred to section is chapter three (vs. 1-12) in which the dangers of the tongue are pointed out. It is felt that the theme of the book is found in James 1:22 which says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
What are you doing today? Why not take some time from your schedule and read the book of James. You will benefit from it.