Title
The author of this book was most likely James, one of the sons of Joseph and Mary and thus the half-brother of Jesus. Like other family members, James did not accept the claims of Christ until after the Resurrection (see 1 Cor. 15:7). However, he eventually became an elder of the church in Jerusalem and was respected as a leader throughout the network of early churches (see Acts 15:6–21 concerning his role in the Jerusalem Council).
Date
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, James was martyred in A.D. 62. Thus, the book had to be written prior to that date. Within the letter, James referred to a simple church order of teachers and elders who met in assemblies or synagogues (James 2:2). Such conditions were prominent among the Jerusalem believers between A.D. 45 and 60. The contents of the letter also indicate that the epistle may have been written as early as A.D. 48, shortly before the meeting of the Jerusalem Council described in Acts 15. While the exact date is uncertain, that James was written sometime between A.D. 48 and 62 is a reasonable conclusion. Possibly it was the first New Testament book to be written.
Background
Setting
The Book of James was probably written from Jerusalem, where James served as pastor.
Purpose
James wrote this letter to offer practical, pastoral advice to those Jewish believers who had been dispersed by persecution.
Audience
James’ reference to the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” may have been a figurative description of the body of Christians dispersed among the unbelieving nations (James 1:1). But the reference to a distinctively Jewish body of believers seems to indicate that James was writing to Jewish Christians. Historical events forced the Jews to flee their homeland of Judea and settle in areas where the gospel had not yet been carried. James wanted these believers—some of whom were former members of the congregation in Jerusalem—to stay on course with their mission. He offered them instruction as to how they could continue to mature as Christians and urged them to take responsibility for their own spiritual progress.
Themes
James was aware of the struggle his readers would face as they attempted to uphold their Christian faith under persecution. He offered words of encouragement and urged them to focus on the victory that would ultimately belong to them. Furthermore, he provided practical advice to unify the believers whose fellowship was threatened by a lack of love, unchristian speech, and bitter attitudes.
To attain the spiritual maturity described in this letter, James urged these believers to develop their faith by seeking wisdom from God (James 3:17, 18). He reminded them that they had a choice: They could either give in to sin and suffer its tragic consequences, or they could stand firm and experience the maturing of their faith by accepting the trials that would inevitably come. James maintained that the latter would produce patience and would ultimately perfect and complete them as Christians (James 1:2–4). The prevalent theme of the Book of James is how to develop an enduring faith.
Outline
Introduction (1:1)
I. Developing an Enduring Faith (1:2–27)
A. A tested faith (1:2–18)
B. An active faith (1:19–27)
II. Practicing an Enduring Faith (2:1–26)
A. Demonstrating the impartiality of the faith (2:1–13)
B. Watching faith come alive through works (2:14–26)
III. Controlling Attacks on the Faith (3:1–18)
A. Taming attacks by the tongue (3:1–12)
B. Avoiding attacks of worldly wisdom (3:13–18)
IV. Submitting Faith to God (4:1–5:6)
A. Submitting attitudes to God (4:1–10)
B. Submitting actions to God (4:11–5:6)
V. Bearing the Fruit of an Enduring Faith (5:7–20)
A. The development of patience through faith (5:7–12)
B. The offering of prayer in faith (5:13–18)