James: A Belief that Behaves

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The Theme

The thrust of James' letter is that faith must be alive and working, He does not concentrate on the doctrinal content of faith, but is concerned with the ethical demands of faith.

The key verse which clearly expresses this theme is 2:17: "Faith, if it has no works, is dead." Evidently there was a laxness among these Jews in the area of living their faith. James writes firmly to correct this error.

James is classified as a general epistle because it is not written to a particular church or individual.

Author: James, the brother of Jesus

  • This James is constantly referred to by his personal name (Gal. 2:9,12: Jude 1; Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18).
  • The language of the epistle of James agrees with speeches made by him in Acts (cf. "greetings," 15:23).
  • Headship of the Jerusalem church made him very prominent.
  • This is the solid tradition of the church

His Life

  • Half-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55).
  • Moved with Jesus and family to Capernaum (John 2:12).
  • Sought interview with Jesus (Matt. 12:46).
  • Unbelieving at John 7:5, seven months before the crucifixion.
  • Recipient of special post-resurrection appearance (1 Cor. 15:7). This may have brought about his conversion.
  • Waited for Spirit in upper room (Acts 1:14).
  • Visited by Paul on first post-conversion trip to Jerusalem
  • Leader in council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).
  • Leader in Jerusalem church at Paul's last visit (Acts 21:18).
  • Tradition says that he was martyred by the Jews in Jerusalem in 62-62AD

His Position

a bond servant (doulos) - This word emphasizes that the master has complete control of the slave who is totally submissive to him. James' honor and authority is based upon the fact that he is the slave of the Lord.

William Barclay draws the following implications of being a slave:

  • Implies absolute obedience
  • Implies absolute humility
  • Implies absolute loyalty
  • Implies a certain pride
  • Implies absolute dependence

The Recipients

the twelve tribes - This is a reference to Jews as a whole (cf. Matt. 19:28; Acts 26:7).

who are dispersed abroad - The dispersion (Diaspora) referred to the Jews living outside of Palestine.

Because of the ever present danger of counterfeit faith, God’s Word continually calls for professed salvation to be tested for validity.

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