What was the context of the Book of James?

Answer 1

The Epistle of James is the first of the General Epistles, the others being Hebrews and 1st and 2nd Peter. These were all written to the Jews of the dispersion, which explains their style which addresses Jewish Christians. Many of these would have been present on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached, as it is recorded there (Acts 2: 5 -11) that they were 'from every nation under heaven.'

James is regarded as being written by James the half-brother of Jesus who, after his conversion around the time of the resurrection rose to a place of prominence in the Jerusalem church. He is recorded as presiding over the Jerusalem council in Acts 15 and was also the one who sent some men to Antioch in Galatians 2:12. In Acts 21:18-19 Paul reported to him which further adds to the credentials of his leadership.

In AD 62 Josephus records his martyrdom which then leads to the conclusion that the Epistle which bears his name was one of the first books of the New Testament to have been written.

Being written to the Jews of the dispersion, it contains general advice, and no dealings with specific issues such as is often found in Paul's epistles.

Answer 2

The book of James is a collection of teachings on a wide range of topics.The author advises Christians to learn how to control what they say,to avoid showing favoritism to the wealthy,to care for the sick and needy,and to make a point of them putting their faith into action.

Answer 3

Answer:

The words of James' letter are self-explanatory as words of wisdom, knowledge, instruction and understanding in Godly attitude and behavior in personal relationships.

The thing to understand about the letter is to whom James addresses it: the "twelve tribes (of Israel) scattered among the nations."

While the tribes were scattered long ago... the people procreated as people do, and their descendants still exist today and have reemerged in the world with their own national identities.

It was to these tribes whom Jesus sent His disciples... not to the Gentile nations - Matt.10:5-7.

James' letter is spiritual instruction to the modern "Christ-professing" nations in the world. It is also an "open-end" letter that is valid throughout the end time generations as noted by the missing "AMEN" at its conclusion. Most of the other New Testament books are sealed and finished with the word "amen."

For instance, the book of "Acts" also ends without "amen," because the "acts" and exploits of God's saints continue... until Jesus returns... and shall be added to the Word of God later.

Answer 4

In the opening verse of James he writes "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad."

The 12 tribes designates the nation Israel and "scattered abroad" describes the Jews scattered throughout gentile (non-Jewish) lands. The word "Diaspora" is the term used for the Jews scattered throughout the world.

James therefore wrote this letter to Jewish Christians living outside (what was called) Palestine.

Answer 5

James was inspired by God and His message was for the lost tribes of Israel - all:

James 1New King James Version (NKJV) Greeting to the Twelve Tribes1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

Answer 6

The Epistle of James is unlikely to have been written by James the half-brother of Jesus who rose to a place of prominence in the Jerusalem church. If this person was the author, you would expect that he would have mentioned their relationship, instead of which he merely describes himself as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Epistle of James is unlikely to have been written by either of the apostles named James, since they could be expected to have mentioned having known Jesus, if only in order to have the epistle's message more readily accepted.

Thus we do not know who 'James' the author was. The epistle only mentions Jesus twice, and both these references are considered possible interpolations. Without these references, the Epistle of James could have been a pre-Christian encyclical about moral behaviour.