The Epistle Of James

by Micky Galloway

The epistle of James is a very practical book written to help us understand and attain spiritual maturity. James 1:4 says, “And let patience have (its) perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.”

James, the half-brother of Jesus is the most likely candidate for the author of this epistle. The writer humbly identifies himself only as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). It is evident that Jesus had a brother named “James” (Matthew 13:55). It is also evident that during His personal ministry the brethren of Jesus did not believe Him to be the Christ (John 7:5), but after the resurrection of Jesus and an appearance by Jesus to him, James became a disciple (I Corinthians 15:7; Acts 1:14). This James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9) and played an important role in the discussion about circumcising the Gentiles (Acts 15:13-33). When Paul visited Jerusalem, it was to James that he brought greetings (Acts 21:18-19). According to Josephus, he was martyred in AD 62.

This epistle is addressed to believers of Jewish origin (James 1:1). James addresses them as “brethren” at least nineteen times in the epistle. Being Jews, they would often be rejected by Gentiles, and being Christians converted from Jewish background they would also be rejected by many of their own countrymen. The letter indicates that most of these believers were poor and some were being oppressed by the rich (James 2:6-7).

The context indicates it was written about AD 45-62. Though we cannot be sure exactly when the book was written, the truths contained in the book are not dependent on the dating of the book.

Why was the book written? This epistle is written to Christians whose faith in Jesus Christ would be tested by the pagan society in which they lived. That their faith and practice was different from their neighbors would tend to bring disapproval and opposition upon them, to say the least. The desire to avoid pain is as much a temptation as the desire to enjoy pleasure. Both can become tests of our loyalty to Jesus. To capsule their problems, they were going through difficult trials. They were facing temptations to commit sin. They were hearers, but not necessarily doers. Some were catering to the rich, others were oppressed by the rich. Some were competing for positions in the church. Improper use of the tongue was a problem, as was worldliness. Ultimately, some were straying from the faith. It is not always easy to exhibit patience and forbearance in such trying situations. A large measure of endurance and love was necessary in order to live properly. Some have called this epistle, “The gospel of common sense,” because it deals with such practical problems. These Christians needed to learn the noble Christ-like character. This book demonstrates that the principles of Christ, properly applied, will adequately meet the needs of every generation and promote a level of spiritual maturity.

Brief summation of the book:

Chapter 1: Trials build mature character. James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have (its) perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.” Though all are subject to temptation, these are not from God, but result from man’s evil desires and eventually lead to spiritual death (1:13-17). A man must be more than a hearer of the word, he must also be a doer if he is to be blessed (1:25). This is illustrated in such practical application as caring for the fatherless and destitute widows (1:27).

Chapter 2: It is reprehensible to make over the rich and exhibit contempt for the poor. James 2:1-4, “My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, (the Lord) of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool; Do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” The royal law requires to treat all alike and avoid all respect of persons and to be merciful (2:5-13). This chapter emphasizes that faith apart from works is dead and that “by works a man is justified and not by faith only” (2:14-24 KJV).

Chapter 3: Teachers have a very heavy responsibility, “Be not many of you teachers my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment” (3:1). Though it be with great difficulty, we must learn to control our tongue and use it wisely (3:2-8). It is inconsistent to spew from the same mouth blessing and cursing (3:9-12). In verses 13-18 the writer discusses true wisdom that is from above and exhibits itself in kindness toward others.

Chapter 4: Improper desires are never completely satisfied (4:1-2). Some ask and do not receive because they ask with the wrong motives for the wrong things (4:2-3). “Friendship with the world is enmity with God …” (4:4). We are to resist the devil that he might flee from us and “draw night to God and he will draw nigh to you” (4:8). We should avoid being the harping critic and never be guilty of attempting to presume the powers and privileges of God (4:11-12). Let us ever learn to take God into our plans and live for today, for we have no promise of tomorrow. “… What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away …” (4:13-17).

Chapter 5: To those who are rich, beware. Those things that you have wrongfully taken will witness against you in the day of judgment (5:1-6). The faithful are to patiently endure as Job, assured that a day of comfort is coming (5:7-11). In verse 12 they are warned to do what they say they will do. Singing and praying is to solace the soul in life’s trials and to express joy (5:13-15). We are to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another, for the prayers of the righteous avail much (5:16-18). If any brother should err from the truth, he is to receive immediate attention to save his soul from death (5:19-20).

Let us remember that not everyone who grows old, grows up. Mature Christians are happy, despite the trials they face. They are useful as they overcome the temptations that plague our way. They are Christians who help encourage others and build up local churches.