James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Today, I begin reflecting on a different book of the New Testament. This is a letter written by James. There were several James in the early church. Tradition claims that the author of this letter was James, the half-brother of Jesus. He is called the “half-brother” because his father was Joseph and mother was Mary. Jesus’ father was God since Mary was a virgin. Jesus had four brothers: James, Joseph, Simon and Judas (Matthew 13:55). John 7:5 indicates that Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him at first. It is remarkable that James calls himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Something tremendous happened in his life that he would put his faith and confidence in Jesus.
James became one of the key leaders of the early church. The church historian Eusebius (lived around AD 263 – 339; History of the Church) depicts James as a model of righteousness and devotion to God. His knees were calloused like those of a camel from praying for the sins of the people. James was taken to the pinnacle of the Temple on Passover where he was to deny Jesus. Instead, he confessed Jesus as Son of man and was cast down from there. Since he had not died but was praying for his enemies, James was stoned and clubbed to death. Immediately after, Emperor Vespasian laid siege to Jerusalem (AD 69).
James writes to the twelve scattered tribes, possible Jewish Christians. He may have understood the church as the new Israel, like Paul mentions in Romans 9-11 and Peter in 1 Peter 2:9-10. James’ Jewish background is evident throughout the letter. His directives are universal for all believers. This letter is very practical with instructions how to live as believers in Jesus Christ. We must ask ourselves the question, what difference does our faith in Jesus make in how we live everyday? Is there a difference in our lifestyle and those around us?
For older posts, click here.