Introduction to James

 Dr. Gail E. Terrell
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ohio

  1. Author. The author gives his name as James (1:1). Two apostles were named James: (1) James the son of Zebedee, the brother of John (Matthew 10:2); (2) and James the son of Alphaeus(Matthew 10:3). Although it is difficult to say with certainty, neither of these are considered to be the author of this epistle. Throughout history, the author of James has been considered to be James the natural half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:35; Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:19). James was probably not saved until after the crucifixion (John 7:5). After the resurrection of Jesus, James and his other natural half­-brothers became believers and confessed that Jesus was the promised Messiah (I Corinthians 15:7; Acts 1:14). James is listed first among the brothers of Jesus and this indicates that he was probably the oldest half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55). James was married (I Corinthians 9:5), and the pastor of the church at Jerusalem(Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18). In describing James' relation­ship to the Jerusalem church, Paul refers to James as the pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9 ,12). Some believe that the epistle of James was written as early as 40 A.D., others believe the epistle was written in about 50 A.D., and others believe it was written in about 60 A.D. James appears to have lived and died in Jerusalem. Josephus and Eusebius indicate that James was martyred before the destruction of Jerusalem (70 A.D.). James probably was killed in about 62-63 A.D.
  2. Recipients. James was written from Jerusalem to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad (1:1), i.e., to Jewish Christians everywhere and especially to all Christians who love and honor Christ.
  3. Theme. Christian conduct or behavior: true faith results in works that give evidence of faith.
  4. Key verses. James 2:17-20 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
  5. Key words used in James: faith – 16 times; work, works – 15 times.
  6. References to the Lord's church in James: the word church ap­pears one time in James: 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  In New Testament times, oil was used for medicinal purposes. Medical doctors were scarce, and church leaders would be expected to be the best informed in all manner of care for church members. This verse demonstrates that medicine should be used to bring about healing, and church leaders should help church members receive necessary medical treatment.
  7. James has 5 chapters, 108 verses, and about 2,309 words.

Notes