The notes which follow are offered as an aid to your own personal study of the powerful epistle of James. They are intended to clarify the flow of thought throughout the letter and to provide additional information that will be helpful for a better appreciation of this letter. The form in which they are offered makes them suitable as an aid to Bible marking—an exercise we highly recommend.
We would draw attention to the exposition by Brother Neville Smart, “The Epistle of James” as an excellent commentary to be consulted. In several places, we have quoted directly from his work and in others have been greatly aided by his analysis.
It is our earnest prayer that the will of our God might be better understood, and the power of His word more deeply appreciated by a careful study of this message to practical religion.
The Author
While the identity of the author of James is the subject of much discussion, the final answer is not truly important. Whoever wrote the letter was guided by the Spirit of God and his words are profitable for correction, reproof and instruction in righteousness.
However, there is a considerable amount of evidence available which would suggest the author is James, the oldest half-brother of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 13:55). Following is a list of the points to consider:
- This James was very influential with the Jewish element of the early ecclesias being the leader of the church at Jerusalem, Acts 15:13-22; 21:18; Gal. 1:19; 2:9,12. This would make him the logical author of an epistle directed to the Christian Jews (James 1:1).
- He is the likely author of the circular letter recorded in Acts 15:22-29. This letter and James’ short address (15:13-21) bear several notable similarities to the epistle.
a) The opening salutation “greeting”, Acts 15:23 – James 1:1, is virtually unique to these two letters.
b) The appeal “Hearken, my brethren” is found only in Acts 15:13 and James 2:2.
c) There is a common emphasis on the “name”, Acts 15:14,17,26; James 2:7; 5:10,14.
d) Specific reference to the idea of God’s name being called upon his people occurs only twice in the New Testament, Acts 15:17 and James 2:17.
Whereas this evidence is fairly clear in supporting the identification of James as the brother of Jesus, there are no such points to link the author of this letter with the apostles James the brother or James the son of Alphaeus. Therefore, the conclusion we suggest here would appear to be the most likely answer.
The Readers
As indicated in the opening verse of the epistle, James’ letter was addressed to Jewish Christians in general. No one particular ecclesia was in mind as the message was to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad”, see note on 1:1.
Many of the points James expounds are more readily understood if we know the religious conditions which prevailed among Jews of the Diaspora. Accordingly, at appropriate places throughout the notes, we have provided some background information, see on 1:21, preceding 2:14; preceding 3:1, preceding 3:13 and on 5:1. The source for these points is the same in every case: “A History of the Jews” by Solomon Grazzel, 1957, The Jewish Publication Society of America.
While profane history helps to some extent, the most valuable insight into conditions is provided by the epistle itself. The following points are readily apparent.
- The believers were facing intermittent period of persecution because of their belief in the gospel. The majority of this opposition was coming from high-standing fellow Jews, 1:2-8,12; 2;6,7; 5:1-6.
- There was a wealthy element in the ecclesia which was in danger of being puffed up with pride and absorbed in the deceitful lure of riches, Acts 1:9-11; 4:13-17.
- There was a general failure to realize that right doctrine must be accompanied by positive, practical virtues in one’s daily life, 1:22-27; 2:14-26.
- There were some who desired positions in the ecclesia. Becoming filled with envy, they resorted to carnal tactics to secure their ends with much bitterness, evil speaking and confusion being the result, 3:1,2,13-18; 4:1-3.
- From the way James drives points home, it is evident his readers were accustomed to words of strong reproof and had become insensitive to them. This was a result of their long familiarity with the Old Testament and its sharp rebuke. Over the years their ears had become dull of hearing so that indirect or gentle persuasion would be lost on them.
Accordingly, James had to present a point in the strongest terms for it to substantially affect his readers, note 1:7,16.22,26: 2:5,6,13,17,18,20,26; 3:8-10,15: 4:1-4,8,16; 5:9,12.
Date Of Writing (A.D. 42-45)
The evidence is fairly clear that this was the earliest of the New Testament epistles. Several points suggest such a conclusion:
- There is no mention of Gentile converts at all. This is a notable omission since the issues discussed are not uniquely applicable to Jews. Evidently, therefore, the letter was written before Paul’s first missionary journey (c.A.D. 45-46).
- No reference is made to persecution of Gentile origin. The opposition was coming from the wealthy class among the Jews, see 5:1-6 in the notes. This accords with the early history of the ecclesia before the Gentile world paid much attention to this new religion.
- From the use of such words as “synagogue” in 2:2, we conclude James was writing at a time when the gospel had made little impact on Gentiles. This would confirm an early date of authorship.
Veral Outline
Opening salutation, 1:1
- The endurance of trial, 1:2-18
a) Bear trials joyfully, 1:2-4
b) Ask God for necessary wisdom. 1:5
c) But do not be double-minded in your asking, 1:6-8
d) Beware of the effect of mammon, 1:9-11
e) The reward for faithful endurance of trial, 1:12
f) The folly of blaming God for our failure, 1:13-16
g) The proof God would not induce us to sin, 1:17-18 - Act like children of God, 1:19-21
- Be ye doers of the word not hearers only, 1:22-27
a) A clear statement of the point, 1:22-25
b) The kind of doing in mind, 1:26-27 - Several practical issues discussed in detail, 2:1 – 5:20
- Respect of persons, 2:1-13
a) A specific example, 2:2,3
b) The error of such action, 2:4
c) Your standards are upside down, 2:5-7
d) A possible excuse answered, 2:8-13 - Faith and works, 2:14-26
a) The question introduced—is the faith of value if works are absent, 2:14
b) An answer by analogy, 2:15-17
c) Two more points to consider, 2:18-19
d) Two outstanding examples of the necessity of works, 2:20-26 a. Abraham, 2:21-24 Rahab, 2:25,26 - The danger of the tongue, 3:1-12
1. A small part, 3:3-5
2. As dangerous as fire, 3:6
3. Man cannot control, 3:7,8
4. Inconsistency condemned, 3:9-12 - True spiritual wisdom means peace not rivalries, 3:13-18
- A strong general condemnation of factions, envy and strife, 4:1-10
1. The problem, 4:1
2. The cause, 4:1-3
3. The seriousness of their condition, 4:4,5
4. A hope of grace, 4:6-10
a) The action needed, 4:7,8
b) Repentance, 4:9
c) God will exalt the humble, 4:10 - Presumptuous words and plans, 4:11-17
1. Evil speaking by those who were participants in ecclesial strife, 4:11,12
2. Presumptuous plans by those who were anxious for business success, 4:13-17 - Condemnation of wicked rich men, 5:1-6
- An exhortation to patience in the midst of trial, 5:7-12
- An exhortation to prayer, 5-13-18
1. Pray for the spiritually sick, 5:14-16
2. The efficacy of prayer, 5:17-18 - Help to an erring brother, 5:19,20
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One