Who the James is to whom this epistle is ascribed, is of question to many. There are four men mentioned in the New Testament by the name of James. Two apostles shared the name James, one the son of Zebedee (Mark 1:19) and one the son of Alpheus (Mark 3:18). A third James is mentioned who is the brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3) and finally the brother of the apostle Judas (not Iscariot) is named James (Luke 6:16). There is obviously no basis upon which to claim the brother of Judas to be author because he is mentioned as a mere fact of history. James, the son of Zebedee had been martyred at the hand of Herod in Acts 12:1ff, thus he would not have written it. Between the final two, James the son of Alpheus and James the brother of the Lord, there is a general consensus that the author of this epistle was the latter, the brother of the Lord. Most evidence seems to point in this direction.
To whom this epistle is written is of the utmost important regarding how it is to be interpreted. Interestingly enough, James very clearly identifies the audience he is trying to reach in the very first verse. “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting” (James 1:1). Who exactly is being addressed as the “twelve tribes scattered abroad?” The only conclusion that can be reached is that it is addressed to the church as a whole. In more than one passage in the New Testament the church is identified as the “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16; Revelation 7:4). The church indeed is “spiritual Israel” as the children of God today. Thus, regardless of nationality, each and every child of God, the church collectively, is being addressed as “the twelve tribes.”
As to the message of the book of James, as mentioned above, the writer seems to deal generally with wisdom in how to live faithfully as a Christian. Specifically, though, chapter by chapter, James targets a particular portion of Christian living and with depth discusses how that area can be targeted and improved upon in each life. For instance, in chapter one James deals with the topic of pure religion. In James 1:27 that pure religion is described as two-fold: outward and inward. Outwardly, the church practices pure religion through benevolence such as tending to the needs of orphans and widows. Inwardly, pure religion is attained by keeping one’s self spotless from the world, an accomplishment that comes not by sorrowing in temptation, but by using it as a point of growth (James 1:2ff). Thus practical Christianity demands the practicing of pure religion.
Second, James 2 points out that practical Christianity comes through a consistent working of faith. There is no justification for bigotry or prejudice among Christians because there is no such distinctions made in Christ (James 2:1). By embracing the ignorance of discrimination, faith without works is displayed and promises no profit. However, yielding to God’s divine will displays our faith by our works wherein is life (James 2:14ff). Thus practical Christianity demands the addition of faith and works wherein is righteousness.
Third, chapter three indicates that need to control the tongue as a Christian. There is the obvious need to generally control what we say lest we cast forth an un-Christian example (James 3:6). However, its not just the matter of not being blasphemous or avoiding the ever increasing popular habit of cursing, but there is special mention of the need to be accurate in what we say, especially when it comes to teaching the word of God. “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). Thus practical Christianity demands the control of the tongue that only that which is pure and true might be uttered forth.
Fourth, the fourth chapter of James deals with the general topic of sin. Sin is the result of arrogant selfishness and pride. When we yield to lust we sin and submit to the draw of the world, but the plea is to submit to God and resist the devil. How will this be accomplished? Not by bowing to selfish desire, but rather we should “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). Thus practical Christianity demands that we in all humility resist sin and yield ourselves to God.
Then fifth, James 5 briefly discusses the need of personal discipline. The selfish rich do not practice proper discipline and that which they love will actually lead them to their demise. Instead of yielding to carnal want, James pleads for us to yield to spiritual need, a task accomplished only by personal discipline. By applying patience and practicing prayer we will be counted happy as those who endure (James 5:11). Thus practical Christianity demands that we discipline ourselves in the areas that promote godliness.
James, by inspiration, knew the “ins and outs” of Christianity and how an individual can truly succeed as a Christian. Thus just as those to whom he specifically wrote, we can learn what it means to be a true Christian today according to the same divine advice.
-Andy Brewer