Kress Biblical Resources :: Introductory Matters

James Introductory Matters

Heavenly Wisdom for Persevering in Your Faith—even in the Midst of Severe Trials (Jas 3:13-4:10)

1. Introduction (Jas 1:1)
   1. The author
      1. Not likely the father of Judas (not Iscariot) mentioned only to distinguish his son from the other Judas (Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13)
      2. Not likely James the son of Alpheus/James the less mentioned only in the lists of the Apostles (Mat 10:3; Mar 3:18; Luk 6:1; cf. Mat 27:65; Mar 15:40)
      3. Not likely James the Son of Zebedee due to his early martyrdom around 44 AD (Acts 12:2)
      4. James, the brother of Jesus according to the flesh
         1. Skeptic and scoffer during Jesus’ earthly ministry (Jhn 7:5)
         2. Saved and saw the risen Christ (1Co 15:7)
         3. Served as a notable leader, if not the leader of the early church
            1. Apostolic association (1Co 15:7; Gal. 1:19; 2:9, 12 [notice James is mentioned first in Gal 2:9])
            2. Note Peter’s designation by name (Act 12:17)
            3. Gave the final word and decision at Jerusalem council (Act 15:13-19)
            4. Even the Apostle Paul recognized and submitted to James’s authority in matters of preference (Acts 21:17-26)
         4. Slave of Jesus Christ (James 1:1)
   2. The audience
      1. The original audience
         1. Jewish believers scattered abroad (Jas 1:1)
         2. Struggling financially, facing various difficulties, including persecution for their faith (Jas 1:2-4, 9, 12; Jas 2:6-7; Jas 5:4-11; cf. Act 8:1; Act 11:19)
         3. Struggling with significant internal conflict among their congregations (Jas 4:1-2, 11-12)
      2. The current audience
   3. The aim
      1. Encouragement to find joy in the Lord and persevere in the faith (Jas 1:1ff)
      2. Edification in how to practically live out heavenly wisdom in the midst of life’s trials (Jas 3:13-4:10 as the literary center of the epistle)