The Epistle of James
By: Raymond Harris
Regarding Scripture: James 1.2; 2.1, 2.14; 3.1, 3.10, 3.12; 5.10; 5.12
Note to the Reader
Presently, I am conducting in-depth study and research of the influence and use of the Old Testament within the New Testament. This study has been scheduled for, at least, the remainder of 2009. As such, a Special Announcement was given in September.
In particular, this article is a revision of the article “The Book of James” originally written by me in 2006.
Additionally, I encourage you to invest additional time reading the Epistle of James in conjunction with this article.
The Epistle of James
This month we will examine the epistle of James and take our lessons from what has been termed, “the Proverbs of the New Testament”.1 One commentary said, “because of the many subjects in this epistle, it is difficult to outline”2 and another has said, “the last three chapters of James enumerates eight ways in which true faith is exhibited…”.3 Indeed the book of James is full of wisdom for Christian living; and rightfully so, as such it compels us to a careful reading and study of its contents.
James and Family
While there are many ways to begin looking at this intense book of practical Christian application, I have chosen to begin with what I will describe as familial. In this letter from James, eight times we find the phrase my brethren4 and three times the phrase my beloved brethren.5 One might wonder: “why do you consider this so interesting?”
Let us consider this letter’s author. The collection of New Testament Proverbs has been traditionally ascribed to James, the physical half-brother of Jesus Christ. The appearance of James within Acts is cited as several reasons for this possibility.6 If tradition is right and this epistle’s writer is the physical brother of Christ, this relationship itself adds to the familial feeling of this great book of Christian wisdom.
The Church and Family
At this moment, one may begin thinking, “Okay, that’s a nice connection, but what does this appeal to family have to do with the letter of James?” Here is why this writer believes that the appeal to family is so applicable and wonderful.
First, Paul writing in Ephesians 3.14-15 describes the church as a family, owing itself to God the Father, and the church is named after Jesus, God’s Son.7 Surely, it is fair to say that the church family is truly a blessing for those who have broken relationships with their physical family.
Secondly, and personally applicable to James – the writer of our letter of study – prior to Jesus resurrection, James did not believe that his own brother was the Messiah.8 Here is a man, of the closest of familial relations, who refused to believe the teachings of his closet kin. Knowing this, is there not a greater poignancy to the statement, “a prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.”9 Thankfully, James did not remain an unbeliever.
Conclusion
When examining the verses that appeal to the brethren, it seems possible that James is beseeching Christians, his spiritual family, to not give in on challenges that he, himself, had to face and overcome. Indeed, the book of James contains Christian wisdom, but the possibility of this book being a heartfelt personal letter (a letter that flowed from great personal belief and experience) seems as if it has been overlooked. May our Father bless us as we continue learning from this letter of James.
Endnotes
1. “Proverbs of the New Testament.” Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts; James, p. 455, ISBN 0-7852-1154-3.
2. ibid.
3. “Eight ways in which true faith is exhibited.” Dickson New Analytical Study Bible; King James Version; p. 1409.
4. e-Sword word search my brethen; James 1.2; 2.1, 2.14; 3.1, 3.10, 3.12; 5.10; 5.12.
5. e-Sword word search my beloved brethren; James 1.16, 1.19; 2.5. NASB
6. “James within Acts.” Dickson New Analytical Study Bible; KJV; Acts 15.13; 21.18; Galatians 2.9; p. 1403.
7. “Church is named after Jesus.” Matthew 3.17. NASB
8. Dickson New Analytical Study Bible; King James Version; p. 1403.
9. “A prophet is not without honour.” Matthew 13.57. NASB
