Page 7 - General Epistles (James through Jude) Textbook

A date prior to the meeting in Jerusalem in Acts 15 appears convincing. If that is the case and true, this
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epistle “would be the first New Testament book written.”

Recipients of the Letter.
This epistle was addressed to “the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad;” (Jas. 1:1; cf. Acts 8:1; 11:19)
Jewish Christians appears to be in view as readers. Unlike in 1 Peter 1:1 where the designation of
“dispersion” can be taken metaphorically, referring to “Gentile church scattered throughout the Roman
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Empire,” James 1:1 is referring to “Jewish Christians living outside Palestine.” Douglas J. Moo says that
the twelve tribes “identifies these people as belonging to the people of God of the last days—the entire
church. . . The letter’s content, however, strongly suggests that James’ audience is limited to Jewish
Christians. Scattered among the nations (Jas. 1:1) shows that these believers were living outside the
boundaries of Israel (cf. John 7:35; Acts 2:5).”
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Occasion.
Right from the first verse of the book, James, the half-brother to Jesus gives us a glimpse to possibly a
hostile atmosphere for the recipients. When we get to James 1:2-12, we discover that the audience was
going through various kinds of trials somehow confirming the presence of persecutors and persecutions
themselves. Perhaps, that uncomfortable atmosphere could have prompted the author to write to his
audience in order for them to consider it pure joy while going through various kinds of trials. Since
James 2:14-26 presents to us the presence of false teachers who probably were teaching that once one
become saved, he/she should not worry about what kind of life should be conducted. That is, there
would be no need to worry about what kind of fruits one is bearing. That kind of teaching could have
inspired the author to write to them in order to encourage them to live lives that demonstrate
transformed lives. Lastly, the misappropriation of funds by the rich (cf. Jas. 5:1-6) who were also
Christians could have motivated James to write to them so that they may use their riches godly.

Purpose.
James wanted his audience to continue to act upon biblical principles and obey their Savior. So, the
emphasis of this letter is not how one can become a Christian, but on how one can become Christ-like.

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