James1:1—James the bond-servant of Christ

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. James 1:1

Much of Christian tradition holds to the belief that James, who wrote the letter in the Bible bearing his name, was a half-brother of Jesus. Although other followers of Jesus were also named James, here are a couple of Scriptures which support the belief that this author likely was the brother of the Lord:

Mark 6:2-3: “And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” The first of Jesus’ four brothers mentioned here is James.

Galatians 1:19: “But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.” Here the apostle Paul refers to the brother of Jesus, whom he identifies as James. Notice that this James was not one of the original twelve disciples, but Paul categories him with the other apostles nonetheless. Obviously, James—who along with the rest of Jesus’ family may have once thought that Jesus was in dire need of a family intervention (see Matthew 12:46-50)—not only became a believer himself, but also emerged as an apostle and a great church leader.

Another clue to James’ sibling connection with Jesus is found in the similarity of thought and style shared by the two. None of the other writers of the New Testament letters besides James express their ideas with such striking resemblance to the preaching found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. More than a few excerpts from James’ letter read like a sequel to the Lord’s well-known hillside message.

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…

James identified himself in this greeting, not as Jesus’ brother, but as His bond-servant and the bond-servant of God. By describing himself in this way, he was declaring to one and all that he had given himself over to the will of the Lord to serve Him and to advance His cause on the earth (see http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G1401&t=KJV). He did not wrap himself in accolades; he didn’t name-drop or pad his resume with his unique connection to his Brother, the Lord; he simply identified himself as a servant of Jesus.

… to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

Bible commentator David Guzik explains James’ audience like this: “To the twelve tribes: What James means by the reference to the twelve tribes is difficult to understand. Is James writing a letter just to Christians from a Jewish background, or to all Christians? Certainly, this letter applies to all Christians. Probably, James wrote his letter before Gentiles were brought into the church, or before Gentile Christians emerged in any significant number” (see http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Jam/Jam_1.cfm).

As you read the Book of James, remember that James’ readership was largely made up of Jewish believers, indicating that they were very familiar with Hebrew laws and customs. But also remember that his readers were Christian; knowing this eliminates any excuse someone might come up with to weasel out of the more “toe-stomping” portions of this epistle.

It is my hope that you will enjoy this verse by verse adventure in the Book of James—but wear your steel-toed boots. James didn’t mess around.

Until tomorrow,

Dorothy