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Who wrote: Many think James the half-brother of Jesus; James was leader of Jewish-Christian Church in Jerusalem.
When written: If so, likely 45-61 AD.
Who written to: Likely Jewish Christians scattered throughout Roman territory (the diaspora) who were persecuted and driven out of the city.
Genre: Epistle, but reads more like a series of sermons; loosely connected moral sayings and essays rather than linear, developed theology (cf. Pauline epistles). It is a pastoral epistle (14 times addresses “my [dear] brothers and sisters”).
Emphasis: Not new theological information or development (like Paul’s epistles), but statements on how to apply theology to everyday life -- faith in action; Many exhortations: 54 commands (in 108 verses); He doesn’t just say “do it” (because I say so and I’m a major leader), but gives the reason WHY to do it.
Sources: Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7, which he constantly quotes and builds from) and Proverbs 1-9 and other intertestamental wisdom literature (unconnected pieces of wisdom); Also major use of Lev. 19:12-18.
Structure of epistle: Main body is chapters 2-5 – consists of 12 short, independent teachings that call people to live as a true Christian.
Structure of chapter 1 : A stream of ideas that overview the key themes of the epistle:
V1. Salutation
V 2-4: Life’s trials produce endurance and can make us perfect
V 5-8: God gives wisdom to those who ask in faith
V 9-11 Poverty can make us trust in God; wealth will pass away
V 12-18 God is generous and gives us new birth through Jesus
V 19-27 Don’t just listen to God’s word, do it. The Torah of freedom calls us to: speak with love, serve the poor, and be wholly devoted to God.
Source: (The Bible Project, 2016)