James 1 - 5

The Twelve Tribes

Note: This covers Monday and Tuesday's readings.

James' epistle is one of the earliest written epistles and written at a time when the nascent Christian church was still primarily composed of Jewish converts.  James was a "brother" to Jesus, i.e. Joseph was James' father and thus his first impressions of Jesus were those of Jesus a human.  His conversion came after Jesus' resurrection (see 1 Cor. 15:7) and he later became a leader in the church at Jerusalem (see Acts 15:13-22).

This epistle is Jewish in tone, being addressed to the "twelve tribes" scattered abroad.  James emphasizes works, personal behavior, and ethics in his writing.  This is not in conflict with Paul's writings, rather the emphasis is different.  For James, the mere confession of Jesus as Lord was not adequate since "even the demons believe and tremble in terror" (2:19), a Christian should demonstrate his faith through works - works of the Holy Spirit, not just "good deeds."   "But don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says." (1:22). From this we see the influence of Jewish thinking on James' experience.

James also wrote specifically about behavior.  Chapter 3 is a scathing rebuke to mankind about the looseness of our tongue in speaking, calling the tongue "a flame of fire." (3:6). A man who can control is tongue is a perfect man (3:2) and has the ability to control the rest of his being.

In chapter 4 James continues his exhortation on actions and ethics warning believers to be considerate in their objectives while praying. We must pray, but we must pray for His will and not our selfish desires.  We must actively resist the Devil.  We must not speak evil against others and criticize our fellow believers.  James even discusses the pitfalls of great wealth and pities the rich for the spiritual battles they will face.

This epistle touches many aspects of the everyday life of believers and is one that we should all heed.