Overview
A letter addressed to the twelve tribes in the dispersion. It treats endurance under trial, being doers and not merely hearers of the word, the prohibition of partiality, control of the tongue, and warnings concerning wealth and pride, emphasizing a living faith demonstrated by works.
Theme A living faith demonstrated by works
Historical background
James presided at the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:13–21) and, according to Josephus, was martyred around AD 62. The letter is deeply rooted in the Jewish wisdom tradition and in the Torah, and it teaches a life that practises the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). Its recipients are understood to be Jewish believers in the Messiah living outside the land of Israel.