Book Of James Background

The letter of james was likely written to predominantly jewish christian house churches outside of palestine based on its mention of the twelve tribes in the dispersion its distinctly jewish content and its focus on persecution and poverty.

Book of james background. James was written to a people that had been scattered by the will of god to spread his word to the world. A this is support by the simplicity of the description e g a well known james. Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the wisdom literature in the old testament encouraging god s people to act like god s people.

The pages of james are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness. This would mean it was sent throughout most of the ancient mediterranean world. The book of james looks a bit like the old testament book of proverbs dressed up in new testament clothes.

We find this important background information on the book of james in acts 8 1. 2 james the half brother of jesus who became the leader of the jerusalem church. To better understand what is happening here read or skim the previous two chapters.

And before the destruction of the temple in 70 a d. 1 james the son of zebedee of the twelve apostles but he is most probably ruled out since he was martyred in ad 44 by herod and the epistle seems to have been written after that. Stephen a faithful servant of god during the early church years proclaimed his faith in jesus boldly and was stoned because of it.

He authored the book around 49 a d before the jerusalem council in 50 a d.