“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)."
The book of James has an interesting history. Debate surrounded its inclusion into the Canon and some thought it lacked theological, apostolic teaching. The author is simply stated as “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 1). There are four James mentioned in the New Testament, but most theologians believe the author of James to be the half-brother of Jesus. He was a leader in the Jerusalem church and the head of the important Jerusalem Council mentioned in Acts 15. The book of James is less about theology and more about the practical aspects of living a dedicated, faithful life. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, James was martyred in AD 62. Therefore, the book that bears his name is thought to have been written around AD 50, toward the end of his life. James wrote his letter to the “twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (James 1:1). These were the Jewish Christians that fled Jerusalem during the persecution that followed the death of Stephen (Acts 7). These Jewish Christians had been separated from their homes, their culture, their families, and their way of life for more than two decades. The difficulties these people faced had caused some of them to grow weary, even apathetic about living a faithful Christian life. James had been a pastor to them, and his letter was written to encourage and admonish them to continue in their commitment to live as evangelists for the Gospel of Christ.
The book of James has continued to remind Christians of the great need to do more than have a strong faith in Christ; we must also live a life of service so that others are drawn to faith because of our witness.
