James 1

• James: See “James, Brother of Jesus” Profile.

• By calling his readers the twelve tribes, James connects Christianity to the history of Israel. The exile to Babylon scattered the twelve tribes. But Jewish interpreters hoped God would reunite them (see Psalms of Solomon 17:26–28; Testament of Benjamin 9:2; compare Ezekiel 37:15–28; Matthew 19:28). Christ has spiritually ended Israel’s exile and reunited the tribes.

• the Dispersion (Greek diaspora): Jews scattered abroad were living outside Palestine (John 7:35; Acts 2:5; 8:1; 11:19).

• Greetings (Greek chairein): This was a common greeting in first-century Greek letters and in personal interactions (Acts 15:23; 23:26; Matthew 26:49; Luke 1:28).

• My brothers: Refer to study note on 2:1.

• James uses a wordplay. The Greek word for "joy" (chara) sounds similar to the Greek word for "greetings" that he used at the beginning of his letter in 1:1. This wordplay helps connect the opening greeting with his encouragement to find joy even during difficult times.

Enduring challenges and temptations is a common theme (1:12–15; 5:7–12). Not enduring these challenges is like a person who "wander[s] from the truth" and requires someone to "save his soul from death" (5:19–20).

James introduces wisdom as a common theme (compare 3:13–18).

without doubting, because he who doubts: The Greek is often translated "Do not doubt, for a person who doubts," but it means someone torn between loyalty to God and the world (see 1:8).

He is a double-minded man: James might have created the Greek word used here. He emphasizes the importance of trusting only in God.

should exult: In the New Testament, boasting is often seen as negative (3:14; 4:16; Ephesians 2:9). But here it refers to being proud of what God has done (James 2:5; Romans 15:18; 1 Corinthians 1:31; Galatians 6:14).

James writes often about poverty and wealth in his letter (compare chapter 2; 4:13–5:11). When James talks about poor believers, he does not promise that they will become rich in this life. Instead, he teaches that God will reverse their situation in heaven.

James uses irony when he describes the terrible fate waiting for ungodly rich people. These are wealthy people who make themselves powerful by mistreating those who are poor and unable to protect themselves (see 2:6–8; 5:1–6).

is the man who perseveres under trial (see 1:22–25; 2:5; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 John 5:2).

James discusses three topics from 1:2–11 and adds new insights to each. External challenges (in 1:2–4) become internal temptations (in 1:11–18). The need for wisdom (in 1:5–8) connects to controlling angry speech (in 1:19–21). Poverty and wealth relate to acting on God's word (1:22–25). This section then summarizes these ideas (1:26–27).

James is using diatribe, an old Greek rhetorical method where an imaginary opponent gives a different opinion. This lets him express and quickly counter the possible objections of the reader (also in 2:3, 16, 18; 4:13).

Desires can work like hooks used for fishing or traps set up for hunting. These desires tempt (or lure) us to do wrong things and pull us away from being faithful to God.

Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin: James describes sin as if it were a baby. If this “baby” sin becomes mature, it results in death. This spiritual death stands in direct opposition to "crown of life" (1:12).

God is the Father of the heavenly lights (see footnote). This is because he created everything in the sky (Genesis 1:3, 14–17). Unlike the moving lights in the sky, God never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

• The word of truth is the good news about Jesus (1:21–23; 1 Peter 1:23–25).

• give us birth: The image of a mother giving birth shows the full extent of God’s parental love for his children (compare Luke 13:34; John 1:13; 3:3–8; 1 Peter 1:23).

• a kind of firstfruits (compare Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:9–14; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:18): Christians are examples of the ultimate restoration of all creation (Romans 8:20–22).

• get rid (literally putting off) of all moral filth (compare Ephesians 4:22; 1 Peter 2:1).

• the word planted in you, which can save your souls: James emphasizes that Christians should respond to a word God has placed within us. This fulfills Jeremiah 31:31–34.

• The sould refers to the whole person (also in James 5:20; see Genesis 2:7; 1 Peter 3:20).

Reading the scriptures was an important part of worship (Luke 4:16–17; Acts 13:13–16; Colossians 4:16; 1 Timothy 4:13). Most people could not read and there were very few copies available. So, they listened to the scriptures being read aloud during public worship.

In several parts of the letter, James seems to ponder the teachings of Jesus. These verses show the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 7:24, 26; Luke 6:46, 49).

forgets what he looks like: The issue is not the poor quality of an ancient mirror, but the viewer's lack of attention (see Matthew 7:24–27).

God's word gives us new life and salvation (1:18, 21). But it also requires us to follow its teachings (1:22–25).

• bridle his tongue: James uses this image to show that controlling your tongue reflects the condition of your heart and direction of life (compare 3:1–13).

• orphans and widows were the most vulnerable people in ancient society. They relied on others for support because the husband and father provided economic help and social connections (Exodus 22:22–24; Deuteronomy 10:18). God calls Christians to especially care for those who are helpless (compare 1 Timothy 5:3–16).

• In James, the world is hostile to God (compare James 3:15; 4:4; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15–17).