One of the first, if not the first, epistle written in the New Testament is the Book of James.  When we understand the times, and the identity of the author, we can get a very clear picture of why this book was written to these earliest Christians.  But this message is as contemporary as today's newspaper.  This book is the most practical book of the New Testament, written by a prominent person in the early church, #James.  #BookofJames,

James’ Position in the Church

The Premier Leader in the Early Church

Of the 4 men named James in the N. T. only one could have written this letter.

He was the half-brother of Jesus. 13:55,56/ Gal. 1:19

Matthew 13:55-56 (NASB)

55“Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?

56“And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”

Galatians 1:19 (NASB)

19But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

Called by his contemporaries, “James the Just” and “Old Camel Knees.”

Paul called him “a pillar” in the church.  Gal. 2:9

He was present at Pentecost. Acts 1:13,14

7. He apparently became Pastor of the church in Jerusalem. Acts 15

8.  He was martyred in 62 AD.

James was not a believer during the earthly ministry of Jesus.  Although he loved his big brother, He was not a disciples.  It was not until after the resurrection that James becomes a Christian.  1 Corinthians 15 tells us that Jesus appeared to James after the resurrection and James was saved. 

James was a Christian, not because he was was Jesus' half brother, but because he put his faith in Jesus.  That is how all of us are related to Jesus, by faith.

New Hope Community Church, 3849 FM 1827, McKinney, TX 75071

Dr. Kelly Carr, Pastor