The writer of the book of James is undoubtedly Jesus’ brother; likely the second born to Mary just behind Jesus, assumed to be so due to his name’s being mentioned first in the family (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).

Brother to Jesus

During Jesus’ life and ministry, His brothers and sisters did not readily believe in His Messiahship (Mark 6:3; John 7:3-8), but they were among the first to receive the news of Jesus’ Resurrection and His taking interest in personally appearing to James (1 Corinthians 15:7).

After the crucifixion, Jesus’ brothers and sisters were counted among those waiting in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost for the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14).

Apostle of Jesus

Within five years of the ascension, James became known not only as the brother of Jesus but also as an apostle of Christ (Galatians 1:19). After Peter was miraculously delivered from prison, and after James son of Zebedee was beheaded, it was James the brother of Jesus whom Peter wanted to be informed that he had been liberated (Acts 12:17).

Pastor of the Jerusalem Church

This would all indicate that at this early date (44-45 A.D.), James was acknowledged as the pastor of the Jerusalem church.

Shortly after, Paul regarded James, Peter, and John to be the pillars of the Church (Galatians 2:9). At the Jerusalem council, when the elders and apostles were trying to decide what Jewish rules and customs the Gentiles should keep to be accepted into the covenant community, it was James’ final word that settled the matter (Acts 15:19).

Last Historical Account of James

When Paul came to Jerusalem at the end of his third journey, it was James who asked Paul to ceremonially purify himself as a testimony to those Jews zealous for traditional customs. Paul did and was arrested, imprisoned, and ended up in Rome (Acts 21:18-26). This is the last we biblically see of James.

James’ Death

Josephus, a contemporary Jewish historian, recorded that James was martyred during a Jewish insurrection around 62-63 A.D., about seven years before the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans.

James’ Letter

The book of James was likely the first New Testament Scripture written and one of the last to be accepted into the canon in 397 A.D. The key reason for its slow acceptance was the seeming contradiction between Paul's faith/works teaching.

He wrote it to those living outside Palestine, who were likely driven from Jerusalem during the persecution that began to spread at Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1-4; 11:19). It is assumed that he wrote specifically to the western churches of Babylon and Persia—another reason its acceptance into Scripture was slow.

Purpose of the Letter

The contents of the book seem to describe the readers as being in the midst of trials (1:2-12; 5:10-11), indecisive and unable to commit (1:22-25; 4:1-11), and doctrinally confused (1:13-16).

James, aware of these circumstances, seems to have written this book to correct the disparity between the followers’ claim to faith and the committed actions faith produced.