James Introduction

The place of the letter’s origin is unknown. Assuming, however, that the Lord’s half-brother wrote it, he likely did so from Jerusalem.

The designation “To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad” strongly suggests that the recipients were Jewish Christians outside Palestine. These Jewish believers perhaps were scattered outside their homeland due to early persecutions that had arisen in Jerusalem (Ac 8:1-4; 11:19). Further support that the letter’s original readers were Jewish Christians is found in the fact that James never brought up issues such as the assimilation of Gentiles into the church. James encouraged his readers to live consistent Christian lives in the midst of persecution for their faith in Christ.