James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. (James 1:1 KJV)
INTRODUCTION TO JAMES CHAPTER 1
After the introduction and greeting (James 1:1), Christians are taught how to conduct themselves when facing trials. Various graces and duties are encouraged, and those who endure trials as the apostle directs are called blessed and promised a glorious reward (James 1:2-12). However, the sins that lead to suffering, or the weaknesses people display during them, are not to be blamed on God, who cannot be the author of sin but is the source of all good (James 1:13-18). All uncontrolled emotion, rash anger, and corrupt desires must be subdued. God’s Word should be our main focus, and what we hear and learn must be put into practice—otherwise, our religion is worthless. The chapter ends with a clear description of what pure religion looks like (James 1:19-27).
Greetings to the Twelve Tribes
The inscription of this letter has three main elements.
First is the way the author identifies himself: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he held a high position in Christ’s church, he refers to himself simply as a servant. Those who hold high office or attain great things in the church are still servants and should act as such. Although James is referred to in the Gospels as the brother of our Lord, he preferred to identify as Christ’s servant rather than boast of his earthly relation. We should value being known as servants of God and Christ above all other titles.
Notice also that James calls himself a servant of both God and the Lord Jesus Christ, teaching us that our service must be to both the Son and the Father. We cannot truly serve God unless we also serve His Son. God expects everyone to honor the Son just as they honor the Father (John 5:23), seeking acceptance through Christ, relying on His help, and submitting fully to Him—confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Second is the condition of those he writes to: the twelve tribes scattered abroad. Some think this refers to the scattering after Stephen’s persecution (Acts 8), but that only affected Judea and Samaria. Others believe it refers to Jews living in Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and elsewhere. Although most of the ten tribes were lost in captivity, some individuals from each tribe remained, still recognized under the ancient title of the twelve tribes. These believers were scattered and dispersed.
They were dispersed partly in mercy. With the Old Testament scriptures, God’s providence allowed them to be scattered so that His word would spread.
They were also beginning to be scattered in judgment. The Jewish nation was breaking apart into factions, and many had to flee their homeland. Even faithful believers were caught in the chaos.
These Jews of the dispersion had embraced the Christian faith. Persecuted by their own people, they found more kindness among Gentiles. It is often the experience of God’s people to be scattered. The final gathering will come at the end of time, when all of God’s children are reunited in Christ. Meanwhile, God continues to care for His dispersed people. Here, an apostle writes to the scattered—God sending a message to them, even when they are far from His temple and seem forgotten.
As Ezekiel said: “Although I have cast them far off among the nations, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I will be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they have gone” (Ezekiel 11:16). God watches over His outcasts: “Let my outcasts dwell with you, Moab” (Isaiah 16:3-4). His people may be scattered, so we shouldn’t place too much value on external privileges. At the same time, we shouldn’t lose heart under hardship, because God remembers and comforts His scattered people.
Lastly, James expresses respect and goodwill toward the dispersed believers: “greeting”—wishing them peace and salvation. True Christians should not be judged by their hardships. The apostle sincerely desired that those scattered would be encouraged, do well, and even rejoice in their trials. God’s people have reason to rejoice anywhere and anytime, as will become clear in the rest of the letter.