- James addresses his letter to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. Most scholars agree James is talking to the church as a whole. In Acts 8:1 and 11:19, the church at Jerusalem was being persecuted and scattered. As a leading elder of the Jerusalem church, it's reasonable to assume that James would feel responsible for those scattered and continue to instruct and give encouragement to them. You can tell by the the tone and content of the letter that James is very aware of their circumstances.
- James says to consider it pure joy when you we are surrounded by temptation. Why exactly should Christians be joyful of temptations? He states the trying of your faith builds patience, and patience. James instructs us that test and trials are not punishment but rather a test. Passing the test is as much about attitude and knowing where to get assistance with the test (wisdom), a sign of Christian maturity. Jesus spoke of these things in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:11-12.
- When James refers to the exalting of the brother in low degree, he is reflecting on the parable of Jesus found in Luke 18:9-14 on the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Also, Jesus spoke of the meek in the Sermon on the Mount as those that will inherit the earth.
Next week- James 1:12-15
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