James

    A broad consensus of authorities attributes this epistle to James, the Lord’s brother (cf. Mt. 13:55-57).  None of Jesus’ brothers believed in him before the resurrection (John 7:5; cf. Mark 3:21, 31-35).  Yet the Lord appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7), and by Acts 12:17, he was apparently the leading elder of the church of Jerusalem.  As seen in this epistle, his main roll was not so much evangelistic as pastoral, leading the sheep and keeping them in the flock, more than gathering them out of the wilderness.  In that respect, the purpose of this epistle is much like that of Hebrews, urging steadfastness, to continue in faith to maturity, and thus receive the crown of life (1:12; cf. Heb. 10:36).