The letter of James is a bit different than what we’re used to in the New Testament. Most of the NT letters are written to a church (Romans, Corinthians), churches (Galatians, Revelation), or an individual (Timothy, Titus, Philemon). There are a few letters like Hebrews or 1 John where the recipients aren’t identified, so our starting point isn’t as clear.
Then there is James. He clearly tells us he is writing to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (1:1). I know of no reason why we shouldn’t take this at face value and understand him to be writing to Jewish communities outside of Palestine—both believers and unbelievers.
There’s certainly a precedent for this in the Old Testament where the prophets addressed both the righteous remnant of Israel as well as the unrighteous. I think that’s what James is doing in his letter—he’s speaking to Jewish followers of Jesus (“brothers and sisters”), but also unrighteous Jews (see 4:1-4, 5:1-6).
While this (at least initially) might be disconcerting, it makes a lot of sense when you think about it. As mentioned, James is simply following in the footsteps of the prophets and whatever else his letter might be—it is unmistakably Jewish (many think of it as a NT version of Proverbs). Furthermore, assuming the James who wrote the letter was the brother of Jesus, he was highly influential in not only the church at Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18-19; Acts 15:13ff), but in the larger Jewish community (Acts 21:17ff).
There’s no reason to think that other Jewish disciples weren’t significantly attached to their communities both inside and outside Palestine. Many in the dispersion would participate in the annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem (Acts 2:9-11), where they would meet with church leaders, like James, and inform them of their situations back home. What would be more natural than James sending a letter back with them (like the one that was sent with Paul and Barnabas – 15:22ff)?
In terms of content, you won’t have any trouble applying what James says to your life. His words are practical, to the point, and can be a wakeup call for many. He talks about trials, temptations, true faith, teachers, the tongue, and much, much more. Your faith will be enriched by his words!
Outline of James (adapted from Lewis Loftus)
Chapter One – Faith being tested is a reality of life.
Chapter Two – Faith doesn’t show favoritism or exist in abstraction.
Chapter Three – Faith tempers the tongue.
Chapter Four – Faith shows itself in submission.
Chapter Five – Faith stands firm.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 