The authorship of the Book of James has been a subject of much scholarly debate and theological reflection over the centuries. Traditionally, the author of this epistle has been identified as James, the brother of Jesus. This identification is based on various pieces of evidence from both the New Testament itself and early Christian writings.
James, often referred to as James the Just, was a significant figure in the early Christian community in Jerusalem. He is mentioned several times in the New Testament. For instance, in the Gospels, he is listed among Jesus' siblings (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). After Jesus' resurrection, James became a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church. The Apostle Paul refers to him as a "pillar" of the church (Galatians 2:9) and describes a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to James (1 Corinthians 15:7). Furthermore, in the Book of Acts, James plays a crucial role in the Jerusalem Council, which addressed the issue of Gentile converts and the Mosaic Law (Acts 15).
The epistle itself begins with the salutation, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings" (James 1:1, ESV). The author identifies himself simply as "James," without any further qualification. This lack of further identification suggests that he was a well-known figure in the early Christian community, likely the James who was the brother of Jesus and the leader of the Jerusalem church.
Several internal and external evidences support this traditional identification. Internally, the letter reflects a deep familiarity with Jesus' teachings, particularly those found in the Sermon on the Mount. The ethical exhortations in James often echo Jesus' own words, suggesting that the author had a close connection to Jesus' ministry. For example, James 2:5-7 reflects Jesus' teaching on the reversal of fortunes in the Kingdom of God, and James 5:12 closely mirrors Jesus' admonition against swearing oaths (Matthew 5:34-37).
Externally, early Christian writings and traditions consistently attribute the letter to James, the brother of Jesus. Eusebius of Caesarea, a fourth-century church historian, records that James the Just was the author of the epistle (Ecclesiastical History, 2.23.25). Similarly, Origen and Jerome, other early church fathers, also affirm this attribution.
However, some scholars have raised questions about this traditional identification. They point out that the Greek of the epistle is quite polished and sophisticated, which might seem surprising for someone like James, who was likely a Palestinian Jew and not a native Greek speaker. Additionally, the letter does not explicitly mention Jesus' resurrection or other key elements of the Christian kerygma, which some find puzzling for a letter purportedly written by Jesus' brother.
Despite these questions, several arguments can be made in defense of the traditional view. First, it is possible that James, as a leader of the Jerusalem church, had access to scribes or secretaries who could have assisted him in composing the letter in polished Greek. This was a common practice in the ancient world. Second, the ethical and practical focus of the letter is consistent with what we know of James' role and concerns as a leader in the early Christian community. His emphasis on living out one's faith through deeds (James 2:14-26) aligns with the portrayal of James in other New Testament writings as a man deeply concerned with the practical implications of faith.
Moreover, the letter's lack of explicit references to Jesus' resurrection or other elements of the Christian proclamation does not necessarily undermine its authenticity. The epistle of James is primarily a work of ethical exhortation rather than theological exposition. Its purpose is to address practical issues within the Christian community, such as favoritism, the misuse of wealth, and the importance of controlling one's speech. In this context, James' focus on ethical living and social justice is entirely appropriate and consistent with his role as a leader of the Jerusalem church.
In conclusion, while there are some questions and debates regarding the authorship of the Book of James, the traditional identification of James, the brother of Jesus, as the author remains the most plausible and widely accepted view. This identification is supported by both internal and external evidence, as well as the consistent testimony of early Christian tradition. The letter of James, with its emphasis on practical ethics and living out one's faith, reflects the concerns and priorities of James the Just, a key leader in the early Christian community and the brother of our Lord.
