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Category: Epistles – Is his letter to our church?

Epistle of Paul to the Romans 1 - the Apostles sends a church letter to Rome and the local saints of area churches
Epistle of Paul to the Romans

Epistles ἐπιστολή or Letters

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians 

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1 CORINTHIANS 

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Letters – Is he writing to me?
The short answer: YES.

In their epistles or 1st century church letters the Apostles and other men sent out by Jesus build up the saints [small – ‘s’] or members of local first century churches.

A Disciple or other witness of JESUS would write it. Messengers then delivered these church letters to many isolated worshipers.

Followers of Jesus Christ receive these letters as a major encouragement to their personal faith. Then leaders read them to worshipers of their church.

Although the Epistles 0r Letters to the Church were originally written to churches of the first century,

Romans through Jude will seem like letters to your 21st century church.

  • What do Peter, Paul, John and others tell us we must do?
  • Is he talking about an issue in your 21st c. church as well?
  • How does the writer’s advice, warning, or encouragement to the 1st c. believers apply to you as well
  • Is the writer of this letter talking about something you need to address in your 21st century ‘christian’ life?

Contemporary Application of the Letters (Epistles)

Most New Testament writers take on specific issues confronting faithful followers of Jesus Christ. These same issues continue to confront believers until the Lord’s coming again in these last days.

Certainly Christ our Lord will come again to those God has chosen for eternal life.

Believers currently suffer more than most of you who know Christ in your local church can imagine.

In other lands Christians continue to suffer by the hand of the ungodly.
Go into all the world

A 21st century Common Era church can see and hear nearly any atrocity of man or artificial imagination of sinful man’s mind, yet ‘christians‘ dare not speak of any absolute truth of the Lord God or talk of JESUS CHRIST.

Will YOU comment on Scripture and share the Gospel?

I invite you to read the inspired word of Scripture written in these LETTERS TO THE CHURCH.

YES, He IS writing to YOU.

Beloved brother or sister in Christ Jesus,

Will you read this ‘CHURCH LETTER’ and talk of JESUS through your comment, sharing and email to me about this ‘Letter to you?”

Roger@talkofJesus.com

  • James – a Word on Works – 3

    James – a Word on Works – 3

    In a visual word about works. James entreats us, “let everyone see your works,” in this proverb of James, ‘be doers of the word.’

    What does it have to do with his initial advice, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials?”

    James details the connection as he continues his pastoral letter to the church (actually, several churches). He makes a case that our works refine our faith and prove our faith to other potential followers of the Lord.

    But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

    James 1:22 CSB

    Hearing and Doing the Word

    Did you ever hear the rebuke as a child, “You have two ears and one mouth?” It’s advice from this section of the letter of James to the church. Perhaps you haven’t read it in a while, but allow your heart to listen well to the Spirit.

    James 1:19-2:26

    19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this:

    Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

    James 1:19b-20 CSB

    Think about what we see and hear everyday. The world has this upside down. Doubtless the world of the first century encountered the same.

    People are angry about this, angry about that. They speak first and frequently. We can see it on television or online, and social media thrives on the polarized opinions of those who speak without understanding.

    We are quick to anger, impulsive to speak, and slow fo listen.

    How we reflect the world, dear claimants of Christ!

    Sadly, our works in this area of speaking boldly to others out of our zeal for the Lord likely needs the most work.

    Listen

    It takes humility to listen to another before speaking your heart.

    Do you converse with a brother or a sister in Christ? Our conversation with and unbeliever should be different, but the same principles apply. Before we answer do we understand the heart of the one speaking or if they oppose Christ possibly, but have interest because of something they ask about?

    “Swift to hear,” say some translations. Certainly not swift to react, as is our tendency. But to whom must we listen? What does the Apostle want the church to hear?

    Perhaps the most telling use of the Greek word here is found in a familiar teaching from Jesus.

    “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. – Matthew 5:38

    It’s the traditional measured response of justice, seek no more from someone who has sinned against you than what he has taken by his trespass. Of course what follows is the Lord’s command for us to love our enemies.

    Though we all want “justice” for our enemy, we also seek “mercy” for our transgressions of the law. So let’s skip to the issue of anger, source of our own reactive speech, for the wisdom of James’ suggestion.

    Anger

    Everyone should be quick to listen … and slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

    This is the only place James uses this word, which points to our reaction to the anger of others. The root verb suggests a stretching out in order to understand another. James continues:

    21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

    Don’t react, but receive the implanted word. (We’ll get to that in a moment.)

    Favoritism

    2:1 My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.

    … and yet you say to the poor person, “Stand over there,” or “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” 4 haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

    James cautions the church against certain worshipers who expect special treatment. The ‘hearers’ to whom he writes must guard against men and women actively provoking the saints of the church to react with anger.

    Yet he reminds us that those souls provoking us to anger ought to see the love of Christ Jesus in our response.

    Fellow ‘church member,’ allow me to restate in an excerpt from a different version. James addresses us:

    A Warning against Prejudice

    James 2: My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

    2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry… 3 If you give special attention… to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there…”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

    5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor!

    Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

    8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

    9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

    James 2 excerpt from NLT (preaching emphasis my own)

    This very favoritism provokes my anger this very moment!

    Yet James asks us to keep silent, listen, do not speak first and remember that “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 1:20

    Convicted!

    The Lord holds all authority to punish or pardon. Leave it to His will.

    Slow to speak

    Whenever we face ‘various trials,’ inevitably they will come from the actions and words of others. How difficult for us to show the same humble temperament as our Lord Jesus.

    James reminds us (in verse 8), ‘If you love your neighbor as yourself,’ as Jesus taught, ‘you are doing well.’ Then (in verse 9) he applies the challenge of favoritism. Now apply this to your own reactions.

    Were you slow to speak before you judged your neighbor?

    Did you listen first, before you answered?

    James addresses real issues of the church, like anger and favoritism.

    Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

    James 1:21 RSV

    Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for our own moral filthiness and wickedness must not arrogantly replace the word of God.

    Mirror of our Hypocrisy

    James illustrates our brief partial glances at self in this way:

    If you are a hearer of the word and not a doer of the word (in other words, if you have not works), then you are like one observing your own face in the mirror. You then go away, forgetting what you are like.

    Isn’t this our false image of our own righteousness?

    James urges you and me to stand in front of the mirror for a while. (I hate to do that.) Worse, for those of us who quickly walk away, he asks us to look into the reflection of what God wants to see.

    But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

    James 1:25 CSB

    Royal Law vs Law of Freedom

    See the freedom Christ gives us. Persevere in the perfect law and don’t forget to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Be blessed in your trials for the Lord.

    All of the Apostles, including James in this letter, encourage the new church.

    Christ redeemed slaves of the Law, awaiting our sentence of death, to the grace of the law of freedom.

    The Royal Law

    A good reason for true followers of Jesus to be slow to speak lies in our varying opinions of how to apply the Commandments. Most of us have a great need to consider how to act as one under authority. Here many disagreements begin as anger simmers below the surface.

    Your opponent asks, “By whose authority do you tell me what I must do?

    Paul tells us in one instance illustrating such authority.

    “I was traveling to Damascus under these circumstances with authority and a commission from the chief priests. – Acts 26:12

    Saul (Paul) testifies that his mission and authority came directly from the chief priests (bound by the Authority of Almighty God).

    His court case before King Herod Agrippa, the last reigning King of Judea with the royal title [AD 41-44], takes place about the same time as the letter of James. Agrippa’s royal authority (as opposed to a priestly commission) was his appointment of succession as king, confirmed by the authority of Rome.

    Authority

    ἐξουσία – power, authority, right, liberty, jurisdiction, strength – power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases

     Strong’s G1849 – exousia

    Royal authority, religious leadership authority, government authority, military authority – any and all authority remain contentious issues to this day, as they were for the first century church.

    Be slow to speak, therefore; that you might hear not only the words, but the authority from where they speak,

    Jesus cautions followers to obey all of these authorities, where their law applies to us. Further, the Lord presents a practical example of faith through a Roman centurion.

    Luke 7

    6 Jesus …was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof…

    Beloved, here is true humility, true acceptance of Jesus’ Divine Authority. The centurion continues:

    But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command.

    I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

    9 Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.”

    Do you — do the shepherds of your church have such authority?

    The Law of Freedom

    What should we say if we speak from the Law of Freedom?

    The Greek word here is also translated as liberty in some translations. Perhaps it will help to know that in Christ we have the liberty to speak judiciously. James had pointed to this liberty when he warned of looking in the mirror. Later he provides this law for us as judges of our own speech.

    [I reverse the order of James description to provoke your thought.]

    13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy.

    In Christ we are free to judge, yet will we show mercy?

    [Therefore,] 12 Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. 13b Mercy triumphs over judgment.

    Jesus’ authority gives us that same grace to show mercy to another, who like us, does not deserve mercy for breaking the Royal Law of Almighty God.

    Faith and Works

    What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him?

    James 2:14 CSB

    James immediately goes to examples so familiar of faithlessness and hypocrisy by those of the church. He points to the same partiality and inaction to help the poor where our words only have no impact for Christ.

    “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed…” Words, empty, fruitless dismissal of a soul in need.

    18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”

    James never argues that we are saved by works (as some misleadingly emphasize). Nor does he dispute that we are saved by faith alone (which some use as excuse for a no-works easy one-time claim to Christ).

    20 Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?

    He continues with the scriptural examples of Abraham and Rahab, then categorically states:

    You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone… For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

    James 2:24,26 CSB

    James tells us, “judge the true faith of one who claims Christ by their works.

    Do they show evidence of their faith by how Jesus has become their Lord? Do you?

    δικαιόω – Justified

    δικαιόω – dikaioō from the root  δίκαιος (G1342)

    • to render righteous or such he ought to be
    • show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
    • declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

    The root word of ‘just‘ is more often translated as ‘righteousness.’

    • righteous, observing divine laws
    • in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God
    • in a narrower sense, rendering to each his due and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or shown by the manner of dealing with them

    James has much more practical advice for the church.

    To be continued...
  • James – Count It All Joy -2

    James – Count It All Joy -2

    Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials…

    James 1:2 RSV

    πειρασμός Trials & Temptations

    Messengers from Jerusalem arrive with a letter from the leader of the church. (Can’t wait to hear their good news.) So what is the first thing James has to say to all of us? Consider all of the various trials and temptations you have all experienced as a cause for joy.

    Christ was crucified and risen just a dozen years ago, then James became head of the church in Jerusalem. Peter and the Apostles work with us as a family of our Lord, sending the Gospel to all of us whenever they can.

    Background to the Persecution of Christians

    map of Roman Empire - Augustus organization of Legions
    1st c. Roman Cities

    To Rome, Herod was “King of the Jews,” and when they hung the sign over our crucified Lord they all thought that was the end of it. But after witness of His resurrection our troubles multiplied not only in Judea, but in every city with a synagogue from Coptos to Corinth.

    Romans may arrest, imprison or enslave us. And zealous Jews loyal to Herod follow us to synagogues in every port, persecuting our Elders at any opportunity. We can hardly make a living in any city for fear of our lives.

    Yet for the sake of Christ we worship God our Father with familiar songs and praises.

    Psalm 55:
    4 My heart shudders within me;
     terrors of death sweep over me.
     5 Fear and trembling grip me;
     horror has overwhelmed me...

    12 Now it is not an enemy who insults me—
     otherwise I could bear it;
     it is not a foe who rises up against me—
     otherwise I could hide from him.
     13 But it is you, a man who is my peer,
     my companion and good friend!
     14 We used to have close fellowship;
     we walked with the crowd into the house of God...

    19 God, the one enthroned from long ago,
     will hear and will humiliate them Selah
     because they do not change
     and do not fear God.

    Who Gets the Letters to the Early Church?

    Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

    Acts 11:19 CSB

    Acts 11:20 But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.

    Jews fled Jerusalem and Judea to cities up the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. These followers of Jesus and many new Jewish followers of the Apostles had heard first-hand witnesses to the resurrection. And now they even go to preach to the gentiles – Greeks and Romans. It is a new diaspora of Christ-followers to cities where Jews have already settled.

    Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary

    The commentator, Douglas Moo, describes their circumstances:

    Forced to live away from their home church, these scattered parishioners required exhortation and advice on issues they were facing. What is more natural than that their spiritual guide send them a pastoral letter?

    Perhaps some of these faithful followers of Jesus had even heard the powerful preaching of Stephen as he had been stoned to death.

    Trials and Maturity

    In Jerusalem they stoned and beheaded our beloved brother, James the Greater, son of Zebedee. It’s encouraging that James writes to us to have joy. No doubt all in Jerusalem endure more trials.

    Ἰάκωβος θεοῦ καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοῦλος ταῖς δώδεκα φυλαῖς ταῖς ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ χαίρειν

    James 1:1

    “James, bond-servant of Theos and the Lord Jesus,” he greets us. God knows his faithfulness to the Apostles and Elders of The Way.

    “To the twelve tribes of the diaspora abroad.”

    Yes, we are the true Israel driven into every part of the world, but now in the victory of our risen Messiah we finally have joy and mercy, grace and peace, and the love of God in our Lord Jesus.

    James writes to us (and his messengers who will go into all the other cities):

    Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

    James 1:2-4 CSB

    We know trials… temptations to live like the Greeks or the Romans, even like the hateful Herodians and hypocrites of the Temple who pursue us.

    Thank God for James and our brothers in Jerusalem, who send encouragement and help to us, so we might survive these trying times. Rome must have been part of God’s plan plan of completion for us. Christ is redeeming this remnant.

    Our Lord has sent us all fleeing into the all the world, and for this James encourages us to count it all joy.

    Joy

    Shout for joy, you heavens!
     Earth, rejoice!
     Mountains break into joyful shouts!
     For the LORD has comforted his people,
     and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
    - Isaiah 49:13

    James writes to us:

    Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

    James 1:9-10 CSB

    Our humble circumstances as followers of Jesus brings our hearts low. For we struggle greatly in our daily lives. We can barely provide for our wives and our children. And what will happen to them if our witness for Christ would cost our life here?

    Yes, we are with our Lord, forever; but what will happen to our loved ones? James calls on us to be as humble as Jesus, to have joy for our salvation won. We will hold his proverb from this letter near to our hearts:

    Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

    James 1:12 CSB

    Spurgeon on James

    Excerpt from CSB Introduction to James

    When blessed by God, our trials ripen us. Believers who have endured a great deal of affliction exhibit a great deal of mellowness that you never see in other people. It cannot be mistaken or imitated…

    Do you count it all joy?

    The 19th century preacher points out how different these believers with faith ripened in the burning sun appear as a fruit with unmistakable sweetness.

    Are you, beloved brother, dear sister – suffering in any way for your sweetness in Christ?

    Do trials by those around you refine your witness or delineate your humility?

    Would anyone recognize Jesus by looking at you?

    James has a few firm suggestions to solidify our faith and bring joy to our witness. Consider all of these things.

    To be continued...

  • James – Witness of a Converted Brother

    James – Witness of a Converted Brother

    We’ve just looked at testimonies of several witnesses to Jesus, risen in the flesh, in I have Seen the Lord. Here we will take a look at one witness converted by Jesus’ resurrection, James.

    painting of Jesus and guests at a feast in the house of Simon the Pharisee
    Feast for Jesus in home of Simon the Pharisee

    He frequently spent time with Jesus, heard His preaching, yet his name is not even mentioned in John’s Gospel. Was he was a doubter perhaps more skeptical than Thomas? Thousands heard the Lord preach on mountaintops, in homes, many synagogues and frequently in various public areas of the Temple.

    How does one of more than five hundred witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection become so important to the first century church? Why is he hardly mentioned in the four Gospel accounts? And could 21st century Christians have missed the identity and influence of the Apostle leading the church in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension?

    We’ll address some of this mystery later, but James’ familial witness is found in the important pastoral letter he wrote.

    Letter of James

    This won’t be a detailed look at the Epistle of James, but rather a study of the early church. You may want an answer to the same question I had (‘which James?’), but before we focus on our letter writer let’s take a quick look at a commentary on his letter.

    James at a Glance

    Source:  
Willmington's Bible at a Glance

    This book offers sound advice for practical Christian living, examining such issues as prayer, steadfastness in trial, impartiality, demonstrating one’s saving faith in God by one’s service for God, proper control of the tongue, overcoming worldliness, and finally, exhortation to practice patience while awaiting the return of Jesus!

    Bottom Line Summary

    THIS NEW TESTAMENT BOOK IS THE PROVERBS AND AMOS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

    Letter of James description from Willmington’s Bible at a Glance

    No doubt you understand the nature of Proverbs and his proverb-like quotes from the letter may have been intended for memorization. This commentary evokes questions about the author’s identity, but anyone familiar with the prophets will appreciate James’ intent.

    • The book of Amos, because of its uncompromising “in your face” rebuke of sin and hypocrisy!

    Our own examination of James applies in this same way to our easy-grace church of this twenty-first century perhaps even more that the first century church to which James wrote his letter.

    James, James, What’s in a name?

    Ἰάκωβος

    James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:
    To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad.
    Greetings.

    Gk for ‘James,’ James 1:1 CSB

    English translations of common names from Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic or other languages sometimes confuse our understanding of whose’s who in the Bible. We associate certain traits to people we read about in the Bible without really knowing much about then.

    Ἰάκωβος translated as James, means “the supplanter.” You may recognize it – same meaning as “Jacob.” The greek root, Ἰακώβ, derives from the Hebrew roots: יַעֲקֹב עָקַב

    The Lord God had made Jacob’s new name literally, Israel, meaning ‘God prevails’ – יִשְׂרָאֵל. And though we won’t go there now, let’s just mention the name of the father of Mary’s husband, Joseph, was also ‘Jacob.’

    So this common name in its numerous variations seems to denote a VIP, regardless of what we call him or what works he achieves for the Lord.

    James, and my other brother James

    Those from my generation may recall a familiar chorus by Jim Croce.

    They say you don't tug on Superman's cape. 
    You don't spit into the wind. 
    You don't pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger
    And you don't mess around with Jim.

    You may know a James like ‘Jim,’ but let’s dispense with some preconceived notions about the writer James. We certainly recognize the superlative contributions of more than one James to the establishment of the early church.

    May I remind us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus came to justify sinners by faith. (The ‘American way’ is as fictional as Krypton and occasionally our arrogance spits into the wind of His great mercy.)

    In some ways James should not be unmasked; for every Apostle gave the glory to Jesus, whose order will be restored through grace and truth. The identity behind the mask of the author of James may not be certain, but let’s peak at some thoughts of who some theologians believe he may be.

    James the Great (Son of Zebedee)

    profile of James, kneeling in prayer, painting by Rembrandt
    Saint James the Greater

    ‘The Great,’ that’s what we probably would have called him.

    James, son of Zebedee was called James the Greater and sometimes, James the Elder. We all know the story of the influence his Jewish mother attempted to enhance his reputation in Jesus’ Kingdom.

    Matthew 20:21-22

    Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached him with her sons. She knelt down to ask him for something.

    “What do you want? ” he asked her.

    “Promise,” she said to him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your kingdom.”

    Yes, the Apostle, older brother of John, was a pretty strong guy, part of Jesus’ inner circle along with his younger brother and Peter. Just as Jesus had called Simon by the name Peter, which means ‘the rock,’ He called the two brothers, Boanerges or ‘Sons of Thunder.‘

    Although James the Great, a leader among the twelve Apostles, would seem a logical choice as author to the letter, events suggest otherwise.

    Acts 12:

    About that time [during the reign of Claudius] King Herod violently attacked some who belonged to the church, 2 and he executed James, John’s brother, with the sword.

    James the Great was martyred for the sake of Christ circa AD 44. Although James may be the earliest New Testament book written, the date was likely not until AD 45 in Jerusalem.

    James the Less (Son of Alphaeus)

    Matthew 10:2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: First, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and …

    This second James of the Twelve may have been called ‘the less’ because he was younger or smaller, but mostly to differentiate him from James Son of Zebedee, brother of John.

    Although some have speculated he may have written the Epistle (letter), he is probably not its author.

    James Half-brother of Jesus

    The gospels mention this younger son of Mary during the three-year ministry of Jesus. He would likely have been in his twenties. However, this other son of Mary did not believe until after the resurrection.

    Matthew 13:

    54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked.

    • 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?
    • Isn’t his mother’s name Mary,
    • and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?
    • 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us?

    Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

    58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

    Here we see witness of questions about Jesus’ brothers and sisters, although some false teaching of the early church denied this apparent family connection.

    Commentaries generally agree that Jesus’ half brother led the church in Jerusalem. Additional scripture also points toward this converted brother of Jesus.

    John 7:

    Jesus Goes to the Festival of Tabernacles

    It’s very public, the place for Jews to take time to worship the Lord. And festivals are a time when those in Galilee would have traveled to Jerusalem.

    2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

    Yes, skeptics. Even though others had already testified to Jesus’ miracles , the younger James and Joses did not believe. They no doubt had heard all the talk, but were in fact saying, ‘prove it.’

    … he stayed in Galilee. 10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret…

    12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” 13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.

    Jesus’ brothers certainly would have been drawn into the debates in Nazareth which now they experience in Jerusalem.

    Jesus Teaches at the Festival

    14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”

    16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him…

    Would you miss your own brother teaching, knowing the witnesses to miracles and claims that this familiar older brother (actually, half-brother) is the promised Messiah?

    Probably not.

    26 Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah?

    Jesus and his brothers participated in the festival multiple days, further evidence that James fully knew everything that Jesus taught. For this reason he is later referred to as an Apostle, because he is witness to Jesus Incarnate (God in Flesh and Blood).

    On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

    John 7:37-38 CSB

    After His Brother’s Resurrection

    The Apostle Paul essentially writes to the church the same gospel as James.

    Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 15:

    Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain…

    5 … and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.

    Paul has already accounted for Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to Peter and the Twelve Apostles. (Even Mathias may be counted here, a discussion for another time).

    6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

    Paul’s letter was written circa AD 55, while the letter of James was written ten years earlier, circa AD 45. Returning to Paul’s witness of those to whom Jesus appeared in the flesh after death:

    7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

    Although some traditions conclude a writer other than the half-brother of Jesus, the authenticity of the letter of James and his firm scriptural leadership of the early church cannot be disputed. Like Paul, James preaches Christ crucified and risen; Jesus Lord, the One we serve and by the Holy Spirit He IS with us, before God the Father.

    James, converted skeptic, as was Saul of Tarsus until Jesus appeared to him, writes to the church – all the believers. These letters inform and shape Christians in every place in the world until Christ returns again.

    To be continued...