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James 1:1
In James 1;1 is the greeting and introduction of his letter to those Christians who were fleeing from persecution and lived in the land outside of Israel in the first century. James is believed to be the brother of Jesus and was not one of His original disciples. James is believed to be one of the first people that Jesus appeared to after His resurrection, and this meeting is the turning point in James’ life that led him to become the leader of the Church in Jerusalem.
This is an example of the transformation that our risen Lord can have on one’s life.
This is the introduction of the letter from the leader of the Church in Jerusalem to those who had been dispersed abroad in the first century.
As we enter in to this study of the letter of James, the younger brother of Jesus, to those who were fleeing the persecution for being a Christian in the first century, we will see the importance of grafting our salvation in and through Christ Jesus with the works in which is expected from a Christian. James uses the word “bondservant” in describing himself in his introduction of this letter and is appropriate for the contents of this letter as a bondservant is one who has willingly submitted themselves to that of their master. A bondservant’s actions are reflective of the one they serve; in this case, James is the representative bondservant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dear LORD,
Thank You for this letter written from James, the leader of the Church in Jerusalem and the bondservant of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Please open our hearts, minds, and souls to take in the lessons of this very important letter that will help us to see that being a Christian takes action in our faithfulness to You through our salvation in Your Son Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.