1:1

James: Or “Jacob.” The James who wrote this letter is evidently the half brother of Jesus Christ. (Mt 13:55 and study note; Mr 6:3; Ga 1:19 and study note) During Christ’s ministry on earth, James did not put faith in his older brother, but he became a faithful disciple shortly after Jesus’ death and resurrection. (Joh 7:3-5; Ac 1:14 and study note; 1Co 15:7) James served as a respected overseer in the Christian congregation in Jerusalem. (Ga 2:9; see study notes on Ac 12:17; 15:13.) In the Christian Greek Scriptures, four people were named James (Greek, I·aʹko·bos). This was a common name among Jews, apparently because it was the Greek equivalent of Jacob, the name of the patriarch (spelled I·a·kobʹ in the Septuagint). However, Bible writers used the Greek spelling for James while retaining the Septuagint spelling for Jacob the patriarch and for Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary. (Mt 1:2, 15, 16; Lu 1:33; Joh 4:5) Paul indicates that at least some of Jesus’ brothers were married.​—1Co 9:5.

a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: In his opening greeting, James modestly avoids mentioning that he is related to the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, James calls himself “a slave of God and of . . . Jesus Christ,” indicating his submission to them. James’ brother Jude, as well as the apostles Paul and Peter, used similar greetings in their letters. (Jude 1 and study note; Ro 1:1 and study note; 2Pe 1:1) And throughout his letter, James addresses his readers as “brothers,” “my brothers,” or “my beloved brothers,” showing his humility, affection, and empathy for them. (Jas 1:2, 16, 19; 2:1, 5, 14; 3:1, 10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19) No doubt, his humble attitude made it easier for the recipients of the letter to accept his advice and strong counsel.

the 12 tribes that are scattered about: The tribes addressed here are not fleshly Israelites but the spirit-anointed “heirs of the Kingdom”​—the spiritual “Israel of God.” (Jas 2:1, 5; Ga 6:15, 16 and study note) James’ use of this expression reflects Jehovah’s viewpoint. This new nation had replaced the 12 tribes of fleshly Israel as His chosen people. (Compare Re 7:4-8; 21:12.) Those belonging to the worldwide congregation of anointed Christians were “scattered about” (lit., “in the dispersion”) in the sense that they lived throughout the Greco-Roman world.​—1Pe 1:1; compare study note on Joh 7:35.

Greetings!: See study note on Ac 15:23.