James 1:1-8, 12-18

In verse 1, James identifies his audience as “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” James was the recognized leader of the church in Jerusalem which church was focused upon ministering to “the circumcision” (see Gal. 2:9). The twelve scattered tribes would have consisted of former adherents to Judaism who now followed Jesus.

James addresses these converts as “My brethren” because he, like them, once sought to gain righteousness by keeping the…