James 1:1-8

“From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.”

— ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭8‬‬

Only two or three men could possibly be the James here. The apostle was murdered in AD 42 (Acts 13). The most likely option is James, the brother of Jesus. This leaves the remarkable classification of “slave of God and Jesus.” Post resurrection, James’ view of his half-brother changed, and he became the leader of the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 15). He is fully surrendered to Jesus as Lord. Some argue against him as author based on grammar and his lack of mentioning Jesus, but there are counter arguments that can be discussed elsewhere. 

Diaspora: scattered tribes. Jewish Christians ran away from Jerusalem. This started in Saul’s persecutions, but also by Agrippa I in AD 44. Acts 11:27-30 talks about a famine at this time period. Poverty greatly affected all, and Christians were no exception. Wealthy landowners would certainly have sided with Agrippa and his view of believers. James’ book is begging believers to put faith in practice and care for one another. 

After greeting the 12 tribes, James turns to the most pressing issue that would be facing these people scattered throughout the empire: some form of persecution. Since James is probably the earliest book written in the NT (probably early 40s), this is probably not like the full blown persecution of Nero or later emperors. But these people are facing trials, perhaps ostracized from family, business deals not going through, etc. This maybe similar to the audience in 1 Peter. 

This theme of calling for joy in the middle of danger relates to other passages in James: how do poor and wealthy relate to one another? Where do we find wisdom? How does believing in Jesus affect everyday life? 

James 1:2 is one of those verses that seems nearly impossible to obey. 

Testing/trials is same word here and in v. 12-13. It certainly has negative connotation (tempted to sin) in vv 12-13, but here it can’t mean that. James uses the idea of wisdom to relate the two. James is probably using the term in a neutral way and surrounding verses inform his intended meaning each time.

I always hesitate to classify everything in my life as a “trial.” Considering what this audience was facing or Christians around the world are facing, there’s certainly a spectrum of “various kinds of trials.” But the need for endurance remains. 

Specifically, I would think these trials are those that are “testing faith.” Forcing these people to question if God cares, or if Jesus is worth it, or if they need this Christianity thing at all. I don’t know of many situations that make me ask those questions, but sure I’ve been on that spectrum of line of thought. Haven’t reached the end of that path, but those questions are rough. 

Those types of situations rarely produce a joyful emotion. That’s way down the list of responses. But biblical joy is never based on a whim or bubbling over just from reaction.

James gives a reason for joy, so it does imply some thought process. Testing faith produces endurance. It makes the faith stronger. It shows me that God’s power and presence is real. It shows that my situation is not nearly as fearful as I anticipated. It demonstrates that Christ is worth my faith and worth following.

There’s some similarity to Abraham in Gen 22 and Job here. Testing faith isn’t always for God’s benefit. He knows our heart, how we’ll respond. But a trying situation will demonstrate to us His love and presence. It may be more for our benefit.  Cf Rom 5:2-5; 1 Pet 1:6-7

The word “lacking” obviously links vv. 4-5. When we’re surrounded by a chaotic situation, we definitely need wisdom. And God loves to give it to those who are seeking it. 

I don’t think James is condemning all doubt. We are going to have seasons of questions that need answers, where we wrestle with our faith. But James is talking about asking for wisdom, knowing that God will give it. 

Double minded is a person who has a divided attention. Per the context, it seems he/she is doubting that God will give wisdom. Other passages talk about double mindedness, and could mean devotion to God is divided for other things. This individual is unstable and unable to receive from God.