To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings

James 1:1b

NKJV

 

           James wrote to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” Many see this is a reference to the Jews who had become followers of Jesus and had to flee Jerusalem in wake of the persecution following the birth of the church. But it could also be all the believers of the region because James had a heart for Gentiles (Acts 15). And, as the early apostles now understood in light of the gospel, “no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical…a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, (Romans 2:28-29)

          His first formal word to those believers was “greetings.” It seems standard enough to greet those to whom one is writing. But there is more here than meets the eye, especially when reading this in English. The word James chose for “greetings” in Greek, the language in which this letter was written, looks remarkably like the word for “grace.” This letter was intended to be uplifting and to bless those who received it. This was James’ way of saying ‘hello brethren,’ ‘blessings,’ ‘God’s grace to you.’

          As the letter continues, it is easy to see James considered those to whom he was writing to be genuine believers in “the Way.” This was either the early Christians’ chosen description for themselves as followers of Jesus (Acts 19:9); maybe because He had said He was “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Or, “the Way” was a pejorative leveled at believers by those who rejected Jesus (Acts 9:2, 24:14) as a form of persecution—much like the Arabic letter “nun” (ن‎) is often used by Radical Muslims in the middle-east today to mark Christians as Nazarites (followers of Jesus of Nazareth).

          Following Jesus for many meant leaving their families, friends, and communities behind to pursue the Way. They believed Jesus was the promised Messiah of Israel, the Son of God, sent to take away the sins of the world. And that meant they must follow Him regardless of the cost or the difficulties this decision may bring. No doubt, James’ warm greeting encouraged them.

          As we’ll see, though this letter contains some corrections and admonishments, it was a rallying cry to urge these new believers to embrace their salvation by learning to walk with Jesus. It was a ‘Hey brothers and sisters, lift up your heads for a moment. I have something grand to share with you. You who have decided to believe in and follow Jesus as Messiah, I want to show you how to enjoy His goodness by obeying Him as Lord.’

 

          Could James address you with a warm “greeting” as a fellow believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? Could others call you a follower of “the Way” because they know what you believe and can see that you are committed to living out your faith in the part of the world you call home? And are you eager to learn how to enjoy the goodness of God by obeying Jesus?