Jul 27
2022
Introduction to the Epistle of James
James’ piety and devotion to God through Jesus Christ were recognized and served the church well through the early persecutions of believers in Jesus mostly by the Jewish leaders of the time. He was recognized by Christians and non-Christians as an exceptionally devout man. His wise leadership and godly character later earned him the unofficial title among those who respected him, “James the Just.” There is a well-founded tradition passed through the centuries that James the Lord’s brother was in the temple praying so often and for such long periods that his knees became like the knees of a camel, callused and well-used. James was martyred for his faith in Jesus as the Christ. The circumstances of his death are a bit unclear. It seems that the Jewish high priest at the time fomented accusations that James had broken the Mosaic Law and as a result was stoned to death. It has been reported through the centuries that after James was stoned a passerby noticing that he was not dead used a club or stick to end his life.