Attribution of the New Testament Epistle of James has traditionally been assigned to James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Scholarly discussion often identifies this James as the brother of Jesus, a prominent figure in the early Jerusalem church. This James is distinguished from the apostles James, son of Zebedee, and James, son of Alphaeus. The letter itself identifies its author only as “James.”
The importance of determining the authorship of the Epistle of James lies in understanding the letter’s authority and historical context. If the author was indeed the brother of Jesus, the letter carries significant weight due to James’s familial connection to Jesus and his leadership role in the early church. This historical context provides a crucial framework for interpreting the letter’s teachings on faith, works, and social justice. Establishing a credible author enhances the letter’s perceived authenticity and its enduring influence on Christian theology.