The apostle James was a practical disciple of Jesus Christ, with his Jewish background.

James 1: 2-4

2. Count all the joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of all kinds,

3. for you know that the test of your faith produces steadfastness.

4. And may firmness take its full effect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

End of quote. James was born a union and a brother of flesh with Jude and Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55; Jude 1). Still had faith in his brother Jesus Christ. I have come to the defense of Jesus Christ on several occasions.

He became an apostle after the Lord’s resurrection (Galatians 1:19). Became an elder in the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; 15: 2,13; 21:18). He was reputed to be, along with Peter and John, a pillar of the church. Paul mentioned him as the first among the three pillars of the church (Ga 2: 9).

Note: these servants and pillars as Paul called them left the church intact, its dignity, its name or its processes. They never claimed the church for themselves.

James used his testimony to the Jewish people to understand that the way of Jesus Christ was a radical and different change from Judaism.

His understanding brought about a settlement between Paul and Peter. James boldly contradicts Judaism; and equaled Jesus Christ with God (John 5: 8).

As I said earlier, this epistle was written to Jewish Christians

who had the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory (James 2: 1) that they were justified by faith (2:24) regenerated by the word of truth (18)

, and inhabited by the Spirit of God (4: 5), and who were members of the church (5:14), awaiting the return of the Lord (5: 7-8).

As we read his epistle we should take note of his understanding (James) of the GOSPEL and of God’s plan for the church including the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 10:32).

I mentioned the above because many today continue to be a stumbling block to others who are unlike them in their church. People who don’t have money, education or social status like them.

With my experience around the world, even churches are extremely racist, nationalist and tribalist. Shame on everyone who has divided the church in this way.

May God bless them and help them repent.