James, Introduction & Background

Welcome to the start of our study of James! I am so excited you are here with us.

In the study guide today, it says to research James, his purpose and context. So, here’s what I did. I read through the long article at that end of the study guide (sorry it’s so long!). Then I chose this question: What major events shaped his life?

James was the brother of Jesus. I wonder what it would have been like to grow up with Jesus. Was he an annoyingly perfect brother or absolutely wonderful? We do know that James didn’t believe in Jesus during his three-year ministry, but Jesus appeared to him after his resurrection. It seems that experience totally altered James. I wish I could have been there to see what went between these brothers. He takes the reigns as the first bishop of Jerusalem and a well-respected leader among the early believers even though he grew up as a poor carpenter in the country. 

Lord God, open our hearts to your Word as we continue in our study this month. Help us to make the time to spend with you and help us to have courage to push past our comfort zones to study your Word and share our questions and thoughts with each other. Amen.

What did you discover today about James? Or, do you have any questions for me or our community to help you better understand this book?!

Also in James Bible Study Reflections