Expert: Rev Philip Dacre - 9/15/2007

Question
Was the author of the book of James the same person as James, the brother of John? The reason I ask this is because in Acts 12:2 James, brother of John is killed by king Herod. Given the content of the book of James it is clear to me that Herod wouldn't have liked to hear his message. I then notice in Acts 12:3 that Herod's motives were political, whereas against James it may have been more personal. James 2:7,8 particularily mentions "royal" and "blaspheme that noble name" coincides with Acts 12:20-23. I'm also wondering because when Peter (Acts 12:17)is released from the prison and goes to Mary's house, mother of John, he says "tell James..." Does this indicate that Peter is unaware that James is dead?
Thanks for being here to answer my questions. I really appreciate what you're doing. Blessings!
G.

Answer
Dear Greg,

There are three James in the New Testament.

It is commonly thought by scholars( and I have no reason to doubt these) that the author of the book of James in the brother of Jesus and was the pastor of the Jerusalem church.

This James refers to practices of the Jews and is the only one that mentions anointing with oil for healing, such practices continued with the Jewish believers as they gradually came out of the Old Testament ways and entered into the New Testament values and ways.

James was the Jewish Believer's pastor.


This James mentioning royalty and nobleness is not the "son of thunder" who was killed , it is purported about 7 years after Christ's ascension.

The Acts of the Apostles are written over more than one generation (40 years) and most often many years are compacted into one chapter.

Hope this helps Greg?

God bless