• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad..."

Text: James 1:1

THE READERS

Every writer has a readership with whom he wishes to communicate. The recipient of this epistle was described thus.

“To the twelve tribes which are
scattered abroad: Greetings.”
James 1:1

1. “To the twelve tribes”

a) How should we understand this phrase?

b) Why did James address his readers in this manner?

2. At face value

a) This is of course the usual reference to the nation of Israel.

b) It was common knowledge that Israel was essentially made up of twelve tribes.

3. Unintended meaning

a) James was not highlighting the position of the Jewish believers above the Gentiles.

b) He was not seeking to divide the two groups further.

c) James was well-aware of the problems the early Church had between the two groups.

d) James had taken a conciliatory approach between the two groups.

i) A wholesome decision had been reached by the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).

ii) Gentiles were to be regarded as equal in the Kingdom of God.

4. Intended meaning

a) There were some who focused on the ministry to the Gentiles.

i) Paul was the leading apostle.

ii) There were other notable people who were involved in this ministry

(The prophet Silas, the Apostle Barnabas etc).

b) There were some who devoted themselves to ministering to the Jews.

i) Peter was the leading apostle to the Jews.

ii) James was also deeply committed to this ministry.

5. “Scattered abroad”

a) Many believers were scattered because of persecution.

b) James sought to reach out to the Jewish believers who were scattered abroad.

The phrase “twelve tribes” would be a phrase that would speak to many Jewish hearts!