James 1:1

“James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.”

James describes himself as the author of this letter.  But notice the attitude here.  Normally, a speaker is introduced or identifies himself with his qualifications or credentials.  He doesn’t do that.  He doesn’t claim or describe himself by some authority or position, but as a servant of God.  He describes himself as a “bondservant,” which has to do with being a slave.  There are two words used in the New Testament for being a servant, “doulos” is the word for a bond slave, and “diakonos,” which is the work for someone like a hired servant.  James uses the word “doulos,” a bond slave.  It is a slave found in a master-slave relationship.  He describes himself as a “bond slave” of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, or the “Master” Jesus Christ.

The letter is addressed to the twelve tribes of Israel which are scattered abroad.  This is the only place you find reference to the scattered tribes of Israel this in the New Testament.  This indicates a few things.  There was some belief, at least at the time of James, that the tribes of Israel, which were scattered, but could still be found.  They still existed and could be identified.  They did not just disappear.  Writing this letter implies that James believed it would reach them wherever they were.  He is not excluding gentiles, but he is not writing to them directly.

This letter is not intended for carnal, worldly people, but for those with whom God is working.  This is intended for people who are truly converted.