When was James written?
When was James written?
Answer
The book of James teaches that faith without works is dead (James 2:14–26). The book’s emphasis on the practical results of saving faith makes it one of the most applicable books in the New Testament. It also includes other important teachings on spiritual warfare, prayer, and the life of the church. James was one of the first New Testament books written, composed between AD 44 and 49.
Identifying the author of James is important to establish when the book was written. Although the New Testament mentions multiple men with the name James , the best evidence suggests that the author was James, the half-brother of Jesus and brother of Jude. The Gospel of Matthew mentions that Jesus and James were brothers. In one scene, people in the synagogue ask, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?” (Matthew 13:55).
Ruling out James the son of Zebedee as the author helps clarify when the book was written. Luke records that Herod executed James the son of Zebedee and brother of John (Acts 12:1–2). His death, around AD 44, rules him out as the author of the letter of James. This strengthens the view that James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote the book. According to church tradition, this James was martyred during the persecution under Nero, which began around AD 64.
James likely wrote the book before the Jerusalem Council in AD 49. The council, which Luke describes in Acts 15, focused on how the gospel should be offered to the Gentiles without burdening them with superfluous rules. During the council, James declared, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God” (Acts 15:19). The timing of the council supports an early date for the composition of James, between AD 44 and 49.
James’ life story further supports his authorship of the letter and helps determine when he wrote it. Though he initially did not believe in Jesus as the Messiah (John 7:5), the resurrection led him to faith. After Jesus appeared to His half-brother (1 Corinthians 15:7), James became a leading figure in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13). Paul even describes him as one of the “pillars” of the early church alongside Peter and John (Galatians 2:9). James’ prominent role, particularly during the Jerusalem Council, fits the authority and pastoral tone reflected in the epistle of James.
The vocabulary and tone of James’ speech in Acts 15 also reflect the language found in the letter, strengthening the case for his authorship. His leadership role in the early church and the lack of references to the Jew-Gentile controversy support an early date of composition between AD 44 and 49, before Paul’s major missionary journeys began.
The book of James was likely one of the earliest New Testament writings. Evidence strongly supports James, the half-brother of Jesus, as the author—a man who rose to leadership in the Jerusalem church and spoke with conviction at the council in Acts 15. Written before that gathering, the letter highlights that genuine faith expresses itself in obedience and action. As James declares, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17).