nPeace
Veteran Member
Okay, cool.Yup... it is right inline with the OP. No worries at all. Here's are my first 2 questions; reply at your leisure:
I just read the wikipedia article on the Book of James. Do you agree with it? They are saying it was written by James the Brother of Jesus. Is that true?
Also, wikipedia reports that elements of the book demonstrate a high degree of knowledge about Jewish practices and law. But other parts seem completely ignorant about Jewish practices and law. Does that makes sense to you? Do you think wikipedia is right about this?
This is relevant to the OP because, in order to understand what is meant by the verse in the OP, I need context. And that context includes: who wrote it, when, and how connected to Judaism are the contents of the book. Knowing these things will be really helpful for me.
Wikipedia to some people equals Wickedpedia, for obvious biases on particular topics. So though I do use Wikipedia extensively, as it is probably the leading research library, I do research the information if available elsewhere.
From their articles on Biblical research, one thing comes through clear to me - the best they can do, is give the various opinions, of Biblical scholars.
I have two scholarly sources which I use.
Both of those sources agree that James who identified himself by name, was the brother of Jesus.
As regards whether the book demonstrate a high degree of knowledge about Jewish practices and law, or not, neither of my sources says anything about that.
However, it is clear from the letter, that James, like Jesus, was quite familiar with the Tanakh.
For example... James 2:8-11.
James was also very familiar with the teachings of Jesus, and the apostles.
Scholars date the letter of James to before 62 CE. Possibly as early as 50 CE.
What is meant by the verse - James 1:27?
If we consider the Tanakh which contains God's regulations for his people, we will find that worship of the true God, always involved the widows and orphan, which shows God's compassion for families bereaved of the family head. (Exodus 22:22, 23;Deuteronomy 24:19-21)
We could appreciate that there would have been many widows and orphans, since the Israelite men often went to war, and because of breaking God's laws, at times, there were many casualties.
So men left home, and never returned... leaving a widow and orphan(s).
This very important "feature" became woven into the Christian congregation, as a mark of true worship. (Acts 4:34, 35)
While researching the subject, I came across some information on the use of the term "fatherless boy".
Also the use of the word "visit"...
One meaning of the Greek verb translated “to look after” is “to visit.” (Acts 15:36)