In Front | The Early Influence and Authority of James

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Just as James drew on the Old Testament and shared early gospel traditions, many early non-canonical Christian books and letters appear to be drawing directly on James, or sharing a common source in tradition.

The frequency with which this book was quoted by early Christian thinkers may have something to do with the fact that many believed it was written by the brother of Jesus, “James the Just.” The third-century scholar Origen was typical of his time when he attributed the book to “James the brother of the Lord.” At a time when the canon was still emerging, this belief that the book of James had a source so close to Jesus would have given it an unusual level of credibility and gravity with Christian theologians.

So, it’s no surprise that some of the earliest and most important Christian works after the time of the New Testament make use of James, sometimes almost quoting it verbatim. First Clement, a letter to Corinth from Clement of Rome (one of the first popes and bishops in Rome following the leadership of Peter) is a good example of early reliance on James. This letter may be the earliest Christian writing we have outside of the New Testament, and at least a couple references to James are obvious.

James	1 Clement
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13 NIV)	Let the wise show his wisdom, not in words, but in good deeds; let him that is humble not bear witness to himself, but leave another to bear witness to him. (1 Clement 38:2)
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6 NIV) You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. (James 2:24 NIV)	For God, he says, resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. Let us cleave, therefore, to them to whom grace has been given from God. Let us clothe ourselves with concord, being humble, temperate . . . justified by our deeds, and not by our words. (1 Clement 30:2-3)

The Shepherd of Hermas, another early work that was considered by some Christians to be Scripture, also quotes from the book of James:

James	The Shepherd of Hermas
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:4 ESV)	Now this patience dwells with those who have complete faith. (Hermas, Mandate 5.2.3)
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. (James 4:11 ESV) No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8 ESV)	Do not slander anyone . . . Slander is an evil thing; it is an unstable demon. (Hermas, Mandate, 2.2.3)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 ESV)	If therefore you resist him (the devil), he will, being conquered, flee from you. (Hermas, Mandate 12.5.2)
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12 ESV)	Fear the one who is able to save and destroy all things. (Hermas, Mandate, 12.6.3)

Parallels quoted from: Dan G. McCartney, James, 2009, pp. 20-22.

Beyond its connection to James the brother of Jesus, the book of James appealed to early Christians because of its practicality. It gave concrete advice on how to live as Christian people, and how to manifest the church. Still today, James is valued for its direct treatment of Christian spirituality and emphasis on a proactive life in Christ.

Reference: Dan G. McCartney, James, 2009, pp. 20-22.