In the study with sisters... I learned that James is considered the earliest of the New Testament writings... the first book written...
James himself... the half-brother of Jesus... gathered with the disciples... waiting... in the upper room after Jesus's ascension...
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John, and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14
ESV
(my emphasis)
A member of the early... early... church...
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. ...
Acts 2:42-47
ESV
(emphasis mine)
James... a member of this church... the one with all things held in common... possessions and belongings sold to fulfill any need that arose for any body...
Here is where James became intolerant of favoritism...
witnessed the deadly effects of hypocrisy...
A brother of Jesus... one with the apostles... the sight of flames of fire... the power of transformation... the church... truly being... the Body... James saw it all... and from this perspective he says...
And he teaches us what is good...
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