By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

The epistles of James and Jude, though brief in length compared to Pauline letters, hold profound Christological significance. Both writers—James, the brother of Jesus, and Jude, also identified as a servant of Christ—make explicit references that affirm the divinity of Jesus Christ. In James 1, Jesus is called “Lord,” a divine title rooted in Old Testament Yahwistic theology. In Jude 1, the Lord who brought Israel out of Egypt is identified as Jesus, affirming that Christ was not merely a historical teacher, but the eternal God active in redemptive history. This article seeks to examine these texts exegetically and theologically, placing them within the framework of biblical revelation and early Christian faith, ultimately demonstrating how James and Jude affirm Jesus as God.

1. Introduction

The divinity of Jesus Christ has remained a central doctrine of Christianity from its inception. The early church did not invent the idea of Christ’s divinity; rather, it recognized it as the self-disclosure of God through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. While much of the discussion on Christology centers on the writings of Paul and John, the epistles of James and Jude provide valuable insights into the apostolic witness concerning Jesus as God. These letters reveal that the very family members of Jesus recognized Him as the divine Lord.

2. James’ Confession of Jesus as Lord

2.1 The Title “Lord” in James 1:1

James opens his epistle with the words: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1, ESV). The juxtaposition of “God” and “the Lord Jesus Christ” is theologically significant. James places Jesus alongside God without distinction of nature or authority. The Greek term Kyrios (Lord) carries immense weight, as it was consistently used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to translate the divine name YHWH. By applying this title to Jesus, James acknowledges His divine identity.

2.2 Servanthood and Divine Authority

James identifies himself as a servant (doulos) of both God and Jesus Christ. This dual servanthood highlights that service to Jesus is not separate from service to God. Rather, James presents Jesus as the divine object of devotion, obedience, and worship—functions that in Jewish monotheism belong solely to God.

3. Jude’s Confession of Jesus as the Lord of Israel’s Deliverance

3.1 Jude 1:5 – Jesus as the Deliverer from Egypt

Jude writes: “Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe” (Jude 1:5, ESV). This statement directly attributes the Old Testament act of deliverance from Egypt to Jesus Himself. While some manuscripts read “the Lord” instead of “Jesus,” the earliest and most reliable witnesses (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus) affirm the reading of “Jesus.”

3.2 Theological Implications

If Jude identifies Jesus as the one who delivered Israel from Egypt, then Jesus is not simply a New Testament figure but the eternal Son active in the Old Testament. This aligns with Pauline Christology, where Christ is seen as the pre-existent rock that followed Israel in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4). Jude affirms continuity between the God of Israel and the Lord Jesus Christ, thereby equating them in divine identity.

4. The Familial Witness to Christ’s Divinity

It is noteworthy that both James and Jude were brothers of Jesus according to the flesh (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). During Jesus’ earthly ministry, His brothers initially doubted Him (John 7:5). However, following the resurrection, both became leading figures in the early church, boldly proclaiming Him as Lord and God. This radical transformation testifies to their conviction that Jesus was not merely their brother but the incarnate Lord.

5. Christological Continuity in Early Christianity

The witness of James and Jude complements the broader New Testament affirmation of Jesus’ deity:

Pauline witness: Jesus is identified as “God over all” (Romans 9:5) and as the one in whom “the fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
Johannine witness: The prologue of John identifies Jesus as the eternal Word who “was God” (John 1:1).
Petrine witness: Peter calls Jesus “our God and Savior” (2 Peter 1:1).

James and Jude, therefore, stand in harmony with the wider apostolic teaching that Jesus is fully God.

6. Inspirational Implications for Believers

The recognition of Jesus as God by James and Jude should inspire contemporary Christians in several ways:

Faith in Christ’s power – If Jesus is the Lord who delivered Israel from Egypt, He is able to deliver us from sin, bondage, and death.
Confidence in suffering – James calls believers to steadfastness (James 1:2–4) because Jesus, the divine Lord, rules over all circumstances.
Worship and devotion – Jude urges believers to keep themselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21), affirming that worship of Jesus is inseparable from worship of God.

7. Conclusion

The epistles of James and Jude, though often overlooked, provide profound evidence for the divinity of Jesus Christ. James identifies Him as Lord, placing Him alongside God as the object of faith and service. Jude identifies Jesus as the divine Lord who brought Israel out of Egypt, revealing His eternal role in salvation history. Together, these testimonies affirm that Jesus is not merely a moral teacher or prophet, but the eternal God who redeems His people.

References

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Crossway, 2016).
Bauckham, Richard. Jude and the Relatives of Jesus in the Early Church. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1990.
Carson, D.A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.
Green, Gene L. Jude and 2 Peter. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.
Moo, Douglas J. The Letter of James. Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.
Schreiner, Thomas R. New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.
Wright, N.T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Jesus is God, According to James and Jude