The New Testament book of James was traditionally written by James, the brother (more precisely, half‑brother) of Jesus, who became a key leader of the early Jerusalem church.

Quick Scoop: Who Wrote James?

  • The letter itself opens with “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1), but does not specify which James.
  • Early Christian tradition and most modern scholars identify him as James, the brother of Jesus, sometimes called “James the Just.”
  • He was a leading figure (“pillar”) in the Jerusalem church and chaired the council described in Acts 15.

Other Views You Might See

  • A minority of scholars suggest the work could be pseudonymous (written later by someone using James’s name), but this is generally considered speculative.
  • Some discussions also consider other men named James in the New Testament (like James the son of Zebedee), yet the consensus still leans strongly toward James, the brother of Jesus, as the most likely author.

In short, when people ask “who wrote James?” they almost always mean the New Testament epistle, and the prevailing answer is James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church.