To whom is the Epistle of James primarily addressed?

• A. A scattered, Jewish Christian congregation
• B. The church in Rome
• C. The church in Corinth
• D. The church in Ephesus

Answer: (A)

The opening of James identifies the recipients as the twelve tribes scattered among the nations, signaling a readership of Jewish Christians living outside Palestine. This diaspora context is the key clue that the letter is aimed at a scattered, Jewish Christian congregation rather than a specific Gentile church in Rome, Corinth, or Ephesus. The practical, wisdom-filled tone of James—emphasizing trials, temptations, and living faith in everyday conduct—fits a Jewish Christian audience familiar with Old Testament expectations and synagogue life, rather than a Gentile city church audience. So, the best answer is that the epistle is primarily addressed to a scattered, Jewish Christian congregation.