The text was written towards the end of the first century. James who died as a martyr in 62 is only a pseudonym. It is addressed mainly to Jewish Christians who were not in any fixed forms of assembly. The Epistle addresses poor people and farm workers that were engaged in compulsory labor for large landowners. This letter exhorts the reader to practice the latent substance of faith in everyday life and to combat debauchery and other forms of behavior that conflict with Pauline ideals. James the younger, brother of the Lord who headed the Church in Jerusalem is not the author but only the imaginary recipient.