James served as the leader of the Jewish Christian church in Jerusalem. His epistle was addressed to Jewish Christians living outside of Palestine, dispersed throughout the regions following the Babylonian exile — a dispersion known as the Diaspora. Aware of his audience’s cultural and religious background, James cautions them against adopting the self-righteous attitudes often associated with the Pharisees. While the letter is directed primarily to Jewish believers, its teachings and principles remain relevant and applicable to all Christians, both Jew and Gentile.