Saved people are able to reject the word that is able to save them too. This is not solely an exhortation to unsaved people.
We know James is talking to saved people in the church (which is primarily Jewish at this time) by this.
Hi,
1st, I agree James is writing to Christian Jews. I think it's a stretch to include gentiles in his writings.
James was written between 38 & 49 AD. to Israelites still required to observe Mosaic laws, circumcision etc.
It's not until the council at Jerusalem 50-51 AD. Where after a vigorous debate (Acts 15:5-24) the Apostles conclude gentiles are not required to be circumcised or adhere to Mosaic laws (Acts 15:24). The gentile Gospel of salvation isn't found in James Epistle.
Jews, including the Lord himself (Matt 15:26) often referred to Gentiles as unclean "dogs". (See Matt 7:6; Lk 16:21)
Prior to the council at Jerusalem gentiles were considered bastards outside of covenant seals, so ungodly, simply being in their presence could make a Jew ceremonially unclean
Jn 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
(NOTE: The Jews wouldn't even walk into the Roman/gentile judgment hall, lest they should be defiled/become unclean. They wouldn't enter because they wanted to eat the Passover meal on the next day. There was a 7 day ritual cleansing period that had to be honored once deemed unclean. Contact with a dead person or animal, a woman during her menstrual cycle etc.
Acts 10:28 Peter said unto them, Ye know how that it is an ""unlawful"" thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean
(NOTE: Peter tells Cornelius a gentile. IT'S UNLAWFUL for a Jew to keep company with a gentile)
Romans 15:4 (A) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
(NOTE: ALL scripture is written for our learning. However, ALL scripture isn't written for our DOCTRINE. Example: Are we required to bring a sin sacrifice to the Temple priest?)
