Yesterday
We examined Other References to understand ‘bond-servant’.
Today
We want to shift our focus to the Twelve Tribes.
Open GODcha to the Book of James.
NOTE:
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What is The Message of This Book?
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As We Open the Word, Let’s Pray
Oh Lord, unfold Your Word to us today as only You can do. We ask that You give us understanding. May we live in the light of what You show us and teach us today. Thank you Lord, (Psalm 119:130).
LOOK at What God Says!
Let GODcha usher you into Truth.
Where will you begin?
Begin LOOKING by READING! 
Yes, read verse 1 again by asking the 5W’s and H.
Who is James writing to?
What are their circumstances?
Unlock the Meaning 
Are you curious about any words?
Let’s unlock ‘the 12 tribes’ and ‘dispersed’.
Understand God’s Words
Check out the Meaning
The Twelve Tribes, phuleâ; (II) Specifically, a tribe, clan, spoken of the tribes of Israel as subdivisions of the whole nation.
Dispersed, diasporá; A scattering or dispersion.
The (converted) Israelite resident in Gentile countries:—(which are) scattered (abroad). In the NT it refers to the dispersion of the Jews (James 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:1).
In John 7:35 “the dispersed among the Gentiles” means the Jews dwelling either among the Gentiles generally, or among nations that used the Greek language.
We Understand: the 12 tribes refer to Israel, but specifically the converted Israelites who were scattered residing in Gentile countries.
Now, Don’t Stop There!
Take the meanings back to the text.
NOTE: the text always determines the meaning.
“To the twelve tribes [converted, believing Jews] who are dispersed abroad [Jews scattered residing in Gentile nations]: Greetings.”
Let’s See What Else We Can Discover!
LOOK @ GODcha’s 
Cross References for ‘The Twelve Tribes‘.
Truth Explains Truth
Scripture Interprets Scripture
CR-Cross References-Word Search Tutorial >
1. Who are the twelve tribes James is writing to in James 1:1?
What do you learn about them?
a. Abraham had Isaac, and Isaac had Jacob.
Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, had 12 sons.
His 12 sons fathered the 12 tribes, referred to as Jews, Israel, the children of God, the nation of God. (Gen 32:28; 35:23-26; 49:28)
b. The 12 tribes will be be judged. (Mat 19:28)
c. The 144,00 come from the 12 tribes. (Rev 7:4).
2. Who are ‘my brethren‘?
a. These are Jews, fellow countrymen, who are James’ brothers and sisters. (Jam 1:2; 2:15; 3:10)
b. These make up the church, fellow believers, believing Jews. (Act 8:1)
We see: These were Jews who believed, who had received Jesus as their Messiah.
Understand: The early church was Jewish.
3. Why were ‘the brethren’ of ‘the 12 tribes’ dispersed abroad?
The church was birthed in Acts 2, and….
a. Saul was in hearty agreement with putting Stephen to death;
And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria;
And those that were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.(Act 8:1, 4)
b. So then, those who were scattered (because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen)
made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch,
speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. (Act 11:19)
c. Those who reside as aliens,
scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
who are chosen. (1Pe 1:1)
What Have We LEARNED
Let’s Sum it Up!
We LEARNED:
James is writing to:
believing Jews
who were scattered
because of persecution.
THINK and REASON:
1. If believing Jews, who was persecuting them?
Being believing Jews, they would be rejected by their own.
Wherever the believing Jews went, being Jews, the Gentiles would reject them.
2. What would their circumstances have been like?
They would have had to leave their families, friends, homes, and jobs.
They would have needs.
As we read further in James, they may have been poor and oppressed by the rich.
We see: these believing Jews were:
Persecuted by their own, unbelieving Jews, in Jerusalem.
Scattered throughout the Roman Empire among Gentiles.
3. What did they do when they were scattered?
Oh, do you see God’s plan?
He spread these believing Jews throughout the Roman Empire to spread the Word!
We see: They knew persecution.
We see: They were going through various trials, difficult testings.
Are you beginning to catch a glimpse of the scene?
Let’s LISTEN and RESPOND to God
LISTEN. . .
Can I relate to this kind of persecution?
Are my trials due to persecution?
How have I been persecuted for my faith? How do I react?
How is the Word spread through my persecution?
If not persecuted, is it because I look too much like the world?
Respond to God…LIVE it out!
Let’s Call it a Day!
How did God move you today?
Reflect and meditate now on God’s Word and His ways with the twelve tribes, their persecution, and what was accomplished through their persecution.
Oh, don’t forget His Word, (Psalm 119:15-16).
Now, Record What God Has Taught You
Put your discovery in your 
Notes.
Record the personal things God has touched you with.
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Turn What You LEARNED into a Prayer
Perhaps….
OH FATHER GOD, may we grasp the scene of these precious people who were scattered, who had to leave Jerusalem for their faith in Christ because they were under persecution. Oh, help us to understand You used their scattering to spread Your Word. As You had a purpose and plan for them, You have a plan for us in our persecution and trials. May we regard Your ways and understand Your ways. May we honor and glorify You and spread Your Word. May these truths sink down deep, so we will not forget Your Word. We ask this in Jesus name! Amen!
You’re doing GREAT!
Next: We’ll bring everything that we have learned together!
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