Courtroom Theatrics in the Letter of James

Abstract Since the eighteenth century, interpreters of the Letter of James have pointed to a judicial assembly as the envisaged background for Jas 2:1–7. In particular, commentators have identified rabbinic examples as parallels for the type of setting that the letter describes. However, one can also consider Jas 2:1–7 in light of the theatricality of the Roman courtroom. Theatrics figured centrally in Roman social and political life. In Roman juridical contexts visual effects such as gestures and dress functioned importantly for the outcome of a trial. In this study I consider Jas 2:1–7 in comparison with court proceedings and legal issues, but with a focus on the dress of the man in “shining clothes” (ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ) and the poor man in “dirty clothes” (ῥυπαρᾷ ἐσθῆτι). I explore the peculiar Roman practice of donning “filthy” (sordes) dress as a means of procuring support from jurors and judges, who themselves were susceptible to participating in partiality. I argue that a court setting makes the most sense for Jas 2:1–7: Why else would the letter writer include these details of dress?