Source: THE ASCENTS OF JAMES History and Theology of a Jewish-Christian Community, by Robert E. Van Voorst, Scholars Press Atlanta, Georgia, 1988.
THE ASCENTS OF JAMES critique.wav
This podcast is a study of an early Christian text called "The Ascents of James," believed to be embedded within the Pseudo-Clementine Recognitions. The podcast aims to identify and analyze this source, exploring its major issues like its understanding of Jesus (Christology), its portrayal of early Christian history (Historicity), and the characteristics of the community that produced it. A central argument is that the Ascents of James represents a Jewish-Christian community that was law-observant, exalted James as their leader, and viewed Paul critically. The study also delves into the source's perspectives on topics like the replacement of sacrifice with baptism and a Prophet like Moses as a key title for Jesus.
•Identification as a Source Document: The Ascents of James (AJ) is understood by many scholars to be a distinct, earlier source document that was incorporated into the Pseudo-Clementine literature, specifically within Book One of the Recognitions (R 1). This stands apart from the rest of the Recognitions and the companion work, the Homilies (H).
•Isolation through Source Criticism: Identifying the AJ within R 1, particularly the section from chapter 33 to 71, involves source criticism. This method analyzes the text for characteristics unique to the proposed source, such as distinct content or ideology, and looks for inconsistencies or "aporias" that indicate where the source might begin and end. The lack of parallel material in other parts of the Pseudo-Clementines is also a key factor in isolating the AJ.
• Relation to Epiphanius' Account: The source found in R 1.33-71 is considered highly probable to be related to or identical with the "Ascents of James" mentioned by Epiphanius in his work Panarion 30. Similarities in content, such as anti-sacrificial polemic, anti-Paulinism, and reference to James' "ascents" (trips) to the temple, support this identification, despite some dissimilarities between Epiphanius' brief report and the material in R 1.
•Date and Provenance: The AJ is generally thought to have been written in the second half of the second century CE. It likely originated from a Greek-speaking Jewish-Christian community, possibly located in Transjordan, with Pella being suggested as a potential location.
•Core Theological and Historical Characteristics: The AJ presents a unique perspective emphasizing Jesus as the Prophet like Moses and Messiah. It includes a survey of sacred history (Heilsgeschichte) from Abraham to the early church, strongly opposes Jewish sacrifice and the temple, advocates for baptism as its replacement, exalts James (the brother of Jesus) as the leading figure and bishop of the church, and exhibits a clear anti-Pauline stance, portraying Paul as an "enemy." The community reflected in the AJ observes the Mosaic law.
•Relationship to Other Traditions: The AJ's narrative, particularly the historical sketch and opposition to the temple and sacrifice, shows notable similarities in structure, content, and theology to the speech of Stephen in Acts 7. It also draws on the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint (LXX), and references material found in the Gospel of Matthew.
What is the "Ascents of James" (AJ)?
The "Ascents of James" (AJ) is identified as a source document found within the Pseudo-Clementine literature, specifically within Book 1 of the "Recognitions" (R 1.33-71). Scholars have recognized it as a distinct, earlier Jewish-Christian writing that was later incorporated and likely edited by the authors of the larger Pseudo-Clementine works (Recognitions and Homilies). The AJ is characterized by its focus on James, the brother of Jesus, and his interactions with various Jewish groups in the temple in Jerusalem. It contains narratives and theological arguments that reflect a specific Jewish-Christian community's beliefs and practices. The title itself, "Ascents of James," likely refers to James's "ascents" or going up to the temple stairs, where significant events and debates are depicted as taking place.