It is not clear if the men were sent by James or if they simply came from Jerusalem, where James was prominent.1 James would later mention that some folk went from Jerusalem and claimed to speak on their (the leaders in Jerusalem's) behalf (Acts 15:24).2 In either case, Paul does not criticize James but Peter.3
12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.