James, often referred to as "James the Just," is a significant figure in early Christianity, recognized as one of the brothers of Jesus Christ. He is distinct from James the son of Zebedee, another apostle, and is often identified as James the son of Alphaeus. James played a crucial role in the Jerusalem church and is traditionally considered the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament.

Family and Early Life

James is mentioned in the Gospels as one of Jesus' siblings. In Matthew 13:55 , the people of Nazareth ask, "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?" This passage indicates that James was one of Jesus' four brothers, making him a part of Jesus' immediate family. Initially, like his other brothers, James did not believe in Jesus' messianic mission (John 7:5).

Conversion and Leadership

James' conversion is traditionally attributed to a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15:7 , Paul notes, "Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles." This encounter is believed to have been pivotal in transforming James from a skeptic to a devoted follower of Christ.

Following his conversion, James emerged as a leading figure in the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Acts 12:17 records Peter instructing others to "Tell James and the brothers about this," indicating James' prominent role. He is often seen as the head of the Jerusalem church, a position that underscores his influence and authority among the early Christians.

The Council of Jerusalem

James played a crucial role in the Council of Jerusalem, as described in Acts 15. This council addressed the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to observe Jewish law. James' speech, recorded in Acts 15:13-21 , reflects his wisdom and leadership. He advocated for a decision that would not burden Gentile believers with the full yoke of the Mosaic Law, thus promoting unity within the diverse body of early Christians.

The Epistle of James

The Epistle of James is traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus. This letter is a practical guide to Christian living, emphasizing the importance of faith demonstrated through works. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." The epistle addresses various ethical and moral issues, providing guidance on topics such as patience, prayer, and the use of the tongue.

Martyrdom

James' steadfast faith and leadership eventually led to his martyrdom. According to early Christian historian Eusebius, James was martyred in Jerusalem around 62 AD. He was reportedly thrown from the pinnacle of the temple and then stoned. His death is seen as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus and his role as a pillar of the early church.

Legacy

James' legacy is profound, as he is remembered for his leadership, wisdom, and dedication to the early Christian community. His epistle continues to be a source of inspiration and instruction for believers, emphasizing the integration of faith and action. As a brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem church, James' life and teachings remain integral to understanding the development and spread of early Christianity.Matthew 13:55
Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
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Matthew 27:56
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.
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Mark 6:3
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
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Luke 24:10
It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things to the apostles.
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Galatians 1:19
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
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Galatians 2:9,12
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the heathen, and they to the circumcision.
Nave's Topical Index

James the Brother of the Lord.
... " 'Now James, the brother of the Lord, who (as there are many of this name) was ... This
man [houtosnot this apostle] was consecrated from his mother's womb. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus ...
... Him Peter, and James, and John his brother," etc. ... days He took three disciples, Peter,
and James, and John ... Mark how briefly the Apostle expresses this; "For by ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxviii on the words.htm

The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle and Brother of the ...
... EARLY LITURGIES. The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle
and Brother of the Lord. i. The Priest. [4087]. IO ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the divine liturgy of james.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... partially [67:1] lost its original significance; and hence, when an apostle died,
the ... We find accordingly that when Herod "killed James, the brother of John ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

Introduction
... the opinion that it was composed by James the brother of Jesus, but adds ... it.' Evidently
there was no tradition linking it to the apostle James; indeed the ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/introduction.htm

The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord.
... Eusebius treats it as he does James, and Luther, followed ... commonly ascribe it to
Jude, the brother of the Lord, in distinction from Jude the apostle, and put ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxiii the martyrdom of james.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... On the contrary, the statement of Jesus places the apostles upon a level (Matthew
23:8 ... The apostle James is thought by some to be our Lord's brother, and by ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

The Martyrdom of James
... may be learned from this cursory notice of the Apostle's martyrdom is ... the other disciple'
did the same by his brother, James was brought to Jesus by John ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the martyrdom of james.htm

The General Epistle of Jude
... to repudiate the authority of an apostle by describing himself only in relation
to his brother and by ... If the Apostle Jude was the son of James (as many ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxiv the general epistle.htm

The Disciples of Our Saviour.
... Both of these theories agree in distinguishing James, the brother of the Lord, from
James, the son of Alph??us, the apostle, and thus assume at least ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xii the disciples of our.htm

Who was the King James that the King James Version of the Bible is named after? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from what the Bible says about James the apostle? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of James - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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