Topical Encyclopedia James, often referred to as James the Just, was a pivotal figure in the early Christian church. As the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church, James played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of church doctrine. His influence is evident in the way he interacted with other apostles and early Christian leaders, including the Apostle Paul.The New Testament provides insight into James's awareness and acknowledgment of the success of Paul's ministry. This is particularly evident during the Jerusalem Council, as recorded in the Book of Acts. The council was convened to address the growing concern over the inclusion of Gentile converts and the necessity of adhering to Jewish law. In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles and elders. James, as a leading figure, was present at this council. The Berean Standard Bible records James's response to the testimonies of Paul and Barnabas regarding the conversion of the Gentiles: "When they finished speaking, James declared, 'Brothers, listen to me. Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own'" (Acts 15:13-14). James's recognition of Paul's ministry is further underscored by his proposal to write a letter to the Gentile believers, advising them on how to live in a manner that respects both their newfound faith and the sensitivities of Jewish Christians. This decision reflects James's understanding of the importance of Paul's work and the need to maintain unity within the diverse body of believers. Moreover, in Galatians 2, Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem, where he met with James, Peter, and John, who were considered pillars of the church. Paul writes, "And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised" (Galatians 2:9). This gesture of fellowship signifies James's endorsement of Paul's mission to the Gentiles and acknowledges the success and divine favor upon Paul's ministry. James's role in the early church was marked by his commitment to the teachings of Jesus and his ability to navigate the complexities of a growing and diverse Christian community. His interactions with Paul highlight his openness to the work of the Holy Spirit beyond the confines of Jewish tradition and his support for the expansion of the Gospel to all nations. Nave's Topical Index Acts 21:18,19And the day following Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. Nave's Topical Index Library Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit. The Acceptable Sacrifice; Resources Who was the King James that the King James Version of the Bible is named after? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from what the Bible says about James the apostle? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of James - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him) in Gethsemane James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): At the Great Catch of Fish James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): At the Transfiguration of Jesus James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Bigotry of James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Civil Ambitions of James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Martyred James: An Apostle: Addresses the Gathering at Jerusalem in Favor of Liberty for the Gentile Converts James: An Apostle: Brother of Jesus James: An Apostle: Disciples Sent By, to Antioch James: An Apostle: Hears of the Success Attending Paul's Ministry James: An Apostle: Son of Alphaeus James: An Apostle: The Brother of Joses James: An Apostle: The Brother of Judas James: An Apostle: Witness of Christ's Resurrection James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Brother of John and a Fisherman James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Called to be an Apostle James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Surnamed Boanerges by Jesus James: Asks Jesus Concerning his Second Coming James: At the Healing of Peter's Mother-In-Law James: At the Raising of the Daughter of Jairus James: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Revealed Himself to the Disciples After his Resurrection Related Terms |