James, the son of Zebedee and Salome, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for his close association with Jesus Christ as one of His twelve apostles. He is often referred to as James the Greater to distinguish him from James, the son of Alphaeus, and James, the brother of Jesus. James was the elder brother of John, another of Jesus' apostles, and together they were surnamed "Boanerges," meaning "Sons of Thunder," by Jesus (Mark 3:17).

Family Background and Calling

James was born into a family of fishermen. His father, Zebedee, was a prosperous fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, and his mother, Salome, is believed to have been a follower of Jesus and possibly a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. James and his brother John were partners with Simon Peter in the fishing business (Luke 5:10).

James' calling to discipleship is recorded in the synoptic Gospels. While mending their nets by the sea, Jesus called James and John to follow Him, and they immediately left their father and their livelihood to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:21-22).

Role Among the Apostles

James held a significant position among the apostles, being part of Jesus' inner circle along with Peter and John. This trio was privileged to witness key events in Jesus' ministry, such as the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2), and Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33).

The surname "Boanerges" or "Sons of Thunder" given by Jesus may reflect James and John's zealous and passionate nature. This is exemplified in an incident where they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village that did not receive Him (Luke 9:54).

Martyrdom

James is notable for being the first apostle to be martyred. His death is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, where Herod Agrippa I, seeking to please the Jewish leaders, ordered James to be put to death by the sword (Acts 12:1-2). This event marked the beginning of a period of persecution against the early Church.

Legacy

James' legacy is one of fervent faith and unwavering commitment to Christ. His willingness to leave everything behind to follow Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice as a martyr serve as a testament to his dedication. James' life and ministry continue to inspire Christians to live boldly for their faith, embodying the zeal and passion that earned him the name "Son of Thunder."Mark 3:17
And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
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