Topical Bible: James: An Apostle: The Brother of Joses

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James, often referred to as "James the Less" or "James the Younger," is a significant yet sometimes overlooked figure in the New Testament. He is identified as the brother of Joses (also known as Joseph) and is distinct from James, the son of Zebedee, and James, the brother of Jesus. His role as an apostle is affirmed in the Gospel accounts, where he is listed among the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ.

Family Background and Identity

James is mentioned in the synoptic Gospels as one of the sons of Mary, who is often identified as Mary, the wife of Clopas. This Mary is present at the crucifixion of Jesus, as noted in Mark 15:40 : "There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome." This passage helps to distinguish him from other figures named James in the New Testament.

Role as an Apostle

James's inclusion among the twelve apostles is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 10:2-4 : "These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus." Here, James is identified as the son of Alphaeus, which further distinguishes him from James, the son of Zebedee.

Ministry and Influence

While the New Testament does not provide extensive details about the specific acts and ministry of James, the brother of Joses, his role as one of the twelve apostles indicates his close association with Jesus and his participation in the foundational activities of the early Church. As an apostle, James would have been a witness to Jesus' teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection, and he would have played a part in spreading the Gospel message.

Legacy and Tradition

Tradition holds that James, the brother of Joses, continued to serve the early Christian community after the ascension of Jesus. Although the biblical text does not elaborate on his later life or martyrdom, early Church writings and traditions sometimes associate him with missionary work and leadership within the Church. His legacy is preserved through his mention in the Gospels and his association with the apostolic foundation of the Church.

In summary, James, the brother of Joses, is a testament to the diverse group of individuals chosen by Jesus to be His apostles. His presence among the twelve highlights the varied backgrounds and familial connections that characterized the early followers of Christ, contributing to the rich tapestry of the early Christian narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 15:40
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Symeon Rules the Church of Jerusalem after James.
... was the son of Clopas and Mary, and therefore brother of James ... James the Little is
to be identified with James the son of Alph??us, the apostle, and hence ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xi symeon rules the church.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... ad44, see Acts 12:2), as his brother John was ... 2. James (the son) of Alphaeus, who
was likewise one ... Twelve, and is mentioned in the four apostle-catalogues, Matt ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

The General Epistle of James
... doubt that this is James "the Lord's brother." James the son ... reason to attribute
the Epistle to the Apostle James "the Little ... (a) That James, Joses, Simon, and ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xx the general epistle.htm

The General Epistle of James
... brother. We conclude, therefore, that James, the brother of the Lord and
the author of this Epistle, was not an apostle. There ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... not be confounded with Judas Thadd??us, the apostle) wrote the ... and James 4 and James
his brother; and Andrew ... Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

The Catholic Epistles.
... of Gal.1:19 was the James who is named with Joses, Simon, and ... he elsewhere cites
it as that of "James the Lord's brother," "the apostle James," "the apostle ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxi the catholic epistles.htm

Acts xii. 1, 2
... 1) that he was the same as the apostle, James the son ... he was the son of Joseph and
Mary--the real brother of Jesus and is called an apostle in Galatians 1 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvi acts xii 1.htm

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... and Jacob, the twelve patriarchs, Andrew and Peter, James and John ... it shall be with
thee until thy brother seek after ... it to him again." And the Apostle Paul says ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... James, son of Zebedee, first call of, i.347, 348; final call of, 474-477; ... first
call of the Apostle, 345-348; ... Joses, brother of Christ, i.251. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Shadow of Death
... him the prime qualification for an apostle was that ... Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother
of James and Joses ... in Galilee, Jesus appeared to his brother James, who from ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm