James, often referred to as James the Just, is a significant figure in early Christianity, recognized as the brother of Jesus Christ. He is prominently mentioned in the New Testament and is traditionally considered the author of the Epistle of James. His role in the early Church and his relationship with Jesus make him a subject of considerable interest.

Family Background and Relationship with Jesus

James is identified as one of the brothers of Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 13:55 , the people of Nazareth ask, "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't His mother called Mary, and His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?" This passage indicates that James was one of Jesus' siblings, born to Mary and Joseph. The exact nature of their familial relationship has been a topic of theological discussion, with some traditions suggesting that James was a half-brother or a cousin.

Role in the Early Church

James emerged as a pivotal leader in the Jerusalem Church. After the resurrection of Jesus, James is noted for his leadership and influence among the apostles. In Acts 15, during the Council of Jerusalem, James plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of Gentile converts and the Mosaic Law. Acts 15:13-19 records James' speech, where he supports the inclusion of Gentiles without the burden of full adherence to Jewish customs, stating, "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God."

Reputation and Character

James was known for his piety and adherence to Jewish law, earning him the title "James the Just." His reputation for righteousness and wisdom is reflected in his epistle, which emphasizes practical faith and moral integrity. James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." His emphasis on living out one's faith through actions underscores his commitment to a faith that is active and transformative.

The Epistle of James

The Epistle of James is a key New Testament text attributed to him. It addresses various ethical and moral issues, providing guidance on living a Christian life. The letter is notable for its focus on the relationship between faith and works, famously stating in James 2:26 , "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." This epistle reflects James' concern for social justice, the proper use of speech, and the importance of perseverance in trials.

Martyrdom and Legacy

James' leadership and influence continued until his martyrdom, which is believed to have occurred around 62 AD. According to early Christian historian Eusebius, James was martyred in Jerusalem, a testament to his steadfast faith and commitment to the early Christian community. His legacy endures through his epistle and his role in shaping the early Church's understanding of faith and practice.

James, the brother of Jesus, remains a figure of great importance in Christian history, revered for his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering faith. His contributions to the early Church and his epistle continue to inspire and challenge believers to live out their faith with integrity and action.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?
Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Galatians 1:19
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Nave's Topical Index

2385. Iakobos -- James, the name of several Israelites
... ee-ak'-o-bos) Short Definition: James Definition: James, (a) the Small, son of Alphaeus,
and one of the Twelve, (b) half-brother of Jesus, (c) father (?) of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2385.htm - 6k

Concerning the Martyrdom of James, the Brother of the Lord, from ...
... James, the Lord's brother, succeeds to the government of the Church ... For many bore
the name of James; but this one ... asked him: "What is the door of Jesus?" And he ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/concerning the martyrdom of james.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... And in the Liturgy of St. James, the brother of Jesus is raised to the
dignity of "the brother of the very God" (adelphotheos). ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

The Brethren of Jesus.
... things happened to them in accordance with the wrath of God in consequence of the
things which they had dared to do against James the brother of Jesus who is ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/17 the brethren of jesus.htm

The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord.
... this in his writings, where he says, [516] "These things happened to the Jews to
avenge James the Just, who was a brother of Jesus, that is called the Christ. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxiii the martyrdom of james.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus ...
... Sermon XXVIII. On the words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After six days Jesus
taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John his brother," etc. [LXXVIII. Ben.] ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxviii on the words.htm

Christ Appears to Five Hundred Believers; to his Brother James to ...
... Jesus, coming to him, had a table with bread brought out, blessed the bread, and
gave it to James, with the words, Eat thy bread now, my brother, since the Son ...
/.../section 302 christ appears to.htm

Concerning Albinus under Whose Procuratorship James was Slain; as ...
... but upon the road; so he assembled the sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them
the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning albinus under.htm

The Martyrdom of James
... John's narrative, 'He first findeth his own brother, Simon,' implies that '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

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... On the contrary, the statement of Jesus places the apostles upon a ... lists), he ranks
Peter as second in importance to James, the Lord's brother (Galatians 2 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

I Would Like to Say to Celsus, who Represents the Jew as Accepting ...
... not far from the truth"that these disasters happened to the Jews as a punishment
for the death of James the Just, who was a brother of Jesus (called Christ ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlvii i would like.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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