Salome: Mother of James and John
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Salome is a significant yet somewhat understated figure in the New Testament, known primarily as the mother of the apostles James and John. Her presence in the Gospels provides insight into her character and her role in the early Christian community.

Biblical References

Salome is mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels, though not always by name. In Matthew 27:56, she is identified as "the mother of the sons of Zebedee," who were among Jesus' closest disciples. Mark 15:40 explicitly names her: "There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome." This passage highlights her presence at the crucifixion of Jesus, demonstrating her dedication and loyalty.

In Mark 16:1, Salome is again mentioned as one of the women who went to anoint Jesus' body after the Sabbath: "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint Him." This act of devotion underscores her commitment to Jesus and her role in the events following His death.

Role and Character

Salome's request to Jesus on behalf of her sons is a notable episode that reveals her ambition and maternal concern. In Matthew 20:20-21, she approaches Jesus with a bold request: "Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. 'What do you want?' He inquired. She answered, 'Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left.'" This request, while ambitious, reflects her belief in Jesus' messianic mission and her desire for her sons to have prominent roles in His kingdom.

Despite the rebuke that follows from Jesus, who emphasizes servanthood over status (Matthew 20:25-28), Salome's actions demonstrate her faith in Jesus' authority and her hope for the future He promised.

Family and Legacy

Salome was married to Zebedee, a fisherman, and together they had two sons, James and John, who were among the first disciples called by Jesus (Matthew 4:21-22). Her sons became prominent figures in the early Church, with James being one of the first apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:2) and John traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

Salome's influence on her sons is evident in their dedication to Jesus and their significant contributions to the spread of the Gospel. Her faith and actions, as recorded in the Gospels, provide a model of devotion and service within the Christian tradition.

Conclusion

Salome's presence in the New Testament, though not extensive, is marked by her faithfulness and her role as a mother to two of Jesus' closest disciples. Her account is a testament to the important role women played in the life and ministry of Jesus and the early Church.
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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 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;
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Mark 16:1
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
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Greek
4539. Salome -- Salome, the mother of the apostles James and John
... Salome, the mother of the apostles James and John. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Salome Phonetic Spelling: (sal-o'-may) Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4539.htm - 6k
Library

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... mother. Matthew and Mark each name three women, whence it is thought that
Salome was the name of the mother of James and John. But ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

Fragment X.
... the bishop and apostle, and of Simon and Thaddeus, and of one Joseph; (3.) Mary
Salome, wife of Zebedee, mother of John the evangelist and James; (4.) Mary ...
//christianbookshelf.org/papias/fragments of papias/fragment x.htm

The Author's Life.
... As James is usually mentioned first, John is supposed to have been the younger of
the two sons of Zebedee. Salome, his mother, is thought to have been a sister ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the authors life.htm

The Request of Salome. --The Ambition of the Disciples Rebuked. ...
... The sons of Salome, James and John, enjoyed Christ's closest ... were indignant at the
ambition of James and John ... more likely), they did it through their mother. ...
/.../section 238 the request of.htm

Christianity in Individuals.
... Next to her we have a lovely group of female disciples and friends around the Lord:
Mary, the wife of Clopas; Salome, the mother of James and John; Mary of ...
/.../section 46 christianity in individuals.htm

And Joseph Having Come to a Feast with his Sons...
... died, Anna was married to a third husband named Salome, by whom ... and Joseph, fourth,
Mary Magdalene--though some maintain that the mother of James and Joseph ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 42 and joseph having.htm

Of the Women who were Standing There, and of the Question Whether ...
... There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary
the mother of James the Less and of Joseph, and Salome (who also ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxi of the women who.htm

Love and Life.
... helped to bury Jesus, but, while John took the mother of Jesus to a place of rest
and safety, his own mother, Salome, and Mary, the mother of James, and Mary ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xliv love and life.htm

A Friend for the Sorrowful
... Then Jesus took three of His disciples"Peter, and James and John"and ... said, 'I will
give you anything you ask me for.' Salome went to her mother, and said ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter vii a friend for.htm

The Disciples of Jesus.
... Preoccupied with such a thought, they prompted their mother Salome, who one day ... in
the community; there was great discontent against James and John.[3] The ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ix the disciples of.htm

Resources
Why was John the Baptist beheaded? | GotQuestions.org

Can the various resurrection accounts from the four Gospels be harmonized? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Herodias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Salome: Asks Jesus to Promote Her Sons
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