Topical Encyclopedia Zebedee is a significant figure in the New Testament, known primarily as the father of two of Jesus Christ's apostles, James and John. His name, of Hebrew origin, means "gift of God." Zebedee was a fisherman by trade, residing in the region of Galilee, specifically near the Sea of Galilee, which was a hub for fishing activities during that time.Family and Profession Zebedee was married to Salome, who is believed to have been a follower of Jesus and possibly a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Together, Zebedee and Salome had two sons, James and John, who would later become prominent figures among Jesus' twelve apostles. The family was likely well-established in their community, as indicated by their ability to employ hired servants in their fishing business (Mark 1:20). Call of James and John The Gospels recount the moment when Jesus called James and John to follow Him. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written: "Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him" (Matthew 4:21-22). This passage highlights the immediate and decisive response of James and John to Jesus' call, leaving their father and the family business to become His disciples. Nickname: Boanerges Jesus gave James and John the nickname "Boanerges," which means "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). This moniker is thought to reflect their zealous and passionate nature. The Gospels provide glimpses of their fervent personalities, such as when they asked Jesus for permission to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that did not welcome them (Luke 9:54). Zebedee's Role and Legacy While Zebedee himself does not play a direct role in the narrative of the Gospels beyond the mention of his name, his legacy is carried on through his sons. James became one of the first apostles to be martyred for his faith (Acts 12:2), and John is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. Zebedee's support and upbringing of his sons likely contributed to their readiness to embrace their calling as apostles. Zebedee's story, though brief in the biblical text, serves as a reminder of the familial and vocational backgrounds from which Jesus called His disciples. His willingness to let his sons follow Jesus exemplifies a trust in God's plan and a recognition of the greater purpose to which they were called. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 4:21And going on from there, he saw other two brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 20:20 Matthew 27:56 Mark 1:20 Library After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles. Characteristics of the Twelve The Kingdom of God: Its Tasks Life and Character of John The Gospel of John The Gospel According to St. John The Twelve and the Seventy. The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ... Mark. Sources of Our Knowledge of Jesus Resources Why did Jesus refer to James and John as the sons of thunder? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Salome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Gospel of John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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