James played a foundational role in the early Church; as the brother of Jesus, he was uniquely positioned to be a leader of early Christians. As we prepare to dig deeper into James’ life and message in our upcoming series, The Book of James, let’s shed some light on some of the most common – and important – questions about James, the brother of Jesus.
So, Which Biblical James Was the Brother of Jesus?
The Bible contains references to multiple men named James who were close to Jesus, and although they can be difficult to keep track of, each is important in their own way.
- James, son of Zebedee: Also known as James the Greater, he was one of Jesus’ closest apostles, along with Peter and John.
- James, son of Alphaeus: Also called James the Lesser, he was also one of the original twelve apostles, and a part of Jesus’ inner circle.
- James, the brother of Jesus: This James is distinct from the other two. He was not one of the original twelve apostles, but later became a leader in the early Church after the resurrection of Jesus. In Matthew 13:55, James is identified as one of the siblings of Jesus, alongside Joseph, Simon, and Judas.
When and Where Did James Live, and How Did He Die?
James, like Jesus, was from Nazareth, a small town in Galilee. He was born in the early 1st century AD. James grew up in a Jewish household, learning the Scriptures and the traditions of his ancestors’ faith.
As an adult, James lived during a turbulent time of Jewish history, under Roman occupation. His adult life overlapped with the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the rise of early Christianity. He was a key witness for the significant religious and political events that shaped the early Church.
James was accused of blasphemy by the Sanhedrin for his belief in Jesus as the Messiah and was martyred in around 62 AD. Accounts of his death differ slightly, but many say that he died either by stoning, or being thrown from the pinnacle of the temple and then stoned or clubbed. Regardless of the exact manner, his death was a testimony to his faith in Jesus and his role as a pillar of the early Church.
How Is James the Brother of Jesus?
James is often referred to as the “brother of Jesus,” throughout the Bible, but their relationship has been understood in different ways throughout history, depending on theological tradition. The most common view, particularly in Protestant churches, is that James was the biological son of Mary and Joseph, making him Jesus’ younger half-brother. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, however, believe that James might have been a close cousin, or even a stepbrother from a previous marriage of Joseph, which reflects the belief in the perpetual virginity of Mary.
Regardless of their exact biological relationship, James’ proximity to Jesus—both growing up in the same household and later witnessing His ministry—profoundly shaped his understanding and acceptance of Jesus’ identity and mission.
When Did James Believe in Jesus?
James, like Jesus’ other siblings, did not initially believe in Him as the Messiah during His earthly ministry, as we see in John 7:5. It wasn’t until after Jesus’ resurrection that James’ faith became evident. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:7, the resurrected Jesus appeared specifically to James, marking a key moment in his conversion. For James, this post-resurrection appearance was confirmation of Jesus’ divinity, which he had previously doubted. His conversion strengthened him to take on a leadership role in the early Church. From that moment, James became a devoted follower of Jesus and a leader of the early Church.
What Did James the Brother of Jesus Do?
After his conversion, James became an important leader in the early Church, leading the community of Jewish converts to Christianity in Jerusalem. His leadership shaped several key moments in the New Testament:
- The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15): James presided over this council, where the early Church debated whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law. James’ wisdom and authority guided the council’s decision, which made Jesus’ message more accessible to both Jewish and Gentile believers.
- Author of the Epistle of James: James is credited as the author of this letter addressed to Christians throughout the world. Highly practical, it focuses on the expression of faith through good deeds, care for the poor, and a life of integrity.
- Champion of Justice and Holiness: James was known for his sense of justice and his commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. He was called “James the Just” because of his devotion to righteousness and his advocacy for the poor.
What Bible Books Did James Write?
The Epistle of James, one of the epistles in the New Testament, is attributed to James, the brother of Jesus. One of the most famous passages from the book comes from James 2:26, where he writes, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” This highlights the main theme of the epistle: that genuine faith is not just about belief, but about how that belief is expressed in a transformed life.
Coming Soon: The Book of James, with Shannon Scott
James, the brother of Jesus, played a crucial role in the formation of the early Church, offering wisdom, leadership, and a model of faith that continues to inspire believers today. Through his life, death, and writings, James left a lasting legacy that calls Christians to live out their faith in tangible, meaningful ways, which we’ll explore in our new series, The Book of James.
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