How Was James The Brother Of Jesus Killed In The Bible

Death of James, Jesus’ Brother

We do not obtain any personally identifying information through the search box shown below. You can find here the oldest known witness to the death of James the Just, brother of Jesus our Lord, as well as other related documents. What an odd character James has turned out to be! While Jesus was on this world, there is no proof that he followed him at all. Following the resurrection, on the other hand, he has risen to become one of the most prominent characters in the church. This makes a certain amount of sense.

If, on the other hand, he resurrected from the grave, it may cause us to reconsider our positions!

James, on the other hand, is a peculiar individual in other ways.

According to tradition, he was assigned as an overseer by the apostles.

1. Not only did he refuse to leave Jerusalem, but he was also, without a doubt, the most Jewish of the apostles.
2. 1:19), although he was not one of the twelve apostles.
3. As a result of his dread of James, Peter refused to dine with Gentiles (Gal.
4. James remained the spiritual leader of the Jerusalem church until his death, which occurred about the year 62.
5. II, ch.
6. 323).
7. Eusebius provides three different accounts of James’ death: one from Clement of Alexandria, one from Hegesippus, and one from Josephus (yep, Josephus’ Antiquities was being referenced all the way back then!).

Scholars, on the other hand, prefer Josephus’ version of the death of James, which I’ll address in more detail in a paragraph or two towards the conclusion of this article. In Liege, Belgium, there is a statue of James the Just.

Introduction: What Sort of Person James Was

Because of his outstanding righteousness, James was referred to as “the Just.” Rumor has it that he was a Nazirite from the moment he was conceived in his mother’s womb. He didn’t consume any alcoholic beverages or meat, and he was vegetarian. He never clipped his hair, he never anointed himself with oil, and he never had a shower. Note: I do not accept this rumor in its entirety. The idea of Joseph and Mary asking this of Jesus’ younger brother escapes me, just as the idea of James the Just, the long-serving bishop of Jerusalem who was known to posterity as “James the Just,” escapes me as well.

In addition to being renowned as “the Just,” he was also known as the “Bulwark of the People.”

Seven Sects of Judaism

Hegesippus, a little-known Christian author from the second century, makes mention of these groups. The term “the seven sects” is sometimes used, however the list is not always the same. The following are Hegesippus’ sects:

• Essenes
• sGalileans
• sHemerobaptists
• sMasbotheans
• sSamaritans
• sSadducees
• sPharisees

Even the seven factions of Judaism admired James for his righteousness, which led to his acceptance by everyone (see sidebar). They used to ask him what he thought about Jesus, and he would always respond by saying that Jesus was the Savior. As a result of the fact that some of those sects did not believe in the resurrection, only a small number of them accepted Jesus as their Christ. Those that did, on the other hand, did so because of James.

James the Just Arouses the Wrath of the Rulers

After a while, James’ influence grew to such an extent that even members of the ruling elite began to believe him, much to the chagrin of the scribes and Pharisees. Because of this, they grew concerned that the public would soon turn to Jesus as the Messiah. The Pharisees believed that they might persuade James to discourage the people from believing in Jesus, maybe as a result of his strict observance of the Law. On Passover, they requested him to speak from the top of the temple, which he agreed to do.

They carried him to the top of the temple, where they yelled to him from the ground below: “Oh, righteous one, in whom we may place great trust; the people are being led astray in the name of Jesus, the crucified one.

James was fully prepared to take full advantage of such a magnificent chance!

The Pharisees were appalled, but the majority of the people were not. “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they cried out in response. The Pharisees, realizing what a terrible error they’d made, burst into tears and cried out, “Oh, my God! The one who is virtuous is likewise in wrong!”

The Death of James the Just

As you can undoubtedly assume, this had little impact on the audience in attendance. As a result, the next logical step was to drag him down from the temple, therefore informing the public of what would happen to anyone who dared to believe in Jesus. After climbing the temple in the midst of the commotion, they reached the pinnacle and hurled James from the top of the structure. It did not result in his death. Then he got down on his knees and began praying for them. “Thank you, Lord God our Father, for forgiving them!

• They are completely oblivious to what they are doing.” This would not be acceptable!
• One of the priests, a son of the Rechabites, who had been named by Jeremiah the prophet (ch.
• What exactly are you doing?
• After taking out one of the clubs that he used to pound clothing, a fuller (i.e., a launderer) hit James in the head with it, killing him in one blow.

Ramifications of the Death of James the Just

Immediately following the death of James by the Pharisees, according to Hegesippus, Vespasian invaded Israel and besieged the city of Jerusalem. According to him, the events were so closely tied in terms of time that “the more rational even among the Jews were of the view that this was the cause of the siege of Jerusalem.” There’s a difficulty with that theory since the siege of Jerusalem took place in A.D. 66, and Josephus claims that James’ death occurred after Porcius Festus died and before Albinus was appointed procurator of Judea.

62, and while I am not well-versed in the history of Roman rulers, it doesn’t signify anything to me personally.

That’s a four-year gap in time.

Even Josephus claims that the Jews were so outraged by James’s illegal murder that they sought assistance from Albinus while he was on his way to Jerusalem to resolve the situation.

Josephus’ Account of the Death of James the Just

Immediately following the death of James by the Pharisees, according to Hegesippus, Vespasian invaded Israel and besieged Jerusalem. Because the incidents occurred so close together in time, he claims, “the more reasonable even among the Jews were of the opinion that this was the cause of the siege of Jerusalem.” But there’s an issue with that theory: the siege of Jerusalem took place in A.D. 66, and Josephus claims that James’ death took place after Porcius Festus had passed away and before Albinus was appointed procurator of Judea.

62, which I do not understand because I am not well-versed in the history of Roman governors.

Four years have passed since the last time.

Even Josephus claims that the Jews were so outraged by James’s unlawful murder that they sought assistance from Albinus when he was on his way to Jerusalem.

Given how much excitement there was in Jerusalem following the death of James, it is possible that the death of James had anything to do with the outbreak of the First Jewish-Roman War, which occurred just four years later.

Did James, the Brother of Jesus, Die as a Martyr?

SeanMcDowell.org According to the idea that the apostles were martyred for their religion, I analyze this claim in my most recent book, The Fate of the Apostles. James, the brother of Jesus, is one of the apostles who is sometimes ignored. While James was not one of the Twelve Apostles, there is substantial reason to assume that he was not a believer in Jesus during his public ministry (Mark 3:20-35; John 7:5), that he saw the rising Jesus (1 Cor 15:7), and that he became the major leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 2:42-47).

EXAMPLE OF BIBLICAL EVIDENCE James 5:6 has been interpreted as a reference to martyrdom in some circles: “You have condemned and slaughtered the righteous individual.” “He does not put up any sort of fight against you.” “The righteous one” is a fictional character created by author John Painter, who claims that the character is based on his own life experiences.

1. If the letter is signed using a pseudonym, then this may be a viable option.
2. While the “righteous” person might refer to a specific individual such as Christ, Stephen, or James, it is more likely to refer to a generic category of individuals.
3. This is intended to be a general fact regarding the effectiveness of prayer.
4. However, while James and Jesus would both be considered “righteous,” the allusion in 5:6 is unlikely to apply to any of them because there is no tradition that their deaths were the result of the affluent oppressing them.
5. EVIDENCE FROM OUTSIDE THE BIBLE According to Jewish historian Josephus, in Antiquities of the Jews20.197-203(c.
6. With regard to the broader backdrop, Josephus provides a discussion on the issues Rome was experiencing with its citizens, which resulted in the Roman invasion and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
7. As a result of Festus’ death, Nero appointed Albinus as the next procurator.

While many historians have questioned Josephus’s claims about Jesus in Antiquities18, the reference to James’ death in Antiquities20.197-203 has been generally uncontested for almost two thousand years.

The fact that Josephus, who had become a Pharisee six years earlier and was likely acting as a priest in Jerusalem at the time of these alleged occurrences, was in a strong position to know the specifics surrounding these reported events is also significant.

The genuineness of this lengthy paragraph is now accepted by the majority of researchers.

First and foremost, we have no basis to believe that a probable counterfeit was motivated by anything other than curiosity.

A concise and engaging confessional declaration, for example, might help to strengthen the passage’s commitment and Christian faith.

Interpolating the sentence would most likely result in “the brother of Jesus who was the Christ,” according to a Christian interpretation.

In Book 5 of his Memoirs (Hypomnemata), which have been preserved in Eusebius, Hegesippus offers a thorough description of his travels.

AD 150-215) offers an account of James’s demise in the seventh book of hisHypotyposes, which was reported by Eusebius, in the seventh book of hisHypotyposes (Ecclesiastical History2.1.4b-5).

This document, known as the First Apocalypse of James, is a Gnostic literature from the early third century that is based on a sequence of personal revelations that James receives from Jesus.

In reality, the entire poem is written with the goal of preparing James, as well as the reader, to die as a martyr.

CONCLUSION No reasonable person could question that James was murdered.

Professor Darrell Bock presents the most logical explanation for this phenomenon: In light of James’ reputation within Christian circles as a Jewish Christian leader who was meticulous about following the Law, what Law did he break?

This would be consistent with the fact that he was stoned, which was the punishment for such a crime, and would be consistent with how Stephen was treated.” The evidence for James’ martyrdom is both early and consistent, and it comes from a range of distinct sources, including Jews, Christians, and Gnostics, all of whom testify to his death.

• A professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University, Sean McDowell, Ph.D.
• Sean McDowell may be found on Twitter at @sean mcdowell and on his blog at www.seanmcdowell.org.
• 259.
• Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, 2.23.21-24.
• AD 170) in book 5 of HisMemoirs, which is reported in Eusebius,Ecclesiastical History2.23.8-18, as well as other sources.
• AD 150-215) also offers an account of James’s demise in the seventh book of hisHypotyposes, which was written down by Clement of Alexandria (c.
• In Candida R.

Blasphemy and Exaltation in Judaism: The Charge Against Jesus in Mark 14:53-65 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000), 196 n. 30. Darrell L. Bock, Blasphemy and Exaltation in Judaism: The Charge Against Jesus in Mark 14:53-65 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000), 196 n. 30.

Meet James: The First Apostle to Die for Jesus

The apostle James was given a special distinction by Jesus Christ in the form of a privileged position. As one of Jesus’ twelve selected disciples, he was also one of three individuals who belonged to Christ’s inner circle, a position he held until his death. The other members of the group were James’ brother John and Simon Peter. Another notable accomplishment of the apostle James was his status as the first person to die as a martyr.

Apostle James

• In addition to being known as:James of Zebedee
• Nicknamed “Boanerges” or “Son of Thunder” by Jesus
• In addition to being known for:James accompanied Jesus as one of the 12 chosen disciples. In addition to being the brother of John, this apostle James (because there were two) was a member of Christ’s inner circle of three, which also included Peter and John. He was the first apostle to be murdered for his beliefs after Jesus’ resurrection, and he was the first to preach the gospel following Jesus’ ascension. Several biblical references are provided, including: the apostle James, who is named in all four Gospels, and his martyrdom, which is recorded in Acts 12:2
• Zebedee’s father, Salome’s mother, and brother, John, are all named Zebedee. His hometown was Capernaum, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Fisherman and follower of Jesus Christ, respectively. James was a devoted disciple of Jesus, and this was one of his greatest strengths. He appears to have possessed exceptional personal traits that are not described in Scripture, as evidenced by the fact that his character earned him the status as one of Jesus’ favorites. James’s weaknesses include that he may be impulsive and unintelligent when dealing with his brother John. When it came to earthly problems, he did not always apply the gospel

Who Was the Apostle James?

James was one of the first twelve disciples to be called by the name of Jesus. When Jesus called the brothers, James and John were working as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee with their father Zebedee at the time. When they heard about the young rabbi, they promptly abandoned their father and his business to join him. James was most likely the oldest of the two brothers, given he is usually mentioned first in the narrative. There were three occasions in which Jesus asked James, John, and Peter to see occurrences that no one else was there for: the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Mark 5:37-47), the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3), and Jesus’ anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:53-58).

James, on the other hand, was not above making mistakes.

As a result, they were given the moniker “Boanerges,” which means “sons of thunder.” The mother of James and John also went over the line by pleading with Jesus to give her boys special roles in his kingdom, which he refused.

Approximately 44 A.D., under the orders of King Herod Agrippa I of Judea, he was slain with the sword as part of a broad persecution of the early church.

Life Lessons

Despite all he had saw and experienced as a follower of Jesus, James’ faith remained weak until after the resurrection of Jesus. When he and his brother requested Jesus for the pleasure of sitting beside him in glory, Jesus responded by promising them only a share in his suffering (Mark 10:35–45), which they refused to accept. In this lesson, they learned that the greatest calling of a servant of Jesus is to serve others, not themselves. James realized that following Jesus Christ can result in adversity, persecution, and even death, but that the prize is eternal life with him in the presence of the Father.

Key Verses

Luke 9:52-56 (KJV) Then he dispatched messengers ahead of him, who went into a Samaritan hamlet to prepare things for him; nevertheless, the inhabitants in the village were not welcoming of him, because he was on his way to Jerusalem. After seeing this, the disciples James and John asked the Lord whether they should bring down fire from heaven in order to kill them. However, Jesus turned around and reprimanded them, and they fled to another village to seek refuge. (NIV) Matthew 17:1-3 is a biblical passage.

He was transfigured in front of them while they were there.

Just as they were about to leave, Moses and Elijah appeared in front of them, chatting with Jesus.

(NIV) Acts 12:1 and 2 It was at this time when King Herod detained certain members of the church with the intent of persecuting them, according to the Bible. He ordered the execution of John’s brother, James, with the blade in his hand. (NIV)

Who was James, the brother of Jesus, in the Bible?

In Luke 9:52-56, the Bible says that But the inhabitants in the village did not welcome him because he was on his way to Jerusalem, so he dispatched messengers ahead of him who went into a nearby Samaritan community to prepare for him. After seeing this, the disciples James and John asked the Lord whether they might bring down fire from heaven in order to kill the enemies. The disciples fled to another village after Jesus turned and reprimanded them. (NIV) The Gospel of Matthew 17:1–3 Then, after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James with him, and the three of them went up a high mountain on their own to pray.

And his garments became as white as the brightness as the sun, reflecting the radiance of his face.

(NIV) In Acts 12:1-2, the apostle Paul says During this period, King Herod apprehended several members of the church with the intent of persecuting and executing them.

(NIV)

Subscribe to the

Get our Question of the Week emailed to your inbox every weekday morning! Got Questions Ministries is a trademark of Got Questions Ministries, Inc., registered in the state of California in the year 2002. All intellectual property rights are retained. Policy Regarding Personal Information The information on this page was last updated on January 5, 2022.

Who Was James, Jesus’ Brother?

Jesus was born into a large family. Jesus’ brothers are named in Matthew 13:55-56: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, as well as sisters (plural), indicating that He had at least six siblings in total. When Jesus’ brothers are listed, James is always listed first, which in Jesus’ day most likely meant that he was the oldest of the four brothers. James, also known as Old Camel Knees and James the Just, was the leader of the church in Jerusalem until his violent death in AD 62. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/Anyaberkut

What Does the Bible Say about James?

Jesus’ brothers make fun of Him in John 7:1-4. “Because even his own brothers did not trust in him,” says verse 5, explaining the situation. This is at the conclusion of Jesus’ public career, perhaps around six months before his death on the cross. The miracles of Jesus include healing a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years (John 5:2-9), feeding 5,000 men with a boy’s lunch (John 6:5-14), and walking on water (John 6:15). (John 6:16-21). Although he has witnessed miracles for more than two years, James remains skeptical.

Humbled Witness

James is expressly mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:7 as one of the people to whom Jesus appeared after His Resurrection. James thinks that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who has come to redeem people from their sins after witnessing his dead brother walking and talking to him. He does not announce himself as Jesus’ brother or as the leader of the church when he subsequently writes the Epistle of James, but rather as “James, the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” as he does in the book of Acts (James 1:1).

James is one of the 120 people who are filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which marks the beginning of the Church (Acts 2:1-4).

James is completely dedicated to serving Jesus the Risen Lord and His Church from the time he first experiences Him in person. Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Ben White

James Was a Wise Leader

When Paul travels to Jerusalem less than 10 years later, he meets with two church elders: Peter and James, the brother of Jesus, who are both apostles. Galatians 1:18-19 narrates this occurrence in detail, and Paul refers to James as an apostle, one of a limited group of people who had experienced the risen Christ and whose teaching had authority. James is one of the apostles who witnessed the rising Christ and whose teaching had authority. When Paul comes to Jerusalem 14 years later to settle the question of which Jewish rules apply to Gentile Christians, James is still the leader of the church in Jerusalem.

1. An acrimonious and intricate conflict threatens to split the young Church in half.
2. He gives people the freedom to express themselves completely, including all of their worries and disagreements.
3. The majority of orators of the time flatteried their audiences with flowery compliments, weaved in anecdotes and cultural allusions, and finally came around to hinting to whatever it was that they were trying to get over to their audience.
4. God is rescuing both Jews and Gentiles, according to Peter, and he affirms that statement.
5. James then makes his final decision, which is a compromise.
6. There is no longer any discussion.
7. The apostle Paul refers to James as a pillar of the church and a man of high renown in Galatians 2:10, when narrating the tale of the Jerusalem Council in that city.
8. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/chaiyapruek2520

Jesus’ Brother Was a Radical Advocate

When Paul travels to Jerusalem a little more than 10 years later, he meets with two church elders: Peter and James, Jesus’ brother. Galatians 1:18-19 narrates this occurrence in detail, and Paul refers to James as an apostle, one of a small group of people who had experienced the risen Christ and whose teaching had authority. James is one of the apostles who witnessed the rising Christ and whose teaching held authority. When Paul travels to Jerusalem 14 years later to settle the question of whether Jewish rules apply to Gentile Christians, James is still the head of the church in Jerusalem, according to the New Testament.

An acrimonious and intricate disagreement threatens to split the young Church in half.

Their thoughts, worries, and disagreements are allowed to be completely expressed by him.

The majority of orators of the time flatteried their audiences with flowery compliments, weaved in anecdotes and cultural allusions, and ultimately got around to hinting to whatever it was that they were trying to get through to their listeners It is basic, concise, and to the point that James delivers his statement in Acts 15:13-21.

He quotes Amos 9:11-12 to demonstrate that the rescue of the Gentiles is not in opposition with, but rather a fulfillment of, what the Bible teaches about salvation.

Instead of being burdened by Jewish regulations, Gentile Christians are to refrain from four practices that are likely to make fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers difficult.

His authority and knowledge are recognized, and his decision-making is fair and helpful to both the parties and the community.

When James and the other elders approved of his mission to the Gentiles, the only thing they requested was that he keep the poor in mind, which he does throughout his writings. Image courtesy of Getty Images/chaiyapruek2520.

Pastoral Peacemaker

In the first lines of the Epistle of James, just as he did at the Jerusalem Council, James skips over the long-winded pleasantries and blessings and gets right to the heart of the matter. The fact that you are facing challenges of various types should be considered pure delight, dear brothers and sisters.” (See James 1:2.) When a pastor exhorts his congregation to trust God despite of their circumstances, to be faithful and pure, and to humbly submit to God, the heart of the pastor may be heard beating in his words.

In this letter to individuals who are “scattered throughout the nations,” James provides solace to those who are suffering by pointing them toward the everlasting perspective of the Bible.

For James, unity in the church is a top priority, as evidenced by his repeated exhortations to Christians to refrain from judging one another (James 2:12-13, 4:11-12), control their tongues and tempers (James 1:19-20, 3:2-12), and put aside the envy and selfish ambition that cause disorder, conflict, and quarrels (James 3:12-12).

1. At the time of James’s last historical appearance in the Bible, he is celebrating over the Gentiles who have become members of God’s family and counseling Paul on how to reconcile divisions within the Church.
2. James saw that Paul was not advocating that Jews should abandon their Jewish identity when they place their faith in Jesus.
3. This uncertainty and divide can be resolved by James suggesting that Paul demonstrate that he still considers himself Jewish and adheres to the Law of Moses by engaging in a purification ceremony and paying for four other men to do the same, as suggested by James (Acts 21:17-26).
4. His example of leadership exemplifies James 3:17-18 in action.
5. A harvest of righteousness will be reaped by peacemakers who sow the seeds of peace.” Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/kovop58

How Did Jesus’ Brother James Die?

The death of James is not mentioned in the Scriptures. James, the leader of the early church in Jerusalem, is likely still alive and serving as the book of Acts’ last chapter, which concludes with Paul under house arrest in Rome. The historian Josephus dates James’ death during a period of transition between two Roman rulers, indicating that he died around the year 62 AD, which is a likely date. By this point, James has earned himself a number of nicknames, including James the Just, Oblias (a Greek phrase that translates as “bulwark of the people”), and Old Camel Knees (a moniker that refers to his age).

Matt Erickson writes that Hegessipus, a 2ndcentury Christian, wrote that James was often found alone in the temple on his knees begging God to forgive the Jews and that he spent so much time on his knees in prayer that his knees “became hard like those of a camel.” Hegessipus also wrote that James spent so much time on his knees in prayer that his knees “became hard like those of a camel.” His behavior provided proof that he believed what he stated in James 5:16 regarding prayer.

• His trust would be put to the test in due course.
• It is this that concerns the Jewish authorities, who implore James to address the throng.
• The people are befuddled and are following a dead guy by the name of Jesus.
• “He is seated at the right side of God in the heavenly realms, and he will return on the clouds of heaven.” Many of the people are convinced right then and then that Jesus is the Resurrected Lord, and they begin to praise Him right there and then.
• “Oh my goodness!” they exclaim to the crowd.
• However, he is not killed, and as a result, the leaders begin stoning him.
• He prostrates himself before God, pleading with him to forgive the Jews.
• Stop!

” as the stones continue to smash his body. What exactly are you doing? “The only one who cares about us is praying for us!” A launderer takes a club that was previously used to beat clothing and hurls it at James’ head, resulting in the only one dying. Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Annie Spratt.

Was James One of the 12 Disciples?

The vast majority of Biblical scholars agree that James the brother of Jesus should not be confused with James, the brother of John and the son of Zebedee, who is the son of Zebedee. According to Acts 12:2, James was assassinated just prior to the Jerusalem Council, which was chaired by James the brother of Jesus. It has been suggested that James the brother of Jesus and James the son of Alphaeus, a follower of Jesus’, may be the same person. These academics propose that James is a relative or stepbrother of Jesus in order to explain the discrepancy in their fathers’ surnames.

Their ridicule of Jesus in John 7:1-4 was the result of their disbelief, and it came after a series of events in which the 12 disciples were involved.

The Legacy of James

The life of James demonstrates the significance of the Resurrection. A skeptical skeptic is transformed into a loyal disciple after witnessing the resurrection of the crucified Jesus on the cross. His leadership of the Church in Jerusalem is an example of just, uniting, and steady servant leadership, and he should be commended for it. The purpose of the Church is shaped by the teachings of the Book of James, which include unity, fidelity in prayer and testimony, purity, endurance in the face of adversity, and compassionate care for one another and the poor.

1. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images /rudall30 Jeannie Myers is a freelance writer who lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she enjoys the beauty of nature.
2. Reading, camping, singing, and playing board games with her children are some of Jeannie’s favorite pastimes.
3. Jeannie Myers is a freelance writer who lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she enjoys the beauty of nature.
4. Reading, camping, singing, and playing board games with her children are some of Jeannie’s favorite pastimes.

What Happened to Jesus’ ‘Brothers’?

Sign up for Christianity Today and you’ll gain instant access to back issues of Christian History! A number of “brothers and sisters” are referenced in the Gospels, but only James and Jude are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament—James as the leader of the early church in Jerusalem, and Jude in the brief epistle that bears his name. See “Mary” for a potential meaning of “brothers and sisters.” According to the Gospel of John, Jesus’ family was first doubtful of his mission: “Even his brothers did not believe in him,” the Gospel reads.

At the Jerusalem Council, James, the eldest of Jesus’ brothers, made the decision that Gentile Christians did not have to follow traditional Jewish rules.

Some believe he led an austere lifestyle, and it has been stated that he spent so much time in prayer that his knees “were like those of a camel.” According to Jewish historian Josephus, James was stoned to death by Jewish religious authorities.

It is unknown if this James or someone else was the author of the epistle that bears his name.

Following the publication of his letter of caution about impostors who had entered the church, it is possible that Jude himself rose to the position of recognized church leader, and possibly even a traveling missionary who witnessed such difficulties directly.

The other disciples

Following the Gospels, the disciples are only briefly mentioned in the New Testament. We have only legends to go on for more specifics, some of which are questionable. Andrew, Peter’s brother, is said to have preached in Asia Minor, Thrace, and Greece before being crucified on an X-shaped cross, according to a tenth-century story. He was recognized as the founder of the church in Constantinople, and he may have had a connection to the development of written language. Congratulations, you have reached the conclusion of this Article Preview.

Subscribers get complete digital access to the content.

Sign in to get complete digital access.

What does the Bible say about James the brother of Jesus?

This post is also accessible in the following languages: (Hindi) James was Jesus’ half-brother and the son of Mary and Joseph. He was born in Bethlehem, Palestine. The early Christian church regarded him as an apostle of the faith. “But other apostles, with the exception of James the Lord’s brother, I saw none,” Paul wrote (Galatians 1:19). James was not one of the original Twelve Apostles, according to Matthew 10:2-3, but he was an influential figure throughout the Apostolic Age, according to Matthew 10:4.

Jesus’ siblings

James is one of numerous brothers and sisters who are related to Jesus. “Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, as well as of Juda and Simon?” Mark wondered. Are his sisters not present with us?.” (See also Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55-56.) James’ name occurs first in every list of siblings that has been reported, indicating that he was most likely the oldest of the group.

His record in the Gospels

James is only referenced a few times in the gospels, and they are all indirect references. According to what we can tell from Jesus’ early career, his siblings were not convinced that He was the Messiah. “For neither his brothers nor his sisters believed in him,” John wrote (John 7:5). It’s possible that James was one of Jesus’ brothers who attempted to derail His teachings and ministry. Heyet was speaking to the people when His mother and brothers approached him, expressing their want to speak with him.

“Behold My mother and My brethren!” He exclaimed as He stretched out His hand toward His followers.

James’ change of heart

James was one of the first people to see Jesus’ resurrection after the crucifixion, and he was one of the most important witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:7). His conversion to Christianity must have occurred just before or after the death and resurrection of Jesus. James is mentioned in the Bible as a preacher in the early Christian church. And he was a member of the group of believers who gathered in the upper room to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which occurred that day (Acts 1:14).

As a result, he would have been there for the first Pentecost. From that point on, James’ standing in the church in Jerusalem began to rise steadily.

His record in Paul’s writings

Paul goes on to characterize James as one of the individuals to whom the resurrected Christ shown himself (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), and this is supported by Scripture. Paul also refers to him as an apostle in his letter (Galatians 1:19). If you want to know what happened when the Council of Jerusalem convened to evaluate and deliberate on what rules GentileChristians should be expected to follow, you may read about it here (Acts 15:13-21). His speech demonstrated his reliance on Scripture and a preference for grace above the letter of the law.

The epistle of James

James, Jesus’ brother, is the author of the epistle that bears his name, which was written between 50 and 60 A.D. in the name of Jesus. James referred to himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” rather than as the Lord’s brother, in his writings (ch. 1:1). His book’s central premise was the outworking of faith — the external proof of inward conversion — as shown through the lives of others. The material is more concerned with Christian ethics than it is with Christian theology.

His death

Following Peter’s expulsion from Jerusalem, James was appointed to preside over the mother church of Christendom. Until his death, he served as the local leader of the oldest church in the city of Jerusalem. Although there is no scriptural account of his death, it is widely accepted that he was martyred about the year 62 A.D. Several sources claim that he was slain by stoning. Despite the fact that James died as a martyr, his legacy as a dedicated servant of the Son of God continues to live on today.

You must also exercise patience.

BibleAskTeam is dedicated to His service.

The Apostles, Part 12: James, Brother of Jesus

As we have progressed through this study, we have spent the majority of our time looking at the life and teachings of an individual who never encountered Jesus during His earthly ministry: the apostle Paul. Toward the end of the last part, we got to the conclusion of his life, which was most likely his execution in Nero’s Rome. However, the tale of the apostles does not come to a close there. The Acts of the Apostles, written by Paul’s traveling companion Luke, has served as our primary source throughout this course.

In spite of this, Luke refers to them as a “renewing group of 12” after Matthias takes the place of Judas (verse 26).

Several women (including Jesus’ mother, Mary), as well as His brothers, were also present in the early days of the Church (Acts 1:14).

They are also well-known for the literature that they have produced. Several letters written by Simon Peter, John the Evangelist, James and Jude are included in the New Testament. In this section, we will look at James’ biography and literary output.

Which James?

The apostle James, the son of Zebedee and one of the original 12 apostles, was assassinated by King Herod Agrippa in the early days of the Church, about 44 C.E., as some readers may recall (see Acts 12:1–2). This means that the James mentioned in verse 17 of the same chapter must be a different James from the one mentioned in the previous verse, when Luke recalls that Peter sent word of his release from jail to someone called James. Despite the fact that up to seven other persons with the same name have been identified in the New Testament, James the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19) is the most plausible candidate in this particular instance.

1. It’s possible to speculate that this same James appears later in Acts as the leader of the church in Jerusalem, which would lead us to believe that he is the author of the New Testament book of the same name.
2. The Jewish religious authorities, according to the first-century Jewish writer Josephus, executed “the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James” by stoning him to death (Antiquities of the Jews20.200).
3. Was this James, on the other hand, also an apostle?
4. When writing about one of his travels to Jerusalem, Paul, who also became an apostle but was not one of the Twelve, appears to allude to James’s apostolic role, which is consistent with James’s own.
5. Scholars, on the other hand, have noted that this is not a categorical assertion.

James the Unbeliever

Is there anything else we can learn about James and his early life from his accounts in the Gospels? According to the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, he was one of numerous children born to Mary and Joseph following the birth of Jesus. “Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, and the brother of Judas and Simon?” “Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses, and the brother of Judas and Simon?” “And aren’t his sisters here with us?” I inquire.

1. There was a period when James and the rest of the family were vocal in their opposition to Jesus’ work and message.
2. According to John, “not even his brothers believed in him at the time” (John 7:5).
3. However, despite the fact that he was Jesus’ brother, he did not fill the gap created by Judas’ death since the remaining 11 were to pick “one of the men who followed the Lord Jesus during all of the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among” the people (Acts 1:21).
4. He had another encounter with James while he was bringing hunger aid to Jerusalem from the churches outside of Judea at the time (Acts 21:18).
5. He said that after James’ death, the Church picked another of Jesus’ blood relations, His cousin Simon or Simeon, to be its head, meaning that James had been in charge up until that time.
6. 153–217 C.E.
7. According to Jerome, who was writing in the fifth century, James “controlled the church of Jerusalem for thirty years,” which corresponds to the seventh year of Nero’s reign (Lives of Illustrious Men, chapter 2).

It is most probable in this position that James authored the letter that bears his name.

James’s Tour de Force

The short book of James is a moral, theological, and literary masterpiece that deserves to be read and studied. The focus on living according to “the complete code,” “the law of liberty,” and “the royal law” (James 1:25, 2:8), while some have argued that it is at conflict with the teachings of Paul, placed it squarely within the same Judaic heritage. An in-depth investigation of its fundamental notions exposes the complimentary nature of each man’s way of seeing things. James begins by emphasizing his allegiance to “God and.

• James, who was raised in a Jewish family, was well-versed in the history of ancient Israel, particularly its roots with the 12 sons of Jacob.
• As noted in Acts 2:9–11, 1 Peter 1:1, and John 7:35, James was writing to Church members who were descended from these tribes who lived in what was then known as the Diaspora—what are now known as the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern areas.
• As a result, he places difficult circumstances in the framework of his spiritual development and growth.
• Double-mindedness accomplishes nothing; instead, peaceful faith in God’s guidance and assistance is the key (verses 5–8, emphasis added).
• According to verses 9–11, the affluent would finally fade away like the grass of the field.
• James warns against falling into the trap of blaming God for the hardships we bring on ourselves by surrendering to sin (verses 13–15), and he gives specific examples of how to avoid doing so.
• Fortunately, He differs from flawed and variable humans in that He is “the Father of lights,” with whom there is no variation or shadow caused by change.

He is the one who has decreed that His people be given truth in this life, before others, in order for them to become “a sort of firstfruits of his creations” (verses 17–18), and that they will become “a type of firstfruits of his creatures.” James places a strong focus on the practice of good living from the beginning of the epistle.

1. On the one hand, he contrasts natural human methods of acting—we are slow to hear, fast to talk, and quick to become angry—with God’s ways of behaving.
2. It is the Word of God that directs us in the correct direction.
3. Otherwise, it’s like gazing in the mirror and recognizing what’s wrong with ourselves, but doing nothing to correct what we see (verses 23–24).
4. “If anybody believes he or she is religious but does not restrain his or her mouth but deceives his or her heart, that person’s religion is useless,” he or she declares.

Throughout the letter, the idea of acting on one’s convictions will resurface. “Anyone who thinks himself religious but does not maintain a tight check on his speech is deceiving himself and his religion is useless,” the Prophet Muhammad said.

Practical Outcomes

Generally speaking, the law of God encompasses all elements of human life, and James provides various illustrations of how believing should result in transformed, law-abiding behavior. As a starting point, he says in James 2:1–9 that praising one person above another based on one’s money or social standing has no place in the heavenly value system. Indeed, he claims, it is too frequently the rich that abuse and disadvantage the less fortunate and that this should be avoided. They may even make derogatory remarks about Jesus’ name.

1. Two people, one well-dressed and rich, and the other in shabby clothing and poverty.
2. It would be a disgrace and a humiliation to the less fortunate.
3. And violating the law is considered sinful.
4. For example, according to James, by refraining to commit adultery but, on the other hand, committing murder, we are guilty of breaching the entire commandment (James 2:10–11), he claims.
5. We must adhere to all of it, understanding that God will judge us according to its principles, which, if followed in spirit, would liberate us from the punishment of sin: everlasting death; and we must do so with the understanding that God will judge us according to its principles (verse 12).
6. He provides a second illustration of the demand for faith to be manifested in action by bringing attention to the plight of those members of the believing community who are suffering from a lack of resources.
7. Faith must be demonstrated via deeds.

James demonstrates via the example of Abraham that the patriarch’s faith was followed by deeds, and as a result, he came to be recognized as “the friend of God” (verse 23).

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but does not demonstrate it by his actions?

The absence of deeds in the form of faith renders it ineffective.” James shifts to a longer discussion of the necessity to bridle or control one’s tongue in chapter three, which is a subject he has touched on previously.

His first point is that teaching is a dangerous profession because people who practice it are held accountable for their words, and it is simple to say things incorrectly (James 3:1–2).

Furthermore, everything we say will be used to judge us all in some way.

We control a ship with a rudder and lead a horse by putting a bit in its mouth, respectively.

However, because the tongue is so little in proportion to the rest of the body, it is extremely difficult to control.

The tongue has been compared as a fire that has the potential to set the entire world ablaze.

People have conquered or controlled all other species, but the tongue is particularly difficult to manage; like a snake, “it is a restless evil, full of deadly venom” (Aristotle) (verse 8).

This is totally incorrect.

” Despite its tiny size, the tongue is capable of incredible feats of dexterity.

How do people manage to keep their tongues under control?

James demonstrates that it is only through a personal relationship with God that we may gain knowledge and fight the nearly overpowering desire to abuse our words.

This helps to keep “earthly, unspiritualdemonic” conduct at bay (verse 15).

James’s audience, on the other hand, is riven with disagreements and turmoil.

His response is that they originate inside the human heart, which is dissatisfied by not obtaining what it wants—even if it desires something that it should not have.

This strategy has no chance of giving about pleasure in the long run.

If they follow the ways of the world to obtain their goals, they can only be considered enemies of God, the spiritual equal of adulterers in their relationship with Him (verse 4).

One of the issues they have is that they are always disparaging and criticising one another.

Following that, James provides a caution about chasing materialistic desires as though nothing could possibly go wrong with them.

The very essence of life is fleeting.

Knowing the appropriate method to do something but failing to put it into action is sin, according to him.

In a similar vein, affluent individuals are admonished to set their priorities correctly.

Otherwise, no advantage will accrue from any material possessions.

When living in such a world, the followers of James’ elder brother are expected to exercise patience until His return.

No time is wasted on little whining and moaning about one another, something humans are so prone to doing in their everyday lives.

If they want to see an example of persistence amid tough circumstances, James advises them to go no farther than Job, who knows that God is loving and merciful (verses 9–11).

Their commitment should be straightforward and true, as demonstrated by open and honest communication: “Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you do not come under censure” (verse 12).

Closing Thoughts

The epistle of James concludes with the same focus on practical displays of faith: If there are any among the believers who are suffering, they should pray to God about it, according to James. There are people who are content and they should give thanks to God for their happiness. Those who are sick should contact the Church’s leaders and seek for prayer and anointing so that God may cure them and restore them to health. When someone’s disease is caused by sin, they will be forgiven; prayer and the confession of sin are required for healing to take place.

James uses the example of Elijah (1 Kings 17; 18), who prayed that it would not rain in order to illustrate his point.

After a period of time had passed, he hoped that the rains would arrive, and indeed they did.

It is a discipline that brings about significant rewards.

As a result, James’s care for the community of believers in which he had been a part and which he had come to lead following Jesus’ death and resurrection is confirmed.