James the Apostle
James the Apostle, also known as James the Greater, is a significant figure in early Christianity, identified as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is believed to be the son of Zebedee and is often recognized for his leadership role in the early Church following the crucifixion of Jesus around 30 C.E. According to historical accounts, including those by the Jewish historian Josephus, James was martyred around 62 C.E. His teachings emphasized strict adherence to Jewish laws and the importance of good works and poverty, themes reflected in the epistle attributed to him.
James had a complex relationship with his brother, Jesus, as he initially doubted Jesus' mission but later became a prominent supporter after reportedly witnessing a resurrected Jesus. This transformation solidified his role as a "pillar" of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. His teachings occasionally clashed with those of Saint Paul, particularly regarding the observance of the Jewish law. James's influence diminished after the fall of Jerusalem in 67 C.E., yet his legacy continues to be recognized in Christian traditions, especially in Europe, where he is often depicted in iconography and venerated as a saint.
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Subject Terms
James the Apostle
Related civilizations: Israel, Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Religious leader
Life
James is an English form of Jacob, and there are three men in the New Testament with that popular Hebrew name. Two of them, identified as the son of Zebedee and the son of Alphaeus, were among the twelve Apostles, or students, of Jesus Christ. The third, identified as the brother of Jesus, was one of the first apostles, or envoys, to continue the message of Jesus after his crucifixion (c. 30 c.e.).
When Jesus began preaching, his family was alarmed and tried to take him home. James was probably one of the brothers that Jesus then spurned. However, he reported that Jesus appeared to him after the crucifixion, and he soon joined the followers in Jerusalem, where he became a “pillar” of the early Church.
The historian Josephus reported that James the Apostle was martyred around 62 c.e.; tradition holds that his followers left Jerusalem before the Roman army stormed the city in 67 c.e.
Influence
James taught strict observance of Jewish laws as well as the poverty and good works extolled in the epistle that bears his name. He came into conflict with Saint Paul, who taught freedom from the law. Especially in Europe, his message was largely obliterated after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Bibliography
Eisenman, Robert H. James, the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls. New York: Viking, 1997.
Painter, John. Just James: The Brother of Jesus in History and Tradition. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1997.