James Ἰάκωβος
Jesus' brother, leader in the Jerusalem church
Biography
James was one of the brothers of Jesus, along with Joses, Judas, and Simon (Mat.13.55; Mrk.6.3). During Jesus' ministry, James and his brothers did not believe in Him (Jhn.7.5). However, after Jesus' resurrection, James became a believer and a prominent leader in the early church in Jerusalem. He was one of the individuals to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection (1Co.15.7). In the early church, James played a significant role in the Jerusalem Council, which addressed the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law (Act.15.13-21). He also received Paul and his companions during their visits to Jerusalem (Act.21.18; Gal.1.19; 2.9). James authored the New Testament epistle that bears his name, in which he emphasizes practical faith and good works (Jam 1.1). He is often referred to as "James the Just" due to his reputation for righteousness and his strict observance of the Jewish law. According to early church tradition, James was martyred in Jerusalem around 62 AD.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Jesus Tribe of JudahSon of JosephThe Son of God and Savior of the world.View full profile →
- Joses Tribe of JudahSon of JosephBrother of Jesus and son of MaryView full profile →
- Simon MaleA tanner in Joppa who hosted Peter.View full profile →
- Jude Tribe of JudahSon of JosephA brother of Jesus and author of the epistleView full profile →
In Scripture
7 biblical books ; 7 with study contentMatthew 1 verse
- Matthew 13:55
"Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?"
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Mark 1 verse
- Mark 6:3
"Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were offended at him."
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Acts 3 verses
- Acts 12:17
"But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place."
Study Acts → - Acts 15:13
"After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me."
Study Acts → - Acts 21:18
"The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present."
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1 Corinthians 1 verse
- 1 Corinthians 15:7
"Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,"
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Galatians 3 verses
- Galatians 1:19
"But of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother."
Study Galatians → - Galatians 2:9
"and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision."
Study Galatians → - Galatians 2:12
"For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision."
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James 1 verse
- James 1:1
"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἰάκωβος | G2385I |