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James Ἰάκωβος

Male Tribe of Judah G2385I 7 books

Jesus' brother, leader in the Jerusalem church

Who is James in the Bible?

James was the brother of Jesus and a key leader in the early Jerusalem church (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). Though James did not believe in Jesus during his earthly ministry, he became a follower after the resurrection, when Jesus appeared to him personally (1 Corinthians 15:7). He played a prominent role in the Jerusalem Council, helping to settle the debate about whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law (Acts 15:13-21), and he maintained authority in the Jerusalem church as Paul visited the city (Acts 21:18; Galatians 2:9). James also authored the New Testament epistle bearing his name, which emphasizes the importance of faith demonstrated through practical works and obedience. His transformation from skeptic to faithful leader and his apostolic writings made him a foundational figure in establishing Christian theology and practice.

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

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In Scripture

7 biblical books ; 7 with study content
Matthew 1 verse
  • Matthew 13:55

    "“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?"

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Mark 1 verse
  • Mark 6:3

    "Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him."

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Acts 3 verses
  • Acts 12:17

    "Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place."

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  • Acts 15:13

    "When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me!"

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  • Acts 21:18

    "The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were present."

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1 Corinthians 1 verse
Galatians 3 verses
  • Galatians 1:19

    "But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother."

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  • Galatians 2:9

    "And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised."

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  • Galatians 2:12

    "For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group."

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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 of the Dispersion: Greetings."

    Study James →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Transliteration Meaning
Named Greek Ἰάκωβος Iákōbos Jacobus, the name of three Israelites