Reference: James
American
Surnamed the greater, or the elder, to distinguish him from James the younger, was one of the twelve apostles, brother of John the evangelist, and son of Zebedee and Salome, Mt 4:21; 27:56. Compare Mr 15:40. James was of Bethsaida in Galilee, and left his earthly occupation to follow Christ, Mr 1:29,20. His mother Salome was one of those women who occasionally attended our Savior in his journeys, and one day desired that her two sons might be seated at his right and left hand in the kingdom, Mt 20:20-23.
James and John were originally fishermen, with Zebedee their father, Mr 1:19. They were witnesses of our Lord's transfiguration, Mt 17:1-2; and when certain Samaritans refused to receive him, James and John wished for fire from heaven to consume them, Lu 9:54. For this reason, or because of their zeal and energy as ministers of Christ, the name of Boanerges, or sons of thunder, was afterwards given to them, Mr 3:17. Together with Peter they appear to have enjoyed special honors and privileges among the disciples, Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2; 13:3; 14:33; Lu 8:51. After the ascension of our Lord, at which James was present, he appears to have remained at Jerusalem, and was put to death by Herod, about A. D. 44, the first martyr among the apostles, Ac 12:1-2.
Another apostle, son of Alphaeus, or Cleophas, Mt 10:3; Mr 3:18; Lu 6:15. His mother's name was Mary, (3) and his brethren were Joses and Judas, (3) Mt 27:56; Mr 15:40. He is here called THE LESS, or the younger, to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee.
The Lord's brother, Ga 1:19; either a brother a Christ, being a son of Joseph and Mary; or as many think, a cousin of Christ, and identical with the James above, 2. He resided at Jerusalem, Ac 15:13; and is called "the Just" by Josephus, and said to have been stoned to death, about A. D. 62. The epistle of James is ascribed to him by those who distinguish him from James the Less. The question of his true relationship to Christ is involved in much doubt. The gospels repeatedly mention James, Joses, Juda, and Simon, as "brothers" of our Lord, and speak in the same connection of his "mother" and his "sisters," Mt 12:46; 13:56; Mr 3:31; 6:3; Lu 8:19; moreover, the inspired writers expressly distinguish the brothers of Christ from the apostles both James the Less and Jude, Joh 2:12; 7:3-10; Ac 1:13-14, thus furnishing strong reasons, as many believe, for the opinion that James the Just was literally a brother of our Lord.
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And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and called them.
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, otherwise called Thaddeus;
While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without the doors, desiring to speak with him.
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his clothes were as white as the light.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, "What wilt thou have?" She said unto him, "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand in thy kingdom." read more. Jesus answered, and said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of? And to be baptised with the baptism, that I shall be baptised with?" They answered to him, "That we are." And he said unto them, "Ye shall drink of my cup, and shall be baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised with. But to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give you: but to them for whom it is prepared of my father."
Among which was Mary Magdalene; and Mary the mother of James and the mother of Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Among which was Mary Magdalene; and Mary the mother of James and the mother of Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee's children.
And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, even as they were in the ship mending their nets. And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And forthwith, as soon as they were come out of the Synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
And forthwith, as soon as they were come out of the Synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
And he called James the son of Zebedee, and John, James' brother, and gave them Boanerges to name, which is to say, the Sons of Thunder. And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon of Canaan,
And then came his mother and his brethren, and stood without, and sent unto him and called him:
And he suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and James and John the brother of James.
Is not this that carpenter: Mary's son, the brother of James, and Joseph and of Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they were offended by the reason of him.
And after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up into a high mountain out of the way alone, and he was transfigured before them.
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him secretly,
And he took with him Peter, James, and John, and he began to wax abashed and to be in an agony.
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the little and of Joseph, and Mary Salome:
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the little and of Joseph, and Mary Salome:
Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for press.
And when he came to the house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, James and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
When his disciples, James, and John, saw that, they said, "Lord, wilt thou that we command that fire come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?"
After that, descended he into Capernaum, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: But continued not many days there.
His brethren therefore said unto him, "Get thee hence and go into Jewry that thy disciples may see thy works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing secretly, and he himself seeketh to be known. If thou do such things, show thyself to the world." read more. For as yet his brethren believed not in him. Then Jesus said unto them, "My time is not yet come; your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you. Me it hateth: Because I testify of it, that the works of it are evil. Go ye up unto this feast. I will not go up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come." These words he said unto them, and abode still in Galilee. But as soon as his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast: not openly, but as it were privily.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son. These all continued with one accord, in prayer, and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
In that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword:
And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren hearken unto me;
No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
Easton
(1.) The son of Zebedee and Salome; an elder brother of John the apostle. He was one of the twelve. He was by trade a fisherman, in partnership with Peter (Mt 20:20; 27:56). With John and Peter he was present at the transfiguration (Mt 17:1; Mr 9:2), at the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mr 5:37-43), and in the garden with our Lord (Mr 14:33). Because, probably, of their boldness and energy, he and John were called Boanerges, i.e., "sons of thunder." He was the first martyr among the apostles, having been beheaded by King Herod Agrippa (Ac 12:1-2), A.D. 44. (Comp. Mt 4:21; 20:20-23).
(2.) The son of Alphaeus, or Cleopas, "the brother" or near kinsman or cousin of our Lord (Ga 1:18-19), called James "the Less," or "the Little," probably because he was of low stature. He is mentioned along with the other apostles (Mt 10:3; Mr 3:18; Lu 6:15). He had a separate interview with our Lord after his resurrection (1Co 15:7), and is mentioned as one of the apostles of the circumcision (Ac 1:13). He appears to have occupied the position of head of the Church at Jerusalem, where he presided at the council held to consider the case of the Gentiles (Ac 12:17; 15:13-28:31; 21:18-24). This James was the author of the epistle which bears his name.
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And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and called them.
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, otherwise called Thaddeus;
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way,
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, "What wilt thou have?" She said unto him, "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand in thy kingdom." read more. Jesus answered, and said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of? And to be baptised with the baptism, that I shall be baptised with?" They answered to him, "That we are." And he said unto them, "Ye shall drink of my cup, and shall be baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised with. But to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give you: but to them for whom it is prepared of my father."
Among which was Mary Magdalene; and Mary the mother of James and the mother of Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee's children.
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon of Canaan,
And he suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and James and John the brother of James. And he came unto the house of the ruler of the Synagogue, and saw the wondering and them that wept and wailed greatly; read more. And he went in and said unto them, "Why make ye this ado and weep? The maiden is not dead, but sleepeth." And they laughed him to scorn. Then he put them all out, and took the father and the mother of the maiden, and them that were with him, and entered in where the maiden lay; And took the maiden by the hand, and said unto her, "Talitha, cumi," which is by interpretation, "maiden I say unto thee, arise." And straight the maiden arose, and went on her feet. For she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished at it out of measure. And he charged them straightly that no man should know of it; and commanded to give her meat.
And after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up into a high mountain out of the way alone, and he was transfigured before them.
And he took with him Peter, James, and John, and he began to wax abashed and to be in an agony.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
In that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword:
And he beckoned unto them with the hand to hold their peace, and told them by what means the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go show these things unto James and to the brethren." And he departed and went into another place.
And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren hearken unto me; Simeon told how God at the beginning did visit the gentiles, and received of them people unto his name. read more. And to this agreeth the words of the prophets, as it is written, 'After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it will I build again and I will set it up, that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and also the Gentiles upon whom my name is named saith the Lord, which doth all these things.' Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which from among the gentiles are turned to God: but that we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of images, from fornication, from strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time in every city hath them that preach him, and he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath day." Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas, called also Barsabbas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren: and gave them letters in their hands after this manner, "The apostles, elders, and brethren send greetings unto the brethren which are of the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds saying ye must be circumcised and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul: men that have jeopardized their lives, for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the holy ghost and to us, to put no grievous thing to you more than these necessary things,
And on the morrow, Paul went in with us unto James. And all the elders came together. And when he had saluted them, he told, by order, all things that God had wrought among the gentiles by his ministration. read more. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, "Thou seest brother, how many thousand Jews there are which believe, and they are all zealous over the law. And they are informed of thee that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the gentiles to forsake Moses, and sayest that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to live after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together. For they shall hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee. We have four men, which have a vow on them. Them take and purify thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they may shave their heads and all shall know that those things which they have heard concerning thee are nothing: but that thou thyself also walkest and keepest the law.
Then after three years, I returned to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
Fausets
Jacob in Greek; the name appearing in our Lord's apostles and contemporaries for the first time since the patriarch. Son of Zebedee, brother of John. Their father's "hired servants" and fishing vessel imply some degree of competence. John probably was the one with Andrew (Joh 1:35-41), who, on John the Baptist's pointing to the Lamb of God, followed Jesus. The words Andrew "first findeth his own brother Simon" imply that John secondly found and called his own brother James to Jesus, or vice versa. Some months later the Lord saw Zebedee, James, and John, in the ship mending their nets. At His call James and John "immediately left the ship and their father and followed Him" (Mt 4:22). Their LEAVING THEIR FATHER "WITH THE HIRED servants" (Mr 1:20, a minute particular, characteristic of Mark' s vivid style and his knowledge through Peter of all which happened) was not an unfilial act, which it would have been if he had no helpers.
The next call was after an unsuccessful night's fishing, when the fishermen had gone out of their ships and had washed (Lu 5:2, Vaticanus and Cambridge manuscripts read eplunon, "were washing"; the Sinaiticus and Paris manuscripts have epifainoo) their nets; Jesus entering one of the ships, Simon's, prayed him to thrust out a little from land, and preached. Then rewarding his loan of the ship, He desired Simon, Launch out into the deep, and do ye let down your nets for a draught. At Christ's word, however unlikely to reason, he let down, and enclosed so many fish that the net broke; and the partners in the other ship came to his help, and they filled both ships so that they began to sink. Astonished at the miracle, yet encouraged by His further promise to Simon, "henceforth thou shalt catch men," the three forsook not merely their "nets" as before, but "all," and followed Him. In fact the successive calls were:
(1) to friendly acquaintance (Joh 1:37);
(2) to intimacy (Mt 4:18);
(3) to permanent discipleship (Lu 5:11);
(4) (toward the close of the first year of our Lord's ministry) to apostleship (Mt 10:1);
(5) to renewed self dedication, even unto death (Joh 21:15-22).
In Matthew and Luke (Lu 6:14), of the four catalogs of apostles, Andrew follows Peter on the ground of brotherhood. (See APOSTLES.) In Mark (Mr 3:16) and Acts (Ac 1:13) James and John precede Andrew on the ground of greater nearness to Jesus. These four head the twelve; and Andrew is at the foot of the four. Peter, James, and John alone witnessed the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mr 5:37); also the transfiguration (Mt 17:1); also the agony (Mt 26:37). The four asked our Lord "privately" when His prediction of the temple's overthrow should be fulfilled, and what should be the sign (Mr 13:3). In Lu 9:28 (the transfiguration) alone John precedes James. By the time that Luke wrote John was recognized as on a level with James, yet not above him, as Luke in Ac 1:13 has the order, "James, John," but in Ac 12:2 Luke calls James brother of John, who by that time had become the more prominent.
James was probably the elder brother, whence John is twice called "brother of James" (Mr 5:37; Mt 17:1). No official superiority was given, for no trace of it occurs in New Testament; it was the tacitly recognized leadership which some took above the others. James and John were called Boanerges to express their natural character and the grace which would purify and ennoble it, making James the first apostle martyr and John the apostle of love. (See BOANERGES.) Their fiery zeal in its untempered state appeared in their desiring to call fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans. These would not receive Jesus when He sent messengers to make ready for Him (i.e. to announce His Messiahship, which He did not conceal in Samaria as in Judaea and Galilee: Joh 4:26; Lu 9:54), because His face was as though He would go to Jerusalem, whereas they expected the Messiah would confirm their anti-Jewish worship in the mount Gerizim temple.
James and John "saw" some actual collision between the Samaritans and the messengers who were sent before and whom our Lord and His apostles followed presently; just as Elijah in the same Samaria had called for fire upon the offenders face to face (2Ki 1:10,12). In Lu 9:55-56, "ye know not what manner of spirit ye are (not the fiery judicial spirit which befitted Elijah's times, but the spirit of love so as to win men to salvation, is the spirit of Me and Mine), for the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives but to save them," is not in Alex., Vat., and. Sin. manuscripts The same John subsequently (Ac 8:14-17) came down with Peter to confer the Spirit's gifts on Samaritan believers. What miracles in renewing the heart does the gospel work! Salome the mother of Zebedee's children, impressed by Christ's promise that the twelve should sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, begged, and her two sons joined in the prayer, that they might sit one on His right the other on His left hand in His glory (Mr 10:35-37).
They prefaced it with pleading His own promise, "Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire" (Mt 7:7; Lu 11:9; Mr 11:24). Perhaps jealousy of Peter and Andrew, their rivals for the nearest place to Him, actuated them (Mt 20:20-24). He told them that they should drink of His cup (Sin. and Vat. manuscripts omit in Mt 20:22-23 the clause as to the "baptism") of suffering (Ac 12:1-2; James; Re 1:9; John), but to sit on His right and left, said He, "is not Mine to give, except to those for whom it is prepared of My Father" (so the Greek). The ten were indignant at the claim. James was among those who abode in the upper room and persevered in prayer; the apostles, the women, and the Lord's brethren, after the ascension (Ac 1:13). In A. D. 44 Herod Agrippa I, a pliant politician but strict Jew, "very ambitious to oblige the people, exactly careful in the observance of the laws. and not allowing one day to pass without its appointed sacrifice" (Josephus, Ant. 19:7, section 3), in consonance with his well known character, "laid hands (Greek) on certain of the church."
The Passover had brought James and Peter to Jerusalem (Ac 12:1-3). So he took the opportunity just before the Passover to kill the most fiery of the two first, namely, "James the brother of John." "The sword" was the instrument of his execution, Herod preferring the Roman method to the Jewish punishment of seducers to strange worship, namely, stoning. Clement of Alexandria (Hypotyposeis, 7; Eusebius, H. E., 2:6) records a tradition that James's prosecutor was moved by his bold confession to declare himself a Christian on the spot; he begged James's forgiveness, and the apostle kissed him, saying "peace be to thee"; they were both beheaded together. A Roman Catholic legend says that he preached in Spain, and that his remains were transported to Compostella there!
James, surnamed "the Less" or "Little." Son of Mary (Mr 15:40; Mt 27:56; Lu 24:10). Brother of Jude (Jg 1:1; Lu 6:16; Ac 1:13). "The brother of the Lord" (Mt 13:55; Mr 6:3; Ga 1:19). "Son of Alphaeus" (Mt 10:3; Mr 3:18; Lu 6:15; Ac 1:13). Writer of the epistle; president of the church at Jerusalem (Jas 1:1; Ac 12:17; 15:13,19; Ga 2:9,12). Clopas (Alexandrinus and Vaticanus manuscripts, Joh 19:25) or Cleophas (Sinaiticus manuscript) is the Hebrew, Alphaeus the Greek, of the same name: he married Mary, sister of the Virgin Mary, and had by her James, Joses, Jude, and Simon, and three daughters (Mary is sometimes designated "mother of James and Joses," Mt 27:56, as these were the two oldest); he died before our Lord's ministry began, and his widow went to live with her sister the Virgin Mary, a widow also herself (for Joseph's name never occurs after Luke 2), at Nazareth (Mt 13:55), Capernaum (Joh 2:12), and Jerusalem (Ac 1:14).
Living together the cousins were regarded as "brothers" and "sisters" of Jesus. Being His elders, they went on one occasion to "lay hold on Him," saying that He was "beside Himself"; as He was so pressed by multitudes that He and His disciples "could not so much as eat bread," His cousin brethren thought they would restrain what seemed to them mad zeal (Mr 3:20-21,31-33). The stat
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After the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, "Who shall go up first unto the Cananites to fight against them?"
And Elijah answered and said to the captain over the fifty, "If I be a man of God, fire come down from heaven and consume thee and thy fifty." And there came fire down from heaven and devoured him and his fifty.
And Elijah answered and said unto them, "If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume thee and thy fifty." And there came fire down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
As Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon which was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
And he called his twelve disciples unto him, and gave them power over all unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sicknesses, and all manner of diseases.
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, otherwise called Thaddeus;
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren be called, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren be called, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren be called, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way,
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way,
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, "What wilt thou have?" She said unto him, "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand in thy kingdom." read more. Jesus answered, and said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of? And to be baptised with the baptism, that I shall be baptised with?" They answered to him, "That we are."
Jesus answered, and said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of? And to be baptised with the baptism, that I shall be baptised with?" They answered to him, "That we are." And he said unto them, "Ye shall drink of my cup, and shall be baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised with. But to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give you: but to them for whom it is prepared of my father."
And he said unto them, "Ye shall drink of my cup, and shall be baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised with. But to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give you: but to them for whom it is prepared of my father." And when the ten heard this, they disdained at the two brethren.
So likewise ye, when ye see all these things, be ye sure that it is near; even at the doors.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to wax sorrowful and to be in agony.
Among which was Mary Magdalene; and Mary the mother of James and the mother of Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Among which was Mary Magdalene; and Mary the mother of James and the mother of Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee's children.
And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon of Canaan,
And they came unto house, and the people assembled together again, so greatly that they had not leisure so much as to eat bread. And when they that longed unto him heard of it, they went out to hold him. For they said, "He is too fervent."
And then came his mother and his brethren, and stood without, and sent unto him and called him: And the people sat about him, and said unto him, "Behold, thy mother and thy brethren seek for thee without." read more. And he answered them, saying, "Who is my mother, and my brethren?"
And he suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and James and John the brother of James.
And he suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and James and John the brother of James.
Is not this that carpenter: Mary's son, the brother of James, and Joseph and of Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they were offended by the reason of him.
Is not this that carpenter: Mary's son, the brother of James, and Joseph and of Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they were offended by the reason of him.
And then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came unto him, saying, "Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we desire." He said unto them, "What would ye I should do unto you?" read more. They said to him, "Grant unto us that we may sit one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory."
Therefore I say unto you, Whatsoever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall have it and it shall be done unto you.
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him secretly,
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the little and of Joseph, and Mary Salome:
and saw two ships stand by the lakeside, but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
And they brought the ships to land, and forsook all, and followed him.
Simon, whom also he named Peter: and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon called Zealotes, read more. and Judas James' son, and Judas Iscariot, which same was the traitor.
And it followed about an eight days after those sayings, that he took Peter, James, and John, and went up into a mountain to pray.
When his disciples, James, and John, saw that, they said, "Lord, wilt thou that we command that fire come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?" Jesus turned about, and rebuked them saying, "Ye know not what manner spirit ye are of. read more. The son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." And they went to another town.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you. Seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary Joseph; And others that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles,
The next day after, John stood again, and two of his disciples, and he beheld Jesus as he walked by, and said, "Behold the lamb of God." read more. And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned about, and saw them follow, and said unto them, "What seek ye?" They said unto him, "Rabbi," which is to say, by interpretation, "Master: where dwellest thou?" read more. He said unto them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he dwelt: and abode with him that day. For it was about the tenth hour. One of the two, which heard John speak, and followed Jesus, was Andrew; Simon Peter's brother. The same found his brother Simon first, and said unto him, "We have found Messiah," which is by interpretation, Anointed.
After that, descended he into Capernaum, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: But continued not many days there.
His brethren therefore said unto him, "Get thee hence and go into Jewry that thy disciples may see thy works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing secretly, and he himself seeketh to be known. If thou do such things, show thyself to the world." read more. For as yet his brethren believed not in him.
There stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
When they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon the son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" He said unto him, "Yea Lord, thou knowest, that I love thee." He said unto him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him again the second time, "Simon the son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" He said unto him, "Yea Lord thou knowest that I love thee." He said unto him, "Feed my sheep." read more. He said unto him the third time, "Simon the son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" And Peter sorrowed because he said to him the third time, "Lovest thou me," and said unto him, "Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus said unto him, "Feed my sheep. Verily, verily I say unto thee, when thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou art old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee whither thou wouldest not." That spake he signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said thus, he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned about, and saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, "Lord which is he that shall betray thee?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord what shall he here do?" Jesus said unto him, "If I will have him to tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me."
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son. These all continued with one accord, in prayer, and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
When the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard say that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: which, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy ghost. read more. For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised only in the name of Christ Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the holy ghost.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus; And he had his conversation with them at Jerusalem,
In that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation.
In that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword:
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword:
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword: and because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further, and took Peter also. Then were the days of sweetbread.
And he beckoned unto them with the hand to hold their peace, and told them by what means the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go show these things unto James and to the brethren." And he departed and went into another place.
And he beckoned unto them with the hand to hold their peace, and told them by what means the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go show these things unto James and to the brethren." And he departed and went into another place.
And he beckoned unto them with the hand to hold their peace, and told them by what means the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go show these things unto James and to the brethren." And he departed and went into another place.
And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren hearken unto me;
And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren hearken unto me;
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which from among the gentiles are turned to God:
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which from among the gentiles are turned to God:
And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And on the morrow, Paul went in with us unto James. And all the elders came together.
And on the morrow, Paul went in with us unto James. And all the elders came together. And when he had saluted them, he told, by order, all things that God had wrought among the gentiles by his ministration.
And when he had saluted them, he told, by order, all things that God had wrought among the gentiles by his ministration. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, "Thou seest brother, how many thousand Jews there are which believe, and they are all zealous over the law. read more. And they are informed of thee that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the gentiles to forsake Moses, and sayest that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to live after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together. For they shall hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee. We have four men, which have a vow on them. Them take and purify thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they may shave their heads and all shall know that those things which they have heard concerning thee are nothing: but that thou thyself also walkest and keepest the law. For as touching the gentiles which believe: we have written, and concluded, that they observe no such things - but that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from strangled, and from fornication."
Either, have we not power to lead about a sister to wife as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
Then after three years, I returned to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews: warning only that we should remember the poor, which thing also I was diligent to do. read more. And when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him in the face, for he was worthy to be blamed.
And when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him in the face, for he was worthy to be blamed. For yer that certain came from James, he ate with the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision,
For yer that certain came from James, he ate with the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision,
For yer that certain came from James, he ate with the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision,
For every high priest that is taken from among men is ordained for men, in things pertaining to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins:
Remember them which have the oversight of you, which have declared unto you the word of God: consider the conversation of their living, the end of whose conversation see that ye look upon, and follow their faith.
James, the servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sendeth greeting to the twelve tribes which are scattered here and there.
Go to now, ye rich men. Weep, and howl on your wretchedness that shall come upon you.
Be ye also patient therefore, and settle your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be damned. Behold, the judge standeth before the door.
John, your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience which is in Jesus Christ, was in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Jesus Christ.
Hastings
JAMES
1. James, the son of Zehedee, one of the Twelve, the elder brother of John. Their father was a Galil
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Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple,
And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and called them. And they, without tarrying, left the ship and their father and followed him.
The names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon which is called also Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
Among which was Mary Magdalene; and Mary the mother of James and the mother of Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee's children.
And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, even as they were in the ship mending their nets. And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And as Jesus passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sit at the receipt of custom and said unto him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him.
And he called James the son of Zebedee, and John, James' brother, and gave them Boanerges to name, which is to say, the Sons of Thunder.
And he called the twelve, and began to send them, two and two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the little and of Joseph, and Mary Salome:
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the little and of Joseph, and Mary Salome:
And when the Sabbath day was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary Joseph, and Salome, bought ointments, that they might come and anoint him.
And he carried him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, "If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down from hence.
and so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, "Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
Simon, whom also he named Peter: and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew;
There stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
There stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
There stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword:
And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the congregation and of the apostles and elders. And they declared what things God had done by them. Then arose there up certain of the sect of the Pharisees, which did believe: saying that it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. read more. And the apostles and elders came together to reason of this matter. And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us; And he put no difference between them and us, but with faith purified their hearts. Now therefore, why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the disciples necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, as they do." Then all the multitude was peaced and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul which told what signs and wonders God had showed among the gentiles by them. And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren hearken unto me; Simeon told how God at the beginning did visit the gentiles, and received of them people unto his name. And to this agreeth the words of the prophets, as it is written, 'After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it will I build again and I will set it up, that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and also the Gentiles upon whom my name is named saith the Lord, which doth all these things.' Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which from among the gentiles are turned to God: but that we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of images, from fornication, from strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time in every city hath them that preach him, and he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath day." Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas, called also Barsabbas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren: and gave them letters in their hands after this manner, "The apostles, elders, and brethren send greetings unto the brethren which are of the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds saying ye must be circumcised and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul: men that have jeopardized their lives, for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the holy ghost and to us, to put no grievous thing to you more than these necessary things, that is to say: that ye abstain from things offered to images, from blood, from strangled and fornication. From which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. So fare ye well." When they were departed, they came to Antioch and gathered the multitude together and delivered the epistle. When they had read it, they rejoiced of that consolation. And Judas and Silas being prophets, exhorted the brethren with much preaching, and strengthened them. And after they had tarried there a certain space, they were let go in peace of the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding, it pleased Silas to abide there still.
And on the morrow, Paul went in with us unto James. And all the elders came together. And when he had saluted them, he told, by order, all things that God had wrought among the gentiles by his ministration.
Then after three years, I returned to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also. Yea, and I went up by revelation, and commended with them of the gospel, which I preach among the gentiles - but between ourselves with them which were counted chief, lest it should have been thought that I should run, or had run in vain. read more. Also Titus which was with me, though he were a Greek, yet was not compelled to be circumcised; and that because of incomers, being false brethren, which came in among others to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. To whom we gave no room - no, not for the space of a hour - as concerning to be brought into subjection: and that because that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. Of them which seemed to be great - what they were in time passed it maketh no matter to me: God looketh on no man's person - nevertheless they seemed great, added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel over circumcision was unto Peter - For he that was mighty in Peter in the apostleship over the circumcision, the same was mighty in me among the gentiles - and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews: warning only that we should remember the poor, which thing also I was diligent to do.
James, the servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sendeth greeting to the twelve tribes which are scattered here and there.
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, the brother of James. To them which are called and sanctified in God the father, and preserved in Christ Jesus.
Smith
(the Greek form of Jacob, supplanter).
1. James the son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles. He was elder brother of the evangelist John. His mother's name was Salome. We first hear of him in A.D. 27,
when at the call of the Master he left all, and became, one and forever, his disciple, in the spring of 28.
Mt 10:2; Mr 3:14; Lu 6:13; Ac 1:13
It would seem to have been at the time of the appointment of the twelve apostles that the name of Boanerges was given to the sons of Zebedee. The "sons of thunder" had a burning and impetuous spirit, which twice exhibits itself.
Mr 10:37; Lu 9:54
On the night before the crucifixion James was present at the agony in the garden. On the day of the ascension he is mentioned as persevering with the rest of the apostles and disciples, in prayer.
Shortly before the day of the Passover, in the year 44, he was put to death by Herod Agrippa I.
2. James the son of Alpheus, one of the twelve apostles.
Whether or not this James is to be identified with James the Less, the son of Alphaeus, the brother of our Lord, is one of the most difficult questions in the gospel history. By comparing
and Mark 15:40 with John 19:25 we find that the Virgin Mary had a sister named, like herself, Mary, who was the wife of Clopas or Alpheus (varieties of the same name), and who had two sons, James the Less and Joses. By referring to
and Mark 6:3 we find that a James the Less and Joses, with two other brethren called Jude and Simon, and at least three sisters, were sisters with the Virgin Mary at Nazareth by referring to
Lu 6:16
and Acts 1:13 we find that there were two brethren named James and Jude among the apostles. It would certainly be natural to think that we had here but one family of four brothers and three or more sisters, the children of Clopas and Mary, nephews and nieces of the Virgin Mary. There are difficulties however, in the way of this conclusion into which we cannot here enter; but in reply to the objection that the four brethren in
are described as the brothers of Jesus, not as his cousins, it must be recollected that adelphoi, which is here translated "brethren," may also signify cousins.
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The names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon which is called also Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, otherwise called Thaddeus;
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren be called, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And he ordained the twelve that they should be with him, and that he might send them to preach.
They said to him, "Grant unto us that we may sit one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory."
And as soon as it was day, he called his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, which also he called his apostles.
When his disciples, James, and John, saw that, they said, "Lord, wilt thou that we command that fire come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?"
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
In that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword: read more. and because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further, and took Peter also. Then were the days of sweetbread. And when he had caught him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to be kept, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Then was Peter kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing of the congregation unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him out unto the people, the same night slept Peter between two soldiers, bound with two chains; And the keepers before the door kept the prison. And behold, the angel of the Lord was there present, and a light shined in the lodge. And he smote Peter on the side, and stirred him up, saying, "Arise up quickly." And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, "Gird thyself and bind on thy sandals." And so he did. And he said unto him, "Cast on thy mantle about thee, and follow me." And he came out, and followed him: and wist not that it was truth which was done by the angel; but thought he had seen a vision. When they were past the first and the second watch, they came unto the iron gate, that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them by his own accord. And they went out and passed through one street, and by and by the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, "Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the waiting for of the people of the Jews." And as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of one John, which was called Mark also, where many were gathered together in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the entry for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the entry. And they said unto her, "Thou art mad." And she bare them down that it was even so. Then said they, "It is his angel." Peter continued knocking: When they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. And he beckoned unto them with the hand to hold their peace, and told them by what means the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go show these things unto James and to the brethren." And he departed and went into another place. As soon as it was day there was no little ado among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. When Herod had called for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded them to depart. And he descended from Jewry to Caesarea, and there abode. Herod was displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon. And they came all at once, and made intercession unto Blastus the king's chamberlain, and desired peace, because their country was nourished by the king's land. And upon a day appointed, Herod arrayed him in royal apparel, and set him in his seat, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, "It is the voice of a god and not of a man."
Watsons
JAMES, '???????, of the same import as Jacob. James, surnamed the greater, or the elder, to distinguish him from James the younger, was brother to John the evangelist, and son to Zebedee and Salome, Mt 4:21. He was of Bethsaida, in Galilee, and left all to follow Christ. Salome requested our Saviour, that her two sons, James and John, might sit at his right hand, when he should be in possession of his kingdom. Our Saviour answered, that it belonged to his heavenly Father alone to dispose of these places of honour, Mt 20:21. Before their vocation, James and John followed the trade of fishermen with their father Zebedee; and they did not quit their profession till our Saviour called them, Mr 1:18-19. They were witnesses of our Lord's transfiguration, Mt 17:2. When certain Samaritans refused to admit Jesus Christ, James and John wished for fire from heaven to consume them, Lu 9:54; and for this reason, it is thought, the name of Boanerges, or sons of thunder, was given them. Some days after the resurrection of our Saviour, James and John went to fish in the sea of Tiberias, where they saw Jesus. They were present at the ascension of our Lord. St. James is said to have preached to all the dispersed tribes of Israel; but for this there is only report. His martyrdom is related, Ac 12:1-2, about A.D. 42, or 44, for the date is not well ascertained. Herod Agrippa, king of the Jews, and grandson of Herod the Great, caused him to be seized and executed at Jerusalem. Clemens Alexandrinus informs us, that he who brought St. James before the judges was so much affected with his constancy in confessing Jesus Christ, that he also declared himself a Christian, and was condemned, as well as the Apostle, to be beheaded.
JAMES THE LESS, surnamed the brother of our Lord, Ga 1:19, was the son of Cleopas, otherwise called Alpheus, and Mary, sister to the blessed virgin; consequently, he was cousin-german to Jesus Christ. He was surnamed the Just, on account of the admirable holiness and purity of his life. He is said to have been a priest, and to have observed the laws of the Nazarites from his birth. Our Saviour appeared to James the less, eight days after his resurrection, 1Co 15:7. He was at Jerusalem, and was considered as a pillar of the church, when St. Paul first came thither after his conversion, Ga 1:19, A.D. 37. In the council of Jerusalem, held in the year 61, St. James gave his vote last; and the result of the council was principally formed from what St. James said, who, though he observed the ceremonies of the law, and was careful that others should observe them, was of opinion, that such a yoke was not to be imposed on the faithful converted from among the Heathens, Ac 15:13, &c.
James the less was a person of great prudence and discretion, and was highly esteemed by the Apostles and other Christians. Such, indeed, was his general reputation for piety and virtue, that, as we learn from Origen, Eusebius, and Jerom, Josephus thought, and declared it to be the common opinion, that the sufferings of the Jews, and the destruction of their city and temple, were owing to the anger of God, excited by the murder of James. This must be considered as a strong and remarkable testimony to the character of this Apostle, as it is given by a person who did not believe that Jesus was the Christ. The passages of Josephus, referred to by those fathers upon this subject, are not found in his works now extant.
JAMES, GENERAL EPISTLE OF. Clement of Rome and Hermas allude to this epistle; and it is quoted by Origen, Eusebius, Athanasius, Jerom, Chrysostom, Augustine, and many other fathers. But though the antiquity of this epistle had been always undisputed, some few formerly doubted its right to be admitted into the canon. Eusebius says, that in his time it was generally, though not universally, received as canonical; and publicly read in most, but not in all, churches; and Estius affirms, that after the fourth century, no church or ecclesiastical writer is found who ever doubted its authenticity; but that, on the contrary, it is included in all subsequent catalogues of canonical Scripture, whether published by councils, churches, or individuals. It has, indeed, been the uniform tradition of the church, that this epistle was written by James the Just; but it was not universally admitted till after the fourth century, that James the Just was the same person as James the less, one of the twelve Apostles; that point being ascertained, the canonical authority of this epistle was no longer doubted. It is evident that this epistle could not have been written by James the elder, for he was beheaded by Herod Agrippa in the year 44, and the errors and vices reproved in this epistle show it to be of a much later date; and the destruction of Jerusalem is also here spoken of as being very near at hand, Jas 5:8-9. It has always been considered as a circumstance very much in favour of this epistle, that it was found in the Syriac version, which was made as early as the end of the first century, and for the particular use of converted Jews,
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and called them.
and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his clothes were as white as the light.
And he said unto her, "What wilt thou have?" She said unto him, "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand in thy kingdom."
And they straightway forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, even as they were in the ship mending their nets.
When his disciples, James, and John, saw that, they said, "Lord, wilt thou that we command that fire come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?"
In that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword:
And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren hearken unto me;
No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
Be ye also patient therefore, and settle your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be damned. Behold, the judge standeth before the door.