Variations of his name
James, brother of the Lord
James Adelphatheos (Brother of God)
James the Righteous
James the Just
James was called the Just because he was uncommonly fair, later in life, as a church leader in Jerusalem. Jacob is also an English version of James.
Who were his parents?
Possibilities:
1) Joseph and Mary (making him a half brother of the Lord), but some believe Mary remained a virgin
2) James was a cousin or other relation of the Lord rather than His brother ("brother" wasn't always literal)
3) Alphaeus (Cleaophus in Greek) and Mary, making him one of the twelve, not commonly believed
4) Joseph and a previous wife (making him a step-brother of the Lord)
I lean toward the 4th option listed, that Joseph was a widower when he became betrothed to Mary, and that James was a son from Joseph's previous marriage. One tradition even goes so far as to state that James, being older than Jesus, was present with Mary and Joseph when they took baby Jesus to Egypt in order to save His life. If this is true, James would have been closely associated with Jesus through His childhood years, giving him a rather rare and interesting perspective.
Matthew 13:55 stated the following, speaking of Jesus and his siblings, including James: "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary?" This doesn't necessarily prove that Mary was the biological mother of James, however. She still could have been his step-mother, meaning that he might have been the son of the carpenter (Joseph) from his possible previous marriage. I really don't think there's enough information to say for sure, but it has been fascinating to dig a bit into this matter.
The siblings of James...
Jesus (likely a step brother)
Joses (Joseph)
Simon
Judas
unnamed sisters
Scripture tells us that Jesus had several brothers and sisters, including James, though some historians contend that "brothers" and "sisters" in the following verses might not be literal in meaning. Sometimes those words were used for cousins or other relatives.
Matthew 13:54-57
"And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, "Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these might works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house."
What did James and his siblings initially think of Jesus?
Some believe that James was called one of the Lord's brothers because, assuming he was a son of Joseph from a previous marriage, he was entitled to a portion of Joseph's estate. This theory states that when Joseph was close to death he wanted to leave a portion of his estate to Jesus, his adopted son, and not only to his other sons. All of the other sons, save James, supposedly opposed Jesus getting a portion, since he was not Joseph's biological son. James, however, he would share his portion of his inheritance which Jesus, whom he loved. Along with this tradition, it is also understood that James was devoted to Jesus from the start, even accompanying Joseph and Mary as the fled with the baby Jesus into Egypt when Herod sought to kill Him. (The Brother of God ➚)
It appears that, perhaps, these step-brothers of Jesus did not initially accept Him as the Messiah. "His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that they disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth an thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him." (John 7:5) Again, "brethren" might not literally mean "brothers", but it might. The theory has been put forward that his brothers did not recognize Him as the Lord until after his resurrection, when he appeared to James. "After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles." (1 Corinthians 15:7) By the time Pentecost occurred, at least some of them had changed their views. Acts 1:14 says the following, "These all continued with on accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren." This indicates that Jesus' brothers and his mother, Mary, were present at that time. (James, the Lord's Brother ➚)
His character
Though he may have been slow to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, James obviously because an undaunted supporter in later years. Hegesippus, a man who lived immediately after the time of the apostles, wrote the following concerning James, "James, the brother of the Lord, succeeded to the government of the Church in conjunction with the apostles. He has been called the Just by all from the time of our Saviour to the present day, for there were many that bore the name of James. He was holy from his mother's womb; and he drank no wine nor strong drink, nor did he eat flesh. No razor came upon his head; he did not anoint himself with oil, and he did not use the bath. He alone was permitted to enter into the holy place; for he wore not woolen but linen garments. And he was in the habit of entering alone into the temple, and was frequently found upon his knees begging forgiveness for the people, so that his knees became hard like those of a camel, in consequence of his constantly bending them in his worship of God, and asking forgiveness for the people. Because of his exceeding great justice he was called the Just, and Oblias, which signifies in Greek, Bulwark of the people' and Justice,' in accordance with what the prophets declare concerning him. (The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord ➚)
James, for the whole of his life it seems, was different. This man (a Nazarene?) is said to have lived the laws of a Nazirite. Never drinking wine or strong drink or eating meat, he lived solely on bread and water. He also did not cut his hair or wear woolen clothing, but garments made of fine linen. James slept very little, preferring instead to spend his nights in prayer. He was one of the Seventy and aided in the conversion of many, Jew and Greek alike. He went into the temple to kneel and pray for forgiveness on behalf of the people so often that his knees became calloused like those of a camel. He may have written the Epistle of James about 20 years after Jesus died. Well known for his fairness, his opinions were well-respected, even among the Scribes and Pharisees.
James, brother of the Lord
James Adelphatheos (Brother of God)
James the Righteous
James the Just
James was called the Just because he was uncommonly fair, later in life, as a church leader in Jerusalem. Jacob is also an English version of James.
Who were his parents?
Possibilities:
1) Joseph and Mary (making him a half brother of the Lord), but some believe Mary remained a virgin
2) James was a cousin or other relation of the Lord rather than His brother ("brother" wasn't always literal)
3) Alphaeus (Cleaophus in Greek) and Mary, making him one of the twelve, not commonly believed
4) Joseph and a previous wife (making him a step-brother of the Lord)
I lean toward the 4th option listed, that Joseph was a widower when he became betrothed to Mary, and that James was a son from Joseph's previous marriage. One tradition even goes so far as to state that James, being older than Jesus, was present with Mary and Joseph when they took baby Jesus to Egypt in order to save His life. If this is true, James would have been closely associated with Jesus through His childhood years, giving him a rather rare and interesting perspective.
Matthew 13:55 stated the following, speaking of Jesus and his siblings, including James: "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary?" This doesn't necessarily prove that Mary was the biological mother of James, however. She still could have been his step-mother, meaning that he might have been the son of the carpenter (Joseph) from his possible previous marriage. I really don't think there's enough information to say for sure, but it has been fascinating to dig a bit into this matter.
The siblings of James...
Jesus (likely a step brother)
Joses (Joseph)
Simon
Judas
unnamed sisters
Scripture tells us that Jesus had several brothers and sisters, including James, though some historians contend that "brothers" and "sisters" in the following verses might not be literal in meaning. Sometimes those words were used for cousins or other relatives.
Matthew 13:54-57
"And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, "Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these might works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house."
What did James and his siblings initially think of Jesus?
Some believe that James was called one of the Lord's brothers because, assuming he was a son of Joseph from a previous marriage, he was entitled to a portion of Joseph's estate. This theory states that when Joseph was close to death he wanted to leave a portion of his estate to Jesus, his adopted son, and not only to his other sons. All of the other sons, save James, supposedly opposed Jesus getting a portion, since he was not Joseph's biological son. James, however, he would share his portion of his inheritance which Jesus, whom he loved. Along with this tradition, it is also understood that James was devoted to Jesus from the start, even accompanying Joseph and Mary as the fled with the baby Jesus into Egypt when Herod sought to kill Him. (The Brother of God ➚)
It appears that, perhaps, these step-brothers of Jesus did not initially accept Him as the Messiah. "His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that they disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth an thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him." (John 7:5) Again, "brethren" might not literally mean "brothers", but it might. The theory has been put forward that his brothers did not recognize Him as the Lord until after his resurrection, when he appeared to James. "After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles." (1 Corinthians 15:7) By the time Pentecost occurred, at least some of them had changed their views. Acts 1:14 says the following, "These all continued with on accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren." This indicates that Jesus' brothers and his mother, Mary, were present at that time. (James, the Lord's Brother ➚)
His character
Though he may have been slow to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, James obviously because an undaunted supporter in later years. Hegesippus, a man who lived immediately after the time of the apostles, wrote the following concerning James, "James, the brother of the Lord, succeeded to the government of the Church in conjunction with the apostles. He has been called the Just by all from the time of our Saviour to the present day, for there were many that bore the name of James. He was holy from his mother's womb; and he drank no wine nor strong drink, nor did he eat flesh. No razor came upon his head; he did not anoint himself with oil, and he did not use the bath. He alone was permitted to enter into the holy place; for he wore not woolen but linen garments. And he was in the habit of entering alone into the temple, and was frequently found upon his knees begging forgiveness for the people, so that his knees became hard like those of a camel, in consequence of his constantly bending them in his worship of God, and asking forgiveness for the people. Because of his exceeding great justice he was called the Just, and Oblias, which signifies in Greek, Bulwark of the people' and Justice,' in accordance with what the prophets declare concerning him. (The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord ➚)
James, for the whole of his life it seems, was different. This man (a Nazarene?) is said to have lived the laws of a Nazirite. Never drinking wine or strong drink or eating meat, he lived solely on bread and water. He also did not cut his hair or wear woolen clothing, but garments made of fine linen. James slept very little, preferring instead to spend his nights in prayer. He was one of the Seventy and aided in the conversion of many, Jew and Greek alike. He went into the temple to kneel and pray for forgiveness on behalf of the people so often that his knees became calloused like those of a camel. He may have written the Epistle of James about 20 years after Jesus died. Well known for his fairness, his opinions were well-respected, even among the Scribes and Pharisees.
James becomes a leader in Jerusalem
He was a very prominent figure among the people of his time. He was the leader of the Christian movement in Jerusalem, beginning three years after Paul's conversion ca. 34 AD. By then, the church was under the direction of the apostles. James is commonly referred to as the first bishop to preside over the congregation in Jerusalem. Clement of Alexandria, ca. the late 2nd century AD, wrote, "For they say that Peter and James (the Great) and John the Apostle, after the ascension of our savior, as if also preferred by our Lord, strove not after honor, but chose James the Just as bishop of Jerusalem". (Wikipedia - James, brother of Jesus ➚)
Presumably the responsibility was given to him by Peter, James the Elder and John after the ascension of Jesus Christ. Elsewhere, however, it is written that Jesus, himself, "imparted knowledge to James the Just and to John and Peter, and they imparted it to the rest of the apostles, and the rest of the apostles to the seventy, of whom Barnabas was one." James the Just led the church in Jerusalem for thirty years or so. (Wikipedia - James, brother of Jesus ➚)
James' prominence increased after the apostle James, son of Zebedee, was beheaded in 44 AD, and after an angel rescued Peter from prison and he left Jerusalem. James became the chief spokesman at the Council of Jerusalem. In this capacity, he clarified for Paul in 49 AD that Gentiles who were converted need not be circumcised, but that the Jews should still be strict in their observance of Jewish laws. (Encyclopedia Britannica - Council of Jerusalem ➚)
Scriptural references to James
Galations 1:18-20 (Paul mentions meeting "James, the Lord's brother")
"Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God I lie not."
Galations 2:9-12 (James is on of the "pillars" of the church)
"And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles..."
1 Corinthians 15:5-8 (Paul mentions that Jesus appeared to James after the resurrection)
"And that he was seen of Cephas [Peter], then of the twelve: After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me [Paul], also, as of one born out of due time."
Galations 1:18-20 (Paul mentions meeting "James, the Lord's brother")
"Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God I lie not."
Galations 2:9-12 (James is on of the "pillars" of the church)
"And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles..."
1 Corinthians 15:5-8 (Paul mentions that Jesus appeared to James after the resurrection)
"And that he was seen of Cephas [Peter], then of the twelve: After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me [Paul], also, as of one born out of due time."
Acts 12:17 (James needed to be told that Peter had miraculously been freed from prison)
An angel rescued Peter from prison, and Peter hurried to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark. He told those present to "go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place."
Acts 15:13-15 (a matter is brought before James and the elders and apostles in Jerusalem)
"And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written"
Acts 21:17-20 (Paul meets with James)
"And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry."
His death
James the Just, after all he had done to lead others to believe on the Son of God, died a martyr. During the Passover in 62 AD, the Scribes and Pharisees feared the people, for so many had began to believe in Him. They thought the people erred in who they thought Jesus was. They approached James the Just and requested that he climb up to the pinnacle of the temple, where the crowds could see and hear him better, and declare to them that Jesus was not the Messiah. Instead, he preached powerfully to them the opposite. To this, the people gathered for the Passover replied, "Hosanna to the Son of David." As a result of their failed scheme, the Scribes and Pharisees plotted to have James pushed from the pinnacle, after which he fell roughly 450 feet into the Kidron Valley below.(St. James the Just and the Ministry of Reputation ➚) Miraculously, he survived and gathered all his strength to kneel and pray one last time for the people, "I beseech Thee, Lord God or Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." How similar this wording to the Lord's plea on the cross.
The Scribes and Pharisees found him and intended to stone him to death. One of the priests, a descendant of the Rechabites of whom Jeremiah spoke in Jeremiah 35, cried out, "Cease, what do ye? The just man is praying for us." His words went unheeded, and a launderer took a staff that was normally used to wring out clothes he dyed them, threw the club at James' head with such force that his brains began to spill out. So ended his earthly life, ca. 62 AD. He was buried right there where he died, near the temple, and a monument was erected in his memory.
The resulting unrest
It was illegal to form a Sanhedrin, or court, without the consent of the governor, and the people felt that James had been unjustly killed. It is suspected that this so upset the Jews that it led to the siege of Jerusalem, the First Jewish-Roman War, four years later.
An angel rescued Peter from prison, and Peter hurried to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark. He told those present to "go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place."
Acts 15:13-15 (a matter is brought before James and the elders and apostles in Jerusalem)
"And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written"
Acts 21:17-20 (Paul meets with James)
"And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry."
His death
James the Just, after all he had done to lead others to believe on the Son of God, died a martyr. During the Passover in 62 AD, the Scribes and Pharisees feared the people, for so many had began to believe in Him. They thought the people erred in who they thought Jesus was. They approached James the Just and requested that he climb up to the pinnacle of the temple, where the crowds could see and hear him better, and declare to them that Jesus was not the Messiah. Instead, he preached powerfully to them the opposite. To this, the people gathered for the Passover replied, "Hosanna to the Son of David." As a result of their failed scheme, the Scribes and Pharisees plotted to have James pushed from the pinnacle, after which he fell roughly 450 feet into the Kidron Valley below.(St. James the Just and the Ministry of Reputation ➚) Miraculously, he survived and gathered all his strength to kneel and pray one last time for the people, "I beseech Thee, Lord God or Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." How similar this wording to the Lord's plea on the cross.
The Scribes and Pharisees found him and intended to stone him to death. One of the priests, a descendant of the Rechabites of whom Jeremiah spoke in Jeremiah 35, cried out, "Cease, what do ye? The just man is praying for us." His words went unheeded, and a launderer took a staff that was normally used to wring out clothes he dyed them, threw the club at James' head with such force that his brains began to spill out. So ended his earthly life, ca. 62 AD. He was buried right there where he died, near the temple, and a monument was erected in his memory.
The resulting unrest
It was illegal to form a Sanhedrin, or court, without the consent of the governor, and the people felt that James had been unjustly killed. It is suspected that this so upset the Jews that it led to the siege of Jerusalem, the First Jewish-Roman War, four years later.