Several men named James appear in the New Testament, each with a unique role in the early Church. This article focuses mostly on James the brother of Jesus, but also highlights James the son of Zebedee and James the son of Alphaeus. These three men helped spread the gospel in different ways.
1. There Were Three Important Jameses in the New Testament
| Name | Identity | Key Roles |
|---|---|---|
| James the son of Zebedee | Brother of John, fisherman, one of the Twelve Apostles | Early preacher, first apostolic martyr |
| James the son of Alphaeus | Also one of the Twelve Apostles | Lesser known, missionary work likely |
| James the brother of Jesus | Leader in Jerusalem Church, not one of the Twelve | Wrote Book of James, led early Church |
2. James the Brother of Jesus Did Not Believe at First
(James the Lord’s Brother)
At first, Jesus’ brothers, including James, didn’t believe in Him.
John 7:5 – “For even his own brothers did not believe in him.”
But after Jesus rose from the dead, James became a key believer and leader in the Church.
1 Corinthians 15:7 – “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”
3. James the Brother of Jesus Became a Church Leader
(James the Lord’s Brother)
James became a top leader in the Jerusalem church. Paul called him a "pillar" alongside Peter and John.
Galatians 2:9 – “James, Cephas, and John, those esteemed as pillars...”
4. James Wrote the Book of James
(James the Lord’s Brother)
He authored the Epistle of James, a practical book about living out true faith.
James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
5. James Taught That Faith Without Works Is Dead
(James the Lord’s Brother)
James stressed that true faith shows itself in how we live.
James 2:17 – “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
6. James Led the Jerusalem Council
(James the Lord’s Brother)
In Acts 15, church leaders debated whether Gentiles must follow Jewish laws. James offered the final word:
Acts 15:19 – “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”
7. James the Son of Zebedee Was One of the First Apostles
(James the son of Zebedee)
He and his brother John were fishermen, called by Jesus.
Matthew 4:21–22 – “He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”
8. James the Son of Zebedee Was the First Apostle Martyred
(James the son of Zebedee)
He was the first of the Twelve Apostles to be killed for following Jesus.
Acts 12:2 – “He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.”
9. James the Son of Alphaeus Is Less Known
(James the son of Alphaeus)
Also called "James the Less" (possibly due to height, age, or role), he was one of the Twelve Apostles.
Matthew 10:3 – “James son of Alphaeus...”
10. All Three Jameses Played Roles in Spreading the Gospel
| Name | Role in the Church | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| James the Lord’s Brother | Leader in Jerusalem | Wrote Book of James, unified Jews and Gentiles |
| James the son of Zebedee | Early apostle | Preached with Jesus, died as a martyr |
| James the son of Alphaeus | Quiet apostle | Likely spread the gospel in other regions |
