James
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Supplanter; one who follows”
A brother of Jesus who, after the resurrection, became a pillar of the Jerusalem church and wrote the Epistle of James.
Biography
James, called "the Lord's brother" (Galatians 1:19), did not believe in Jesus during His ministry (John 7:5), but everything changed at the resurrection, when the risen Christ appeared to him personally (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Leader of the Jerusalem church
James became a central leader of the church in Jerusalem. At the Jerusalem Council he gave the decisive summary that Gentiles need not be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:13–21). Paul names him among the "pillars" of the church (Galatians 2:9).
The Epistle of James
He is traditionally the author of the Epistle of James, a practical letter on living faith: "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17). Known for his piety as "James the Just," he was martyred in Jerusalem around AD 62.
Life Timeline
The risen Jesus appears to him
Leads the Jerusalem Council’s decision
On the Bible timeline
James belongs to the The Gospels — the Life of Jesus era (c. 6 BC – AD 30).
- c. 6 – 4 BCThe Birth of Jesus
- c. AD 27 – 30The Ministry of Jesus
- c. AD 30 – 33The Crucifixion & Resurrection
- c. AD 30 – 33Pentecost
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from James
Biblical themes that run through the passages where James appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
7 verses in 6 booksMatthew1 verse
Matthew 13:55
Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
John1 verse
John 7:5
For neither did his brethren believe in him.
Acts1 verse
Acts 15:13
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
1 Corinthians1 verse
1 Corinthians 15:7
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
Galatians2 verses
Galatians 1:19
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Galatians 2:9
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.
James1 verse
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Frequently asked about James
Who was James in the Bible?
A brother of Jesus who, after the resurrection, became a pillar of the Jerusalem church and wrote the Epistle of James.
What does the name James mean?
The name James means “Supplanter; one who follows”.
What did James do in the Bible?
James served as church leader, of the tribe of Judah.
Who were James's parents?
James was the child of Mary, Joseph.
Where does James appear in the Bible?
James is mentioned 7 times across 6 books: Matthew, John, Acts, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, James.
What can we learn from James?
The story of James touches on themes of law, barnabas, circumcision, council — explore each to study the lessons drawn from James's life.
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