James
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Supplanter”
One of the twelve apostles, distinguished from James son of Zebedee, often identified with "James the Less."
Biography
James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of the twelve apostles, named in each list of the Twelve (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). To distinguish him from the more prominent James son of Zebedee, he is often identified with "James the less" (Mark 15:40), whose mother Mary stood by the cross. Scripture records no individual words or deeds of his, but his place among the Twelve marks him as one of the foundation stones of the church (Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14) — a reminder that many faithful servants labor in quietness, known to God if not to history.
Life Timeline
Chosen as one of the twelve apostles
Themes & lessons from James
Biblical themes that run through the passages where James appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 4 booksMatthew1 verse
Matthew 10:3
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
Mark1 verse
Mark 3:18
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Luke1 verse
Luke 6:15
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Acts1 verse
Acts 1:13
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Frequently asked about James
Who was James in the Bible?
One of the twelve apostles, distinguished from James son of Zebedee, often identified with "James the Less."
What does the name James mean?
The name James means “Supplanter”.
What did James do in the Bible?
James served as apostle.
Where does James appear in the Bible?
James is mentioned 4 times across 4 books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts.
What can we learn from James?
The story of James touches on themes of matthew, thomas, apostles, philip — explore each to study the lessons drawn from James's life.
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