James, Brother of Jesus
d. c. AD 62
Prominent leader of the Jerusalem church whom Paul called a pillar and identified as the Lord's brother, distinct from the two apostles named James.
Life and Historical Setting
Paul names James among those who saw the risen Jesus and later calls him one of the Jerusalem pillars. Acts portrays him giving a decisive judgment about Gentile converts; Josephus reports his execution after the death of the governor Festus.
Work and Contribution
James appears to have mediated a community committed to Jesus while remaining deeply embedded in Jewish practice. His relationship with Paul illuminates both cooperation and tension as Gentile membership changed the movement.
Reception and Influence
Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions differ over how “brother” relates to beliefs about Mary's perpetual virginity. Later traditions call him James the Just and first bishop of Jerusalem.
Evidence, Debate, and Interpretation
The New Testament does not explicitly identify him with James son of Alphaeus. Authorship of the Epistle of James remains debated because the letter names only “James” and its polished Greek and dating can be assessed in different ways.
Known For
- Jerusalem Church Leadership
- Council of Jerusalem
- Brother of Jesus
Key Works
Influenced By
- Jesus of Nazareth
- Jewish Christianity
Influenced
- Jerusalem Christianity
- Later Jewish-Christian Traditions
Conversations
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