In brief
James is called the brother of the Lord in the New Testament. Paul lists him among those to whom the risen Christ appeared, then as one of the pillars of the church, with Cephas and John. In Jerusalem, he speaks at the decisive moment when the church decides not to place an extra burden on the Gentiles who turn to God. Later, he receives Paul and the elders. The letter of James, which tradition attributes to him, calls us to put the word into practice. His story shows a man transformed by meeting the risen Christ.
What does the name James, brother of Jesus mean?
James is the English form of Jacob, a Hebrew name that the Bible explains in Genesis 25:26 by the fact that the newborn was holding his brother's heel. The name is generally linked to this image. The New Testament text gives no particular explanation for this James.
The story of James, brother of Jesus
The brother of the Lord
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 and Galatians 2:9Paul recalls that Christ appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve, then to more than five hundred brothers, then to James, then to all the apostles. In Galatians 1:19, he calls James the Lord's brother. In Galatians 2:9, he lists him among those who seemed to be pillars of the church, with Cephas and John.
His speech at the council of Jerusalem
Acts 15:13-21When the discussion about the Gentile converts is heated, James takes the floor and asks the brothers to listen to him. He recalls that God first looked at the nations to take from them a people for his name, and that this agrees with the prophets. He proposes not to make it difficult for the Gentiles who turn to God. He asks only for a few abstentions.
He welcomes Paul in Jerusalem
Acts 21:18-25The day after his arrival, Paul goes to see James, and all the elders are present. He tells in detail what God has done among the Gentiles through his ministry, and they glorify God. James and the elders remind him that many thousands of Jews have believed, all zealous for the law, and advise him on a gesture to put the rumors to rest.
The letter of James
James 1:1-5, 22-25The letter opens with James introducing himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. It invites us to count trials as joy, to ask God for wisdom, who gives without reproach, and to put the word into practice rather than merely hear it. Christian tradition attributes it to James of Jerusalem.
What James, brother of Jesus teaches us
- The risen Christ turns a family relationship into a living faith: James goes from brother to servant of the Lord.
- A church leader can speak with wisdom to keep unity: not to make it difficult for those who turn to God.
- The testing of faith produces patience and leads to maturity (James 1:2-4).
- Faith is proven in actions: put the word into practice, and do not merely hear it.
Key verses
Paul writes that Christ appeared to James, then to all the apostles. This particular appearance adds to the witnesses of the resurrection and marks the importance of James in the church.
James says that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who turn to God. This advice shows the church that grace is offered with no extra condition.
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. This verse sums up the heart of the letter of James.
Frequently asked questions
Who was James, the brother of Jesus?
James is called the Lord's brother (Galatians 1:19). Paul lists him among the witnesses of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7) and as one of the pillars of the church in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9). He speaks at the council of Acts 15 and receives Paul in Acts 21. He must not be confused with the apostle James, son of Zebedee.
What does the name James mean?
James is the English form of Jacob. The Bible explains this name in Genesis 25:26, where the child is born holding his brother's heel. The name is generally linked to this image, but it is best to stay cautious about its exact meaning.
Where can I find the story of James, the brother of Jesus, in the Bible?
We find James in 1 Corinthians 15:7, in Galatians 2:9, in Acts 15:13-21 and 21:18-25, and in the letter that bears his name. Christian tradition identifies him as the author of this letter, whose chapter 1 presents trial, wisdom and putting the word into practice.