Lesson #18 - The Apostle James, The Lord's Brother

Terry Siverd
01/29/20 - Wed Bible Study

LESSON #18 – THE APOSTLE JAMES, THE LORD'S BROTHER   

WHAT DO WE KNOW FROM SCRIPTURE ABOUT JAMES THE LORD’S BROTHER

~ He was a half-brother to Jesus.  Gal.1:19 refer's to this James as the Lord’s brother.

~ He was a son of Mary.  In addition to Jesus Mary had four others sons:

James, Joses, Judas and Simon.  cf. Ps.69:8 with Mt.13:55 & Mk.6:3

~ He was not at first a believer.  Jn.7:5 notes, not even (Jesus') brothers were believing in Him.

~ One can assume from 1Cor.9:5 that James was a married man, although we know nothing of his wife.

~ The risen Savior appeared to him personally after first appearing to the Twelve (1Cor.15:5 & 7).

We are led to conclude that it was Jesus’ resurrection that convinced and converted James.

~ He was among the 120 disciples gathered in the upper room after Jesus ascension.  cf. Acts 1:13-15

This passage clarifies that this James was neither James the son of Zebedee nor James the son of Alphaeus.

~ While not one of the original Twelve Apostles, James is called an apostle nonetheless.  cf. Gal.1:19

~ James describes himself as a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (Js.1:1).

JAMES BECOMES A LEADER IN THE JERUSALEM CHURCH

~ Paul included James with Cephas/Peter) and John who were reputed to be pillars in the church (Gal.2:9).

Acts 15:6 &13f shows him taking a leadership role (the apostles and the elders) in the Jerusalem church.

~ As to the issue of the significance of The Law in preaching to the Gentiles, It is James who becomes

the spokesman at the Jerusalem conference, handing down their important decision.  cf. Acts 15:13-29.

- Worth noting is the opening salutation in this important letters to the churches.

In Acts 15:23, we read “greetings”.

The only other place in the New Testament where we find this greetings salutation is in the epistle of James (Js.1:1).

~ After his release from imprisonment, Peter directs others to report these things to James and the brethren (Acts 12:17).

~ James' leadership is also witnessed in Paul's reference to the coming of certain men from James. cf. Gal.2:12

Acts 15:24 clarifies that these “men from James" did not actually have the endorsement of the Jerusalem church.

~ After his third missionary journey Paul reported back to James (with all the elders present).  cf. Acts 21:17-18

~ As the author of the epistle bearing his name, James speaks with an air of patriarchal authority.

His writings glow with stern and severe utterances and with remarkable fervency.

NOTES FROM TRADITION

~ James is described as one who was very zealous for the Law of God.

~ He is said to have abstained from strong drink and to have refrained from cutting his hair (perhaps he was a Nazarite).

~ He was recognized as a man of great virtue, respectfully given the sobriquet, “James the Just”.

His knees were said to have become calloused due to much time spent in prayer.

~ The death of James is mentioned by Josephus and described by Hegessipus (a 2^nd century Christian).

Some time prior to the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, the Pharisees had him

thrown from the temple, stoned, and beaten with a club for having faithfully witnessed to his Savior.

Tradition notes that he died praying, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”