James of Jerusalem, martyr, A.D.62
Paul in Galatians 1:19 reports that after his conversion he went to Arabia and then Damascus. After three years, he traveled to Jerusalem where other than Peter; he only visited James, the Lord’s brother.
Was James the brother of Jesus? That’s a difficult question to answer, because the Aramaic word for brother can also mean “cousin” or “kinsman.” Historically, throughout most of the Church, he is thought to be the son of a widowed sister of Joseph or Mary who had come to live with them.
Initially he, with Jesus’ other relatives did not believe in him. (John 7:3-5) However, Paul reports in his great resurrection chapter of I Corinthians 15, that after his resurrection Jesus appeared to the twelve, then to 500 of the believers and then to James.
After becoming a believer, James became a leader in the church in Jerusalem. (Acts 12:17; 15:12ff) Little is known is known about him. Our knowledge of his martyrdom comes from the historian Josephus who reports that James was stoned to death by the Sadducees in AD 62.
Historically, he is credited with authoring the Letter of James in the New Testament, citing the practical nature of his writing. Others use this same evidence to conclude that James of Jerusalem did not write the letter. Personally, I’ve found these arguments over authorship interesting, but not all that useful when it comes to preaching. Our faith is not grounded in matters of authorship, but in the word that was authored through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father, shepherd of Your people, You raised up James the Just, brother of our Lord, to lead and guide your Church. Grant that we may follow his example of prayer and reconciliation and be strengthened by the witness of his death; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Comments