Holy Bible Online 
The Apostle James (Jacob), brother of John, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Jesus called James and John and nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder” because of their strong temperaments. James was with Jesus at important moments, when Jesus revealed his divine glory and in Gethsemane. James was the first apostle to die for his faith in Christ. He died by the sword, by order of King Herod Agrippa I.
James, son of Zebedee also known as Jacob or James the Greater was the brother of the Apostle John. Both were fishermen in Galilee and worked with their father on a fishing boat. It was in that humble, hard-working context that Jesus found them and called them to be disciples, along with Simon Peter and Andrew, who were also fishermen. James and John immediately left everything to follow Jesus, showing the faith and determination of the brothers.
Jesus nicknamed James and John “Boanerges,” which means “Sons of Thunder,” because of their temperament. This side came to light when they suggested that Jesus call down fire from heaven to destroy a village that had rejected him. However, over time and under Jesus’ guidance, James learned to balance his impulsiveness with the message of love and compassion in the Gospel.
James was one of the three disciples closest to Jesus, along with John and Peter. He took part in crucial moments of Jesus’ life, including the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter, where only these three disciples accompanied the Master.
Another important moment was when James, together with John and Peter, witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus. In that event, Jesus revealed his divine nature, transforming and shining with light before them, while Moses and Elijah appeared at his side. James was also with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed intensely before being arrested.
After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, James continued spreading the faith, becoming one of the first leaders of the Christian church. However, his life was brief: he was the first apostle to be martyred by order of King Herod Agrippa I. To be martyred means to die in defense of one’s faith and its principles.
This persecution marked a difficult time for the church, but the death of James became an example of faithfulness and courage. His legacy inspires Christians to follow Jesus with bravery and total commitment, even in the face of great challenges.
In the Bible, the life of James appears in the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles. The story of James reflects the call to commitment and the willingness to serve Christ.
Key events in the life of James
- Jesus called him to be a disciple: Jesus called James and John while they were fishing; they left everything to follow him, showing readiness and faith.
- Nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” for their fiery temperament: Jesus gave James and John this nickname, reflecting their character. James even suggested that Jesus send fire upon a village, but Jesus corrected him.
- Request for a high position: James and John asked for places of honor at Jesus’ side in the kingdom, showing their desire for leadership and recognition.
- Witness of the Transfiguration: Together with Peter and John, James witnessed Jesus revealing his divine nature in all his glory.
- Present at the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter: James was one of the few who witnessed the raising of Jairus’ daughter.
- Accompanied Jesus in Gethsemane: In the Garden of Gethsemane, James was one of the disciples Jesus called to pray with him before his arrest.
- First apostle martyred: James was the first apostle to die for his faith, executed by order of Herod Agrippa I around A.D. 44.
Bible Study on the Apostle James
Jesus calls James to be his disciple
Jesus called James and his brother John while they were working as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. They were in the boat with their father, Zebedee, when Jesus passed by and invited them to follow him. Immediately, both left the boat and their father to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:21–22).
This calling took place after Jesus had already called Peter and Andrew, who were also fishermen. James and John, along with the other disciples, became part of the group chosen by Jesus to spread the message of the Kingdom of God. From the beginning, they responded to the call with readiness and faith.
James and Jesus in Gethsemane
In the Garden of Gethsemane, before being arrested, Jesus went through a moment of great anguish and prayer. He took Peter, James, and John, the three closest disciples to be at his side (Matthew 26:37).
Jesus asked them to stay there and keep watch while he prayed. In agony, Jesus prayed intensely, asking the Father that, if possible, the suffering might pass from him, but that God’s will would be done (Matthew 26:39).
James and the other disciples, however, were tired and, despite Jesus’ request, fell asleep while he prayed (Mark 14:37). Jesus woke them and exhorted them to watch and pray so as not to fall into temptation, for the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak (Matthew 26:41).
This episode in Gethsemane reveals James’ intimacy with Jesus, as he was one of the three chosen to be there, sharing a crucial moment in Jesus’ life. Yet it also shows human weakness, since James and the others did not remain watchful or pray with Jesus, despite the tension of that moment before his arrest.
James witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus
James was one of the three disciples who had the privilege of witnessing the divine transformation of Jesus, the Transfiguration, one of the most glorious moments in Christ’s life. Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain, where suddenly he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light (Matthew 17:1–2). At that moment, Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus.
The disciples were amazed, and, upon seeing this scene, Peter impulsively suggested building three shelters: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Matthew 17:4). But while he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). This confirmed the divinity of Jesus before the disciples.
James, like Peter and John, saw the glory of Jesus, testifying that he was more than a man: he was the Son of God. This event demonstrated James’ deep intimacy with Jesus, being one of the few to witness this revelation of his divine nature. After the vision, the disciples were terrified and fell facedown, but Jesus touched them and reassured them.
James witnessed the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter
James, along with Peter and John, had the opportunity to witness the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter, a synagogue leader. When Jairus asked for Jesus’ help because his daughter was near death, Jesus went to his house. On the way, some messengers said that the girl had already died (Mark 5:35).
Jesus, however, said that she was not dead but “asleep.” Upon arriving at Jairus’ house, Jesus sent everyone out except the three disciples and the girl’s parents. Then Jesus took the girl by the hand and said, “Talitha, koum, which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’” and she came back to life (Mark 5:40–41).
This miracle demonstrated James’ closeness to Jesus, as he was one of the few disciples chosen to witness this powerful moment that revealed Jesus’ authority over life and death.
Jesus calls James and John ‘Sons of Thunder’
James and John were brothers, sons of Zebedee and Salome, and worked as fishermen in Galilee when Jesus called them to be his disciples. Because of the brothers’ impulsive temperament, Jesus nicknamed them Boanerges, which means “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17).
They were passionate, and at times excessively zealous. One example was when, after being rejected by a Samaritan village, they suggested to Jesus that he call down fire from heaven to destroy it. However, Jesus rebuked them, showing that his way was one of love and patience (Luke 9:54–56).
James and John also asked Jesus for places of honor in his kingdom, desiring to sit at his right and left hand. They thought Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom. But Jesus explained that they did not know what they were asking, for his kingdom required sacrifice and humility. Moreover, only the Father could grant such places of honor, according to his will (Mark 10:35–40).
Despite these early mistakes, James and John matured in their faith. James became the first apostle to die for his faith in Jesus, while John continued serving Jesus into old age, becoming known as the “apostle of love.” Both left a legacy of total dedication and commitment to the Gospel.
James: The First Apostle to Die for Jesus
James was the first of the apostles to die because of his faith. He was arrested by order of King Herod Agrippa I, who persecuted Christians to please the Jews (Acts 12:1–2). Herod ordered that James be killed with the sword, making him the first apostle to die for his faith in Jesus. His death occurred around A.D. 44.
This act of courage and faithfulness to Christ demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the message of the Gospel, serving as an example for Christians of every generation. The bravery of James is remembered as a symbol of total devotion to Christ.
Lessons We Learn from the Story of James
The story of James teaches us several important lessons. We learn about the call to follow Christ. James, along with his brother John, left his work and family to follow Jesus without hesitation. This teaches us the importance of being willing to follow Jesus, even when it requires sacrifice.
Another important lesson is about courage and faithfulness. James was the first apostle to die for his faith, showing that even in the face of persecution and hardship, we must remain firm in our faith in Christ.
James also teaches us about transformation. He and John were known for their impulsive temperament, being called “Sons of Thunder.” However, by living alongside Jesus, James learned to control his impetuousness and to live with greater love and patience.
In addition, his story teaches us about humility and service. When James and John asked for places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom, he taught them that to be great, they must be servants. Thus, the life of James calls us to live with courage, humility, and dedication in service to Christ.
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