S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

James was a son of Mary and Joseph and therefore a half-brother to Jesus and brother to Joseph, Simon, Judas, and their sisters (Matthew 13:55). In the Gospels, James is mentioned a couple of times...

Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.

July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt Supporter

Actually, not much can be learned from the life of James the half-brother of Jesus. The few mentions of him are found in Matthew 13:55, John 7:5 and Acts 1:13-14. Unfortunately, much that is attributed to this James actually belong to other men named James.

As an example, James of Acts 12:17, 15:13, 21:18, and Galatians 2:9, is not the Lord’s brother, but more likely the apostle James the son of Alphaeus, known as James the Less (lesser known or lesser ranked). This James was one of the original Twelve, called by Jesus and serving with his brethren. He had been with Jesus His whole ministry, Acts 1:21-22. This maturity in the faith is evidenced by his leadership ability and wise judgment in Acts 15:13-21 and being one of the pillars of Galatians 2:9.

On the other hand, the brother of Jesus had neither the qualifications, nor the training and experience. He comes to faith much later, not having understood Jesus nor believing in Him, John 7:3-5. He does not showing any spiritual interest until after Jesus ascended, Acts 1:13-14. There is no indication that this James could have arisen quickly to such power and authority in the church in the years since the ascension of Jesus. Too much of tradition has made James the brother of Jesus to be someone he could not have been. Everything in the area of leadership traditionally attributed to the brother of Jesus better applies to James the son of Alphaeus.

Then, concerning the authorship of the book of James, the writer is not specifically said to be the Lord’s brother. With his limited background and lack of exposure with Christ, it is not conceivable that he wrote it. It is more feasible that it was another James.

This time it would be the son of Zebedee. The fact that he was an early martyr, usually discounts him as the writer. But the book is said to be written very early and if his death is dated to about 44, it gives a possible twelve-year period in which to have written it. In fact, the recipients being the twelve tribes scattered abroad, James 1:1, could well be those who had assembled at the first Pentecost and then went back to their lands. The epistle fits the purpose of encouraging Jewish believers who had come to faith. This James with apostolic authority echoes the teachings of Jesus in his letter. The style and subject is suited to this apostle.

The claim that James the half-brother of Jesus being the church leader or the writer of the book of James is improbable. But, two apostles, well qualified and having apostolic authority, easily fit the bill.

If understood correctly, the half-brother of Jesus had but a very brief history in the Scriptures. No other Scriptural record exists of him to know about his life, his career, or contribution after the ascension of the Lord to be instructive to believers today. He basically disappears from Biblical history.

April 03 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report