NT Characters: James

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.IntroductionJames, in its various forms (Jacob, Jacques, Diego, Jaime, Jack), is a common name.He was the brother of John. Jesus thus called at least two sets of brothers. With only one exception in the NT, he is always named before his brother John. This suggests he was older, or else preeminent. Perhaps his preeminence and outspokenness (Mark 10) led to his being martyred first?He was a fisherman, along with his brother and their father, Zebedee. The family of Zebedee was in partnership with the family of Andrew and Peter.His mother may be Salome (Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40). If so, this makes James and John maternal cousins of Jesus.Jesus called James and John Boanerges, Aramaic for "Son of thunder." Why this nickname? Personality? Booming voices? Fiery personality (Luke 9:54)?Mentioned in Matthew 4:21, 10:2, 17:21, 20:20, 26:37; Mark 1:19,29, 3:17, 5:37, 9:2, 10:35,41, 13:3, 14:33; Luke 5:10, 6:14, 8:51, 9:28,54; John 21:2. Never explicitly named in John.He was not the first Christian martyr. His death falls between those of Stephen (30s) and Peter and Paul (60s).Scripture studyJames was in "the inner circle" (Mark 5:37, 9:2, 13:3, 14:33).At that time he sought position (Mark 10:32-45 ).If he wanted to "drink the cup," he certainly got his wish. Acts 1:13, 12:1-3 are the fulfillment of Mark 10.Bible trivia: 7 decapitations Goliath (1 Samuel 17:46,51)Saul (1 Samuel 31:9)Ishbosheth (2 Samuel 4:7)Sheba (2 Samuel 20:22)John the Baptist (Matthew 14:10; Mark 6:16,27; Luke 9:9)The martyrs of Revelation 20:4The statue of the Philistine god Dagon (1 Samuel 5:4).Lessons:It's not about being in the inner circle, but about service.High profile leaders are more subject to attack.Sometimes the Lord takes us away early.