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James, brother of Jesus
led Jerusalem church c. 44–62; killed AD 62· Person· People
Historical recordConfirmed by archaeology, outside sources or contemporary records.
James, called 'the brother of the Lord', led the Jerusalem church in its first generation and was stoned to death there in AD 62.
See it on the Bible & Christianity map →What it is
John 7:5 says Jesus' brothers did not believe in him, but Paul lists James among those who saw the risen Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7). By the 40s he heads the Jerusalem community, a 'pillar' with Peter and John (Galatians 2:9). At the Council of Jerusalem he gives the ruling on Gentile converts (Acts 15). Known as 'James the Just' for strict keeping of the Law, he was killed on the high priest Ananus's orders.
Why it matters
He stands for Jewish Christianity, Jesus-followers who kept the Law. The Letter of James, traditionally his, insists that 'faith without works is dead' (2:26).
Life, legacy and sources
Paul met him in person (Galatians 1:19). Josephus records his stoning (Antiquities 20.200), calling him 'the brother of Jesus who was called Christ', one of the few non-Christian mentions of Jesus.
Questions and debates
'Brother' divides churches: many Protestants say a younger son of Mary; Orthodox, a son of Joseph by an earlier marriage; Catholics, a cousin or close relative. Whether he wrote the Letter of James is debated.
Connections (2)
▸James, brother of Jesus gave the deciding judgment at Council of Jerusalem: Gentiles welcomedMostly agreed by scholars
The connection
After Peter and Paul spoke, James gave the deciding word: 'I judge that we should not trouble those Gentiles who turn to God' (Acts 15:19). Quoting the prophet Amos, he proposed a few basic rules, which the council sent in a letter. Backing from a strict Law-keeper gave the decision weight.
When and where
Jerusalem, about AD 49, before the apostles and elders, with Paul, Barnabas and Peter present (Acts 15:6–29).
How do we know?
Acts records his speech; Paul independently confirms that James was a leading 'pillar' who approved his mission to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:9).
Questions and debates
Whether James chaired the meeting or simply spoke last is unclear. Soon after, 'people from James' pressed Jewish food rules at Antioch (Galatians 2:12), so his stance is debated.
▸Josephus, Jewish historian records the killing of James, brother of JesusHistorical record
The connection
Josephus reports that in AD 62, between Roman governors, the high priest Ananus convened the Sanhedrin and had 'the brother of Jesus who was called Christ, whose name was James' stoned for breaking the law. Fair-minded citizens protested, and King Agrippa II removed Ananus after three months.
When and where
Jerusalem, AD 62, after the governor Festus died and before Albinus arrived; written in Jewish Antiquities 20.197–203, about AD 94.
Historical evidence
Most scholars accept the passage as authentic: it is in every manuscript, mentions Jesus only in passing, and shows no Christian embellishment.
Questions and debates
Eusebius, quoting the 2nd-century writer Hegesippus, says James was thrown from the Temple and then killed; how this fits Josephus's simpler account is unclear.