Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher Jim Rickard Thursday, March 5, 2009

Memory Verse John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

The Twelve Apostles 1. Simon-Peter 2. Andrew 3. James 4. John 5. Philip 6. Bartholomew 7. Thomas 8. Matthew, Levi 9. Simon the Zealot 10. James, the son of Alphaeus 11. Thaddaeus 12. Paul

James, the greater His Name: English translation of the Greek name IAKOBOS from IAKOB or Jacob, which means supplanter. The Hebrew is YAAQOB.

Background: He is the older brother of John, Mark 5:37, one of the two sons of Zebedee. Mat 4:21; Mark 1:19; Luke 5:10

Their mother is Salome who is most likely the sister to our Lord's mother Mary. Compare Mat 27:56; Mark 15:40; 16:1; John 19:25.

That would make James and John first cousins of our Lord Jesus, and also related to the family of John the Baptist.

A native of Bethsaida, his father was of some wealth, owning a fishing ship and hired servants. Mark 1:20; Luke 5:3; John 19:27

This accounts for his mother consistently contributing financially, to the ministry of our Lord. Mark 15:41; 16:1; Luke 8:3.

James and his brother were fishermen by trade, and partners with Simon and Andrew. Mark 1:20; Luke 5:10

His Personality: He was warm but at the same time impetuous in temperament, which may have led to James' and John's surname "Sons of Thunder", Mark 3:17,...

...which means strength, unexpectedness and zeal, approaching to methods of violence.

His vehemence and fanaticism made him to be feared and hated among the Jewish enemies of the Christians, which eventually lead to his martyrdom.

Role Among the Disciples: Our Lord called him when at the Sea of Galilee. Mat 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11

James’ mother often took care of our Lord's daily needs. Mat 27:56; Mark 15:40-41

He and John’s eagerness in response to our Lord’s call, renders them as models of obedience. Mat 4:21-22; Mark 1:19-20

He is in the roll of the twelve. Mat 10:2; Mark 3:14, 17; Luke 6:13-14; Acts 1:13

These brothers and Peter were the “inner circle” and at three major events (see Peter) and included Andrew for the private discourse on the fall of Jerusalem. Mark 13:3

He was present when the risen Jesus appeared for the 3rd time to the disciples, and the miraculous catch of fish made at the Sea of Tiberias. John 21:1-14

Jesus’ 3rd appearance to the disciples and the miraculous catch of fish

He and John joined in the request made to Jesus by their mother, to be seated on Jesus' right and left. Mat 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45

When the Samaritans did not receive the Lord, James and John desired to harshly rebuke them. Instead they were rebuked by our Lord. Luke 9:51-55

His Legacy: He is always mentioned with his brother John and mentioned first, probably for being the elder, except in Luke 9:28.

After the crucifixion we do not have any mention of James for 14 years, until his martyrdom.

He was the first Apostle martyred, and the only one mentioned in the NT.

He was the first Apostle martyred and the only one mentioned in the NT. Slain with a sword at the command of King Herod Agrippa I of Judea, A.D Acts 12:1-2

Thereby fulfilling the prophecy of our Lord, that he too should drink of the cup of the Lord. Mark 10:39

Extra Biblically: “The Acts of James in India”, says he and Peter went to India and evangelized.

“The Martyrdom of James”, says he preached to the 12 tribes scattered abroad.

He is considered the patron saint of Spain, with the legend of preaching there and being the first to bring the gospel of Christ.

Legend tells that his body was transported by ship to Spain under the guidance of angels to Iria, and that his miraculous appearances played in the history of Spain.

Paul’s statements in Romans 15:20 and 24 refute the legend.

Foxes Book of Martyrs: 10 years after Stephen, James was martyred by Herod Agrippa I.

His accuser was saved because of his extraordinary courage, requesting pardon, professed to be a Christian, and that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone.

They were both beheaded at the same time.

Phil 3:15, “…and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you.”

Grace Fellowship Church Thursday, March 5, 2009 James the Apostle Upper Room Discourse, Part 247 Tape # James the Apostle Upper Room Discourse, Part 247 John 13:36; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 9:51-55 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2009