James, the son of Zebedee

Also known as: James the brother of John / James the son of Zebedee · Family: Jesus and his followers · Role: disciple · First appears: Matthew 4

In Matthew 4 and Mark 1, James was working with his brother John, the son of Zebedee and their father Zebedee when Jesus called them. “And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.” In Luke 5, James and John, the son of Zebedee were partners with Peter before they left everything to follow Jesus.

In Mark 3, Jesus ordained James among the twelve to remain with him and receive authority to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils, and surnamed him and John, the son of Zebedee Boanerges, “which is, The sons of thunder:” In Matthew 10, Jesus gave the twelve power over unclean spirits and disease, then sent them to preach, heal, cleanse, raise the dead, and cast out devils; James was also connected with God as Father. In Mark 10, Jesus refused James and John, the son of Zebedee’s request for positions beside him in glory.

In Acts 12, James the brother of John, the son of Zebedee was killed with the sword.