April 07, 2013

James (Jesus' brother) in the New Testament

Please see the previous post for notes about the book of James, and James himself. Check back for another post soon about first century Palestine, with comparisons to Israel today.

-Shawn

Matthew 13:55- Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Mark 6:3- Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.


(cynical and unbelieving townspeople invoke Jesus’ relationship to James to make him common.)

John 7:5- For neither did his brethren believe in him. (vv3-10 context)

(speaking of Jesus - his brothers, probably including James, didn't follow him.)

Acts 1:14- These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

(vv11-15 context – James is present in the upper room with Jesus’ disciples after his ascension.)

Acts 12:17- But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

(vv13-18 context – Peter recognizes James’ authority. James is pastoring the Jerusalem church.)

Acts 15:13- And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2015:1-31&version=NIV Acts 15:1-31 – I recognize I didn't give a lot here. I encourage you to check the link and read it in its' context.)

This passage is very significant in understanding James, because it shows James' relationship to Paul, with whom his writings are often compared. Notice that it is James who sends Paul to preach to the Gentiles, and specifically with the permission to say that they do not need to convert to Judaism or follow the Mosaic law to follow Jesus.

The church leaders discuss together what a Gentile must do to be converted to Christ. Some think they should be circumcised and convert to Judaism first. Peter says that this would be requiring them to follow the law, which no one can do, and that they are saved by grace alone, just as the Jews are (v11). Finally, James addresses everyone, and affirms Peter’s statement, saying that they should not require Gentile believer’s to follow the law, but only that they should repent of idol worship and its’ practices, and believe in Jesus.

Acts 21:18- And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

(vv17-20 context- Paul and his leaders report to James of their missionary endeavors among the Gentiles. James and his elders report to Paul of their evangelism and teaching among the Jews.)

1 Corinthians 15:7- After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

(Paul is giving evidence of the resurrection of Jesus, using James as a witness.)

Galatians 1:19- But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

(Paul describes the beginning of his calling and ministry, and mentions having seen James, pastor of the church in Jerusalem.)

Galatians 2:9- And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

(Paul references James’ and Peter’s authority in Acts 15 to send him to preach to Gentiles.)

Galatians 2:12- For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

(Paul rebukes Peter for acting differently toward Gentiles when James’ representatives are present. James and the elders are of the Jewish church.)

Jude 1:1- Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called.

(Jude, another brother of Jesus listed in Matthew 15:33, identifies himself as James’ brother, but a servant of Jesus.)

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