James, son of Zebedee, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for his close association with Jesus Christ as one of the twelve apostles. He is often referred to as "James the Greater" to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, and James, the brother of Jesus. James was the elder brother of John, another of Jesus' apostles, and both were sons of Zebedee and Salome. The family was likely of some means, as Zebedee owned a fishing business on the Sea of Galilee, where James and John worked before being called by Jesus.

Calling and Apostleship

James' calling is recorded in the synoptic Gospels. In Matthew 4:21-22 , it is written: "Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him." This immediate response to Jesus' call highlights James' commitment and willingness to leave his former life behind to follow Christ.

James, along with Peter and John, formed the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. This trio was present at significant events, such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2: "After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them.") and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37). They also accompanied Jesus during His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33).

Character and Zeal

James is often depicted as zealous and passionate. This is evident in the account where he and his brother John, whom Jesus nicknamed "Boanerges" or "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), asked Jesus for permission to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that did not welcome them (Luke 9:54). This request reflects their fervent nature, which Jesus gently rebuked, teaching them about mercy and patience.

Martyrdom

James holds the distinction of being the first apostle to be martyred. His death is recorded in Acts 12:1-2 : "About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword." This event marked a significant moment in the early church, as it demonstrated the growing opposition and persecution faced by the followers of Christ.

Legacy

James' legacy is one of faithfulness and dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel. His willingness to suffer martyrdom for his beliefs serves as an enduring testament to his commitment to Christ. Throughout Christian history, James has been venerated as a saint, and his life continues to inspire believers to live with zeal and courage in their faith. His feast day is celebrated on July 25th in the Western Christian tradition.