James the Less, also known as James the Younger or James, son of Alphaeus, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His designation as "the Less" is traditionally understood to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, another of the twelve apostles, who is often referred to as James the Greater. The term "the Less" may refer to his stature, age, or the order of his calling.

Biblical References

James the Less is mentioned in the synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. In the Gospel of Matthew, he is listed among the twelve apostles: "These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him" (Matthew 10:2-4). Similar lists are found in Mark 3:16-19 and Luke 6:14-16, where James is consistently identified as the son of Alphaeus.

In the Acts of the Apostles, James the Less is mentioned as part of the early Christian community in Jerusalem: "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying. Present with them were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James" (Acts 1:13). This passage highlights his role in the foundational period of the Church.

Identity and Tradition

The identity of James the Less has been a subject of debate among scholars and theologians. Some traditions equate him with James the Just, the brother of Jesus, who became a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church. However, this identification is not universally accepted, and many conservative scholars maintain a distinction between the two figures.

James the Less is also sometimes associated with the figure of "James the Younger" mentioned in Mark 15:40, where women are described as watching the crucifixion of Jesus: "Some women were there, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Younger and of Joses, and Salome" (Mark 15:40). This connection suggests that his mother was among the women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry.

Role and Legacy

While the New Testament does not provide extensive details about the life and ministry of James the Less, his inclusion among the twelve apostles signifies his importance in the early Christian community. As an apostle, he would have been a witness to the resurrection of Jesus and played a role in spreading the Gospel message.

Tradition holds that James the Less preached the Gospel in various regions, with some accounts suggesting he ministered in Egypt. His martyrdom is also a subject of tradition, with some sources claiming he was crucified in Egypt, while others suggest he was stoned to death in Jerusalem.

James the Less is commemorated in the liturgical calendars of various Christian denominations, and his life serves as a testament to the faith and dedication of the apostles in the early Church. His example encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to serve the mission of the Church with humility and devotion.James the Less

called the Less because younger or smaller in stature than James the son of Zebedee. He was the son of Alpheus or Clopas and brother of our Lord (see above); was called to the apostolate, together with his younger brother Jude, in the spring of the year 28. At some time in the forty days that intervened between the resurrection and the ascension the Lord appeared to him. (1 Corinthians 15:7) Ten years after we find James on a level with Peter, and with him deciding on the admission of St. Paul into fellowship with the Church at Jerusalem; and from henceforth we always find him equal, or in his own department superior, to the very chiefest apostles, Peter, John and Paul. (Acts 9:27; Galatians 1:18,19) This pre-eminence is evident throughout the after history of the apostles, whether we read it in the Acts, in the epistles or in ecclesiastical writers. (Acts 12:17; 15:13,19; 21:18; Galatians 2:9) According to tradition, James was thrown down from the temple by the scribes and Pharisees; he was then stoned, and his brains dashed out with a fuller's club.

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... of the parties to each other might, at least in three instances, have suggested
a classification; as Peter and Andrew, James and John, James the Less and Jude ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen
... [Sidenote: St. James the Less, Bishop of Jerusalem.]. The government of
the Church in Jerusalem was conferred on St. James the Less ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter ii the foundation of.htm

The Martyrdom of James
... James sleeps none the less sweetly in his grave, or, rather, wakes none the less
triumphantly in heaven, because his life and death are both so scantily ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the martyrdom of james.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... neither. [5] This apostle was also called James the Less (Mark 15:40);
probably because he was younger than the son of Zebedee. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

The General Epistle of James
... It has been argued that Judas is indicated as a brother of James the less
in Lk.6:16; Acts 1:13, where we read of a Ioudas Iakobou. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

James ii. 1
... Hence, in opposition to such an unchristian aristocracy, James says: "My brethren,
have ... all personal advantages of an earthly nature must be less than nothing ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james ii 1.htm

James ii. 8-13
... man has more or less asserted its own freedom and superiority, or as the disturbing
element of self may still show its predominance. Certainly James could not ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james ii 13-aug.htm

The Death of Jesus
... And there were also women beholding from afar: among whom were both Mary Magdalene,
and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; who, when ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 33-41 the death of.htm

Betrayed by a Kiss.
... Bartholomew said, "Never have I seen him so sad;" and James the Less replied, "My
heart is also laden down with sadness;" while Matthew cried, "Ah, that this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter iv betrayed by a.htm

Meditation vii. The Washing of the Feet.
... When it was concluded, Jesus sent John and James the Less to fetch water from the
vestibule, and he told the Apostles to arrange the seats in a half circle. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation vii the washing of.htm

Who was James the son of Alphaeus? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Protoevangelium of James? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus