Who was James the son of Zebedee?
Quick answer
James the son of Zebedee was one of Jesus’ inner three (with Peter and John). With his brother John, he was called a "son of thunder." He was the first apostle martyred — beheaded by Herod in Acts 12.
Part of Jesus’ closest circle. Present at the transfiguration, raising of Jairus’ daughter, agony in Gethsemane.
Bold and fiery — once wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village. Jesus shaped him over time.
His martyrdom under Herod marked the start of more serious persecution against the early church. He died for the Christ he had walked with.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.