Who was James, the brother of Jesus?
Quick answer
James was Jesus’ half-brother who initially did not believe in him, but encountered the risen Christ (1 Cor 15:7) and became a pillar of the Jerusalem church. He wrote the Epistle of James and was martyred around AD 62.
During Jesus’ ministry, his brothers including James were skeptical (John 7:5). The resurrection changed everything.
He became leader of the Jerusalem church, presided over the council in Acts 15, and wrote the Epistle of James.
Historical sources record his martyrdom by stoning in Jerusalem — a brother turned witness who paid the ultimate price.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.