Origins & Early Life

James the Just, or a variation of James, brother of the Lord (Latin: Iacobus from Hebrew: יעקב, Yaʿqōḇ and Ancient Greek: Ἰάκωβος, Iákōbos, can also be Anglicized as "Jacob"), was, according to the New Testament, a brother of Jesus. James was personally known to Paul the Apostle (Gal 1:19). He was the first leader of the Church of Jerusalem. James was martyred, though the year and manner were disputed; Josephus records his death in 62 AD by being stoned to death on the order of High Priest Ananus ben Ananus, while Hegesippus places his death in 69 AD by being thrown off the pinnacle of the Temple by scribes and Pharisees and then clubbed to death.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

James, Joses, Simon, and Judas are mentioned as the brothers of Jesus as well as two or more unnamed sisters. (See Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3.) Catholics, Orthodox and some Protestants teach that James and others named in the New Testament as brothers of Jesus were not the biological children of Mary, mother of Jesus, but were cousins of Jesus, or step-brothers from a previous marriage of Joseph (as related in the non-canonical Gospel of James). Others consider James to be the son of Mary and Joseph. The Catholic tradition holds that this James...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Apollonius of Tyana — Contemporary (Died in 100) (100): Central Neopythagorean philosopher known for mystical travels and alleged miracles.
• Bartholomew the Apostle — Contemporary (Died in 100) (100): One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, traditionally associated with Nathanael.
• Clement of Rome — Contemporary (Born in 100) (100): First Apostolic Father and Bishop of Rome in the late 1st century.
• James, son of Alphaeus — Contemporary (Died in 62) (62): One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, often identified with James the Less.
• Jude the Apostle — Contemporary (Died in 62) (62): A foundational Apostle in the New Testament, variously known as Thaddeus or Judas of James.
• John the Apostle — Contemporary figure (Died in 99) (99): A foundational Apostle of Jesus, author of the Gospel of John and Revelation.
• Ban Chao — Contemporary figure (Died in 102) (102): Eastern Han general, diplomat, and explorer who controlled the Western Regions.
• Domitian — Contemporary figure (Died in 96) (96): Flavian Emperor known for authoritarian rule, massive building, and military expansion.
• Martial — Contemporary figure (Died in 104) (104): Master of Latin Epigrams, satirizing Roman life from Hispania.
• 100 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 100
• 62 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 62