Origins & Early Life

James the Great (Koine Greek: Ἰάκωβος, romanized: Iákōbos; Classical Syriac: ܝܥܩܘܒ, romanized: Yaʿqōḇ; died c. 44) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. According to the New Testament, he was the second of the apostles to die, after Judas Iscariot, and the first to be martyred. Saint James is the patron saint of Spain and, according to tradition, what are believed to be his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was also known as James the Apostle; James, son of Zebedee; James, brother of John; James, Son of Thunder, Saint James the Great; Saint James the Greater; St. James the Major; Saint James the Elder; Saint Jacob; and Santiago. James was born into a family of Jewish fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. His parents were Zebedee and Salome. Salome was a sister of Mary (mother of Jesus) which made James the Great a cousin of Jesus.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

James is styled "the Greater" to distinguish him from the other apostle James "the Lesser," with "greater" meaning older or taller, rather than more important. James the Great was the brother of John the Apostle. James is described as one of the first disciples to join Jesus. The Synoptic Gospels state...

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