4OurMembers_StJamesOfJerusalem

St. James Of Jerusalem

St. James of Jerusalem, also known as James the Just, was a significant figure in the early Christian Church. He was the first bishop of Jerusalem and played a crucial role in the Council of Jerusalem, where he was instrumental in the decision regarding the circumcision of Gentile converts. His identity is often debated, with some believing he was a cousin of Jesus, while others assert he was the son of Joseph. Despite the confusion, St. James was respected for his holiness and righteousness, and he is commemorated on October 23rd. His life and teachings continue to inspire Christians around the world.

Significance and Historical Background

Saint James (died ad 62) was a Christian apostle, and, according to St. Paul, although not one of the original Twelve Apostles, was leader of the Jerusalem Christians, who with Saints Peter and John the Evangelist is one of "the pillars of the church."

James evidently was not a follower of Jesus during his public ministry. Paul attributes James's later conversion to the appearance of Christ resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:7). Three years after Paul's conversion, James was an important leader in the Jerusalem church (Galatians 1:18-19), where he assumed even more significance after King Herod Agrippa I of Judaea in about ad 44 beheaded the Apostle St. James, son of Zebedee, and after Peter fled from Jerusalem (Acts 12:1-17). He was the chief spokesman for the Jerusalem church at the Council of Jerusalem regarding Paul's mission to the Gentiles (Acts 15:13) and final visit to Jerusalem (Acts 21:18).

The Feast of St. James Of Jerusalem

The Feast of St. James Of Jerusalem is commemerated on October 23.

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