Red-Letter Day
Bishop & Martyr, Brother of Our Lord
October 23 · d. 62
also known as James the Just, James the Less, James the Brother of the Lord, James of Jerusalem
James, called 'the Just' and 'the Brother of Our Lord,' was the first bishop of the Jerusalem church and one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Eusebius, citing Hegesippus, records his careful observance of the Law, his devotion to prayer, and his reputation for righteousness among both Christians and Jews. He was martyred around AD 62, possibly by stoning, and his death marked a turning point in Jewish-Christian relations at Jerusalem.
Traditionally, James was regarded as exemplary in his observance of Jewish practice. Hegesippus records that he wore linen (not wool), never cut his hair, never anointed himself with oil, and did not bathe—ascetic practices consistent with Nazirite vows. He was said to spend so much time in prayer that his knees became hardened like a camel's. His reputation for righteousness extended even to non-Christian Jews, who called him 'James the Just.' After his death, his memory remained vivid in the Jerusalem church, and his role in the Council was remembered as establishing a model of authoritative yet pastoral leadership.
James first appears in the Gospels as 'the brother of Jesus,' mentioned alongside James, Simon, and Jude as sons of Mary (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55-56). The Fourth Gospel notes that during Jesus' public ministry, 'even his brothers did not believe in him' (John 7:5). Yet after the Resurrection, James became a central leader of the Jerusalem church. Paul lists him among the 'pillars' of the Church, alongside Peter and John, and records that James was among those to whom the risen Jesus appeared (1 Corinthians 15:7).
The book of James, attributed to him and addressed to 'the twelve tribes in the Diaspora,' emphasizes the integration of faith and works, practical mercy toward the poor, and adherence to the Law. The epistle's tone—authoritative and pastoral—reflects his role as a leading figure in the Jerusalem community.
Acts presents James presiding over the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:13) and rendering the decisive judgment that Gentiles need not be circumcised to receive the gospel. Later, he attempted to reconcile Paul with Jewish believers by suggesting that Paul participate in a purification ritual in the Temple—an episode that resulted in Paul's arrest (Acts 21:17-25).
Josephus, writing independently of the Christian sources, records in his Antiquities (XX.9.1) that 'James, the brother of Jesus who was called Christ, [was] accused of transgressing the Law, and was condemned...to be stoned.' The death occurred during a vacancy in the Roman procuratorship, suggesting official connivance. Hegesippus, cited by Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History II.23), provides a fuller account: James was challenged by scribes and Pharisees from a Temple pinnacle to deny that Jesus was the Messiah. When he refused and proclaimed his faith, he was cast down from the pinnacle and stoned.
Grant, O God, that, following the example of your apostle James the Just, kinsman of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.