St. James the just (cousin of the Lord)

St. James the Just (cousin of the Lord)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, I want to revisit and expand on a topic close to my heart: the life and legacy of St. James the Just, known as James the Less, the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and traditionally called the "brother of the Lord." This updated post aims to clarify his relationship to Jesus, explore his pivotal role in the early Church, and reflect on his timeless teachings, all while incorporating fresh insights from recent discussions and scholarship. As we focus solely on James, let’s dive into his story with renewed appreciation for his faith and leadership.

Clearing the Confusion: 

James as Cousin, Not Brother

One of the most debated aspects of St. James’s identity is his designation as the "brother of the Lord" (Galatians 1:19). Let me clarify: in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions, James is not considered a biological sibling of Jesus but rather a cousin or close kinsman. The Greek word adelphoi ("brothers") used in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3) often referred to extended family members in Jewish and Aramaic culture, not just literal siblings.

In the Catholic tradition, the majority view, solidified by St. Jerome in the 4th century (Against Helvidius), holds that James and the other "brethren" were cousins, likely the sons of Mary, the wife of Clopas, who was a relative of the Virgin Mary (John 19:25). This aligns with the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity, a teaching affirmed by the Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD) and upheld in Catholic theology. A few early Western Church Fathers, like St. Ambrose, St. Hilary of Poitiers, and St. Gregory of Tours, explored alternative views, but the cousin interpretation became the standard in the Latin rite.

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the prevailing view among Greek Fathers, such as St. Epiphanius of Salamis and the Protoevangelium of James (c. 150 AD), is that the "brethren" were children of St. Joseph from a previous marriage, making them Jesus’ stepbrothers. A minority of Orthodox theologians leaned toward the cousin theory. Both perspectives—East and West—agree that James was not a son of Mary, preserving her role as the ever-virgin Mother of God. Recent scholarship, including posts found on X, continues to debate these interpretations, with some modern Protestants favoring a literal sibling view, though this remains a minority position in historical Christianity.

This distinction matters because it reflects the early Church’s reverence for the mystery of the Incarnation. James’s familial tie to Jesus, whether as cousin or stepbrother, gave him a unique perspective, bridging Jewish tradition and the emerging Christian faith.

Who Was St. James the Just?

James, likely born around the same time as Jesus in Galilee, was the son of Alphaeus (or Clopas) and Mary, according to tradition. Early in Jesus’ ministry, James and his family were skeptical, as seen in Mark 3:21, where they thought Jesus was "out of his mind." Yet, a transformative encounter with the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7) changed everything. James became a devoted follower and a foundational figure in the Jerusalem Church.

By around 44 AD, after the martyrdom of St. James the Greater (one of the Twelve Apostles), James the Just emerged as the first Bishop of Jerusalem. His leadership was crucial during a turbulent period of persecution and theological debate. Known as "the Just" for his piety, asceticism, and fairness, James earned respect from both Christians and Jews. Eusebius, quoting Hegesippus, describes him as a man of intense prayer, with knees "like a camel’s" from constant kneeling, and a lifestyle marked by vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol, and ritual purity.

A Leader at the Council of Jerusalem

James’s most significant contribution came at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15, c. 49-50 AD), a defining moment for early Christianity. The Church faced a critical question: must Gentile converts follow Jewish laws like circumcision? As bishop, James presided over the council, listening to Peter, Paul, and Barnabas before delivering a balanced judgment: "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God" (Acts 15:19). His decision, rooted in Scripture (Amos 9:11-12), welcomed Gentiles without imposing the full Mosaic Law, enabling Christianity to become a universal faith. This moment showcases James as a unifier, harmonizing Jewish roots with the Gospel’s global mission.

The Epistle of James: A Guide for Christian Living

Tradition attributes the Epistle of James to him, a concise yet powerful letter written around 45-50 AD to Jewish Christians scattered abroad (James 1:1). Often compared to wisdom literature like Proverbs, it emphasizes practical faith: enduring trials, controlling speech, caring for the marginalized, and living out belief through action. The famous verse, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17), complements Paul’s teachings on justification by faith, showing that true faith manifests in love and service. Recent discussions on X highlight the epistle’s enduring relevance, with users noting its call to authenticity in a world of performative spirituality.

Martyrdom and Legacy

James’s unwavering faith led to his martyrdom in 62 AD. According to Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 20, Chapter 9), James was stoned to death on the orders of the high priest Ananus during a gap in Roman governance. Eusebius adds that James was thrown from the Temple’s pinnacle and clubbed to death while praying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"—an echo of Jesus’ words. His death solidified his reputation as a martyr and a model of Christlike forgiveness.

Today, St. James is venerated across Christian traditions. Catholics celebrate his feast on May 3 (with St. Philip), while Orthodox Christians honor him on October 23. His relics are said to rest in the Armenian Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem, a pilgrimage site. On X, users recently shared reflections on his leadership, with one post calling him "the steady hand that kept the early Church grounded."

Why James Matters in 2025

In our polarized world, St. James the Just offers a timeless example of faith in action, unity in diversity, and courage under pressure. His ability to bridge divides—between Jewish and Gentile Christians, tradition and innovation—speaks to our need for dialogue and compassion today. His epistle challenges us to live authentically, ensuring our faith bears fruit in justice and mercy.

For those eager to explore more, I recommend reading the Epistle of James, delving into Eusebius’s Ecclesiastical History, or visiting online resources like the Catholic Encyclopedia or OrthodoxWiki for deeper insights. Let’s take inspiration from James to live boldly for Christ, just as he did.

In Christ, Matthew E Treviño 

Share your thoughts on St. James in the comments below or on X! How does his example inspire your faith journey?