Among all the leaders of the early church, one name stands out for his purity, authority, and devotion: James the Just, the half-brother of Jesus. Though he did not initially believe in Christ’s divine mission, he would later become one of the most respected and influential voices in the early church—known for his deep humility, bold leadership, and prayerful lifestyle.
👤 A Family Member Who Once Did Not Believe
James was one of Jesus’ biological half-brothers—born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus. He grew up in the same home, observed Jesus’ earthly life firsthand, and yet, like many of Jesus’ relatives, he did not believe during the Lord’s earthly ministry.
John 7:5 (ESV) – “For not even his brothers believed in him.”
But something changed dramatically after the resurrection. Jesus made a special, personal appearance to James, and from that moment on, James’ life was transformed forever.
1 Corinthians 15:7 (ESV) – “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”
That resurrection encounter turned a skeptical brother into a devoted disciple, pastor, and eventually, a martyr for the faith.
✍️ Author of the Book of James
The letter of James opens not with a boast of brotherhood or authority, but with a striking declaration of humility:
James 1:1 (ESV) – “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.”
Though he could have introduced himself as “James, the brother of Jesus,” he instead chose the title “servant” (Greek: doulos)—a bondslave. This simple greeting speaks volumes about his character.
🧎 “Old Camel Knees” – A Man of Deep Prayer
Early Christian historian Eusebius records that James prayed so often and so fervently in the temple that his knees became calloused like those of a camel. Hegesippus, quoted by Eusebius, wrote:
“He used to enter alone into the temple and be found kneeling and praying for forgiveness for the people, so that his knees became hard like a camel’s because of his constant worship of God…”
This earned him the nickname “Old Camel Knees”—a name not of ridicule, but of reverent respect.
His leadership flowed from prayer, not power. His spiritual authority was born of humility and closeness with God.
⚖️ James the Just: A Righteous Leader
James was often called “the Just”—a reference to his upright and righteous life. He was the chief elder of the Jerusalem church and was considered one of the “pillars” of the early Christian community.
Galatians 2:9 (ESV) – “And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship…”
His sense of justice and impartiality is evident in the epistle he wrote, where he sternly rebukes favoritism and false religion:
James 2:1 (ESV) – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”
James 1:27 (ESV) – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James held the early church accountable to real, practical holiness and called believers to live out their faith with works of righteousness.
🏛️ His Leadership at the Jerusalem Council
In Acts 15, during a critical moment of decision about Gentile inclusion in the church, James stood up and delivered the final, Spirit-led judgment that brought unity between Jewish and Gentile believers:
Acts 15:13–15, 19 (ESV) – “After they finished speaking, James replied, ‘Brothers, listen to me… Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God…’”
His judgment brought clarity and peace during a time of potential division. He was both deeply rooted in Jewish law and courageously committed to the grace of Christ.
🩸 His Courage and Martyrdom
James continued to lead the Jerusalem church until his martyrdom around AD 62. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, James was sentenced to death by the high priest Ananus and stoned. Hegesippus also records that James was thrown from the pinnacle of the temple and then beaten to death with a fuller’s club when he refused to deny Jesus.
Even in death, James did not recant. Tradition says that with his dying breath, he prayed the words of Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
He lived—and died—as a man of justice, prayer, and peace.
📝 Summary of James the Just – Five Defining Traits
- Devout – Constant in prayer, rooted in the law and the Spirit
- Humble – Chose the title “servant” over “brother of Jesus”
- Just – Revered for fairness and righteousness
- Courageous – Led boldly through persecution until martyrdom
- Influential – Pillar of the early church, author of one of Scripture’s most practical books
📖 The Legacy of James
The legacy of James the Just lives on in the five chapters of the book that bears his name—challenging Christians of every generation to be authentic, humble, obedient, prayerful, and faithful. His life reminds us that God can transform skeptics into servants, doubters into leaders, and ordinary men into extraordinary examples of holiness.
James 5:16 (ESV) – “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
May we, like James, live lives that are shaped not just by hearing the Word, but by doing it.
