James, Saint, was one of the leaders of the Christian church in Jerusalem during the first years after it was founded. He is referred to as Jesus’ brother (Gal. 1:19), but the term “brother” can also mean “cousin” or “kinsman.” Some documents record the tradition that the Jews called him “the Just,” probably because of his strict observance of the law. The New Testament seldom speaks of James by name. Historians record that he was martyred about A.D. 62. This James should not be confused with James, the son of Alphaeus, and James, the son of Zebedee, who were among the 12 apostles. According to tradition, James wrote the Epistle of James in the New Testament. But many scholars doubt James wrote it.
