James the Just (c. 1–62 AD), also known as James, the brother of the Lord, was a key leader in the early Church and one of the most respected figures in Christianity’s formative years. Known for his unwavering devotion to righteousness, James earned the title “the Just.” He is traditionally identified as the author of the New Testament epistle that bears his name, which focuses on practical Christian living and genuine faith.

Initially, James did not believe in Jesus during His earthly ministry (John 7:5). Despite being a close relative of Jesus—commonly understood as His half-brother—James remained skeptical. However, this changed after the resurrection. Paul records that the risen Christ appeared personally to James (1 Corinthians 15:7), a life-altering event that transformed him into a devout follower of Christ. This encounter is not only a testament to the power of Christ’s resurrection but also serves as compelling evidence for the resurrection itself. For someone who once doubted, James’s radical transformation into a faithful leader, willing to die for his beliefs, underscores the authenticity of the resurrection.

James emerged as a central figure in the Jerusalem Church, guiding it through its formative years and providing leadership during critical moments, such as the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). His wisdom and authority played a pivotal role in uniting Jewish and Gentile believers, maintaining the Church’s unity while affirming the essentials of the Gospel. Despite his prominence, James remained deeply humble and is remembered for his prayerful and ascetic life. According to the historian Josephus, James was martyred in 62 AD, stoned to death by religious authorities. His steadfast faith, even unto death, continues to inspire Christians.

The Epistle of James offers profound insights into James’s theology and priorities. He famously declared, “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 1:27). Here, James defines true religion not as mere ritual or words but as active care for the vulnerable and a commitment to holy living. His epistle emphasizes that faith, if genuine, must be accompanied by works. He wrote, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26), urging believers to live out their faith through righteous deeds and obedience to God’s Word.

James’s teachings highlight the importance of seeking wisdom from God, living with humility, and enduring trials with patience. He encouraged believers to view trials as opportunities for growth, writing, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3). He also emphasized the transformative power of prayer, stating, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). These themes reflect a deeply practical and pastoral approach, showing James’s concern for the spiritual well-being of the Church.

James’s life and ministry provided essential contributions to Christianity. As the leader of the Jerusalem Church, he played a vital role in guiding the early Christian community during a period of significant growth and theological development. His leadership at the Jerusalem Council helped establish the Church’s inclusivity, affirming that salvation is by grace through faith while maintaining the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers. His epistle remains one of the most practical and applicable books of the New Testament, offering timeless wisdom on faith, perseverance, and righteous living.

The resurrection of Christ was the defining event that transformed James from a skeptic into a faithful disciple. This profound encounter not only shaped his life but also serves as powerful evidence for the truth of the Gospel. James’s devotion to prayer, his care for others, and his willingness to die for his faith reflect a life wholly committed to Christ. His teachings challenge Christians to integrate faith and action, to persevere in trials, and to live lives marked by wisdom, humility, and love. James the Just remains a towering figure in Christian history, offering a model of steadfast faith and practical holiness.