Saint James the Greater was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and belonged to the inner circle of the Apostles. He was the brother of Saint John the Evangelist and the son of Zebedee. While working as a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee alongside his father and brother, James heard Christ’s call and immediately left everything behind to follow Him.
Together with Peter and John, James enjoyed a unique closeness to Jesus. He was present at some of the most significant moments of the Lord’s ministry, including the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Transfiguration, and Jesus’ prayer and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Gospels reveal James as a man of great enthusiasm and strong character. Along with his brother John, he sought a place of honour in Christ’s kingdom, demonstrating both ambition and a limited understanding of the nature of discipleship. Jesus used this moment to teach that true greatness is found not in power or status, but in humble service and self-sacrifice.
James and John were also given the nickname *“Sons of Thunder,”* reflecting their passionate and sometimes impulsive nature. On one occasion, when a Samaritan village refused to welcome Jesus, they suggested calling down fire from heaven upon it. Christ gently rebuked them, teaching them the way of mercy and patience.
Over time, James grew in faith and understanding, learning what it truly meant to follow Christ. Jesus had foretold that he would share in His suffering, and this prophecy was fulfilled when James became the first of the Apostles to give his life for the Gospel.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, King Herod Agrippa ordered James to be executed by the sword around the year 44 AD. His martyrdom made him the first of the Twelve Apostles to die for his faith in Christ.
Known as *James the Greater* to distinguish him from James the Lesser, Saint James is honoured as a courageous witness to the Gospel. He is also closely associated with the great pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where tradition holds that his relics are enshrined, drawing pilgrims from around the world for centuries.
