In the Book of Acts, who is the 'James' that eventually becomes the leader of the Jerusalem Council?
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Correct answer: James the brother of Jesus
While some traditions conflate them, most modern scholars distinguish between James son of Alphaeus (the Apostle) and James the brother of Jesus (the leader of the Jerusalem church). The latter rose to prominence after the Apostle James (son of Zebedee) was martyred.
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More James son of Alphaeus questions
- What is the meaning of the name 'Alphaeus' in the context of the New Testament?
- In Luke 6:16, which apostle is identified by the name of a father called James?
- In the grouping of the twelve, James son of Alphaeus is usually listed in which position?
- If James son of Alphaeus is indeed 'James the Less', what role did his mother play in the ministry of Jesus?
- In the lists of the twelve apostles found in the Synoptic Gospels, the second apostle named James is identified as the son of whom?
- By what common nickname is James son of Alphaeus often known to distinguish him from the son of Zebedee?