James, Son of Alphaeus
James the son of Alphaeus was one of the twelve apostles, named in all four lists of the twelve yet never quoted or singled out anywhere in the Gospels - the most obscure member of the inner circle. Tradition often identifies him with 'James the less,' whose mother Mary was among the women at the crucifixion, though Scripture never draws the connection explicitly. He was present in the upper room after the ascension, praying with the others as they awaited Pentecost, and by every early account carried the gospel outward with the rest. His near-total anonymity has itself become his legacy: a permanent member of the twelve foundations of the church whose entire recorded ministry is faithfulness without fame - proof that being known to Christ mattered more to the apostolic band than being known to history.
Biography
- Occupation
- Apostle
- Father
- Alphaeus
- Era
- New Testament
- Nationality
- Jewish
- Also Known As
- James the Less (traditional identification)
Family
Did You Know?
James son of Alphaeus appears in all four New Testament lists of the apostles yet is never quoted once - the most silent member of the twelve.
Because Matthew is also called 'the son of Alphaeus' in Mark 2, some scholars believe James and Matthew may have been brothers.
He is traditionally identified with 'James the less' of Mark 15:40, whose mother Mary watched the crucifixion - which would put his own mother at the cross.
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Named Among the Twelve
Matthew 10:2-4
Every list of the apostles includes him and none records a word he said - the kingdom's foundations include the famous and the unknown alike.
2ow the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
In the Upper Room
Acts 1:13-14
After the ascension he is there with the rest, continuing 'with one accord in prayer' - present at every hinge of the church's birth.
13nd when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.