OUTLINE

Adrian Lugo

James the Just

- Give basic information about him. Relatives, Where he’s from, etc.
- Who was he towards Jesus? His origins of how he met Him, what role he plays with the other
disciples, etc.

James’ Personality
Describe how James is.
What he does/what he says
Explain his personality as a whole

The Significance of James

- Explain the major significance he has had during his time.
- Any important words he has stated in the Bible.
-What verses did he show up in and played a huge role

James and Jesus

-Describe James relationship with Jesus
-Describe his road to benign a disciple

James’ Legacy
- Talk about how much significance he has given to in the Christian Life
- What characteristics that reflect Jesus can we learn from him?
- What is James biblical significance

NOTES
Source #1
● James initially doubted Jesus' identity and teachings, even though they grew up
together.
● After Jesus' resurrection, James encountered the risen Christ, leading to a
transformation in his beliefs.
● James became involved in the early Christian community, joining in prayer and awaiting
the Holy Spirit's descent.
● James was a key leader in the Jerusalem church, playing a role in decision-making and
guidance.
● James collaborated with the apostle Paul, offering guidance and support in their ministry.
● James authored the Epistle of James, which talked about the importance of faith
accompanied by action.
● James' faith led to death, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration for future generations of
believers.
Source: #2
● James is what one can consider the founding fathers of the early christian church,
guiding messianic jews through the tribulations of their time.
● It is safe to infer that James was a very knowledgeable, courageous, peace-seeking
leader.
● Through his book in the bible, James teaches readers how to live a holy life in
accordance with God’s covenant.
● James’ teaching styles originate from his experiences with Jesus and Jesus' way of
teaching. It explains the similar writing style between his book and the book of Proverbs.
● James, like Jesus, believed in equal treatment of everyone, he did not bring others down
or up because of their status, rather focused on empowering a holy lifestyle.
● James’ book is based around teaching the reader how to put their faith into action.

Source #3

● James was an author of the epistles.

● James, like his other brothers, originally did not believe in Jesus, but he later
transformed his newfound faith into productive teachings.
● James was an important leader in the beginnings of christianity, being the leader of the
first christian and jewish ministry in jerusalem.
● James was very humble, did not boast as the brother of Jesus but as a servant of the
lord.
● In his epistle, James promotes the spread of the gospel abroad and righteous living.
● Jame’s epistle serves as a new testament version of teachings in Proverbs in a way in
which readers can apply the wisdom given into their lives.

Source #4

● James is technically half-brother of Jesus because they share the same mother but
obviously not the same father.
● James’ skepticism of Jesus being the messiah explains James’ rational,steady, and
principled way of thinking.
● James led the early christian church to grow with his leadership and ever-learning
philosophy.
● James believed everyone can grow their faith regardless of their ancestry.
● James teaches us in his epistle how to apply Jesus’ teachings into our lives.
● James is humble, recognizing himself as a servant of God unlike most ministry leaders
at the time.

Source #5

● James was given the nickname “James the Just” to tell him apart from others named
James in the bible.
 ● James originally tried to dissuade Jesus from the path he was going on.
● After experiencing and seeing what Jesus claimed to be, is when James became
undeniably faithful.
● Because of his wisdom, courageous, and principled character, James was seen as one
of the apostles most looked up to in the early christian church.James was likely the first
martyr, as he was stoned to death for his faith.

Source #6

● James was courageous enough to challenge the idolization of Mary in the catholic
church.
● James’ authoritative decisions led to pivotal advances in the council.
●
● It's actually not 100 percent certain that James is Jesus' biological brother, it's possible
he’s a half brother or a cousin.
● James wanted to believe in Jesus despite his doubts, hence his presence in major
biblical events such as the last supper.
● After Jesus’ crucifixion, James was able to take what he learned from Jesus to be a
leader in the early church.
● James was the main apostle who pushed for equal treatment for gentiles in the church.
● James epistles, teachings, and life experiences demonstrate his prominence in the bible,
making an important figure in which readers can learn from.

Source #7

● James, despite his doubts, was very loyal to Jesus becoming one of the 12 disciples.
● James was in a very close inner circle with Jesus, making his testimonial teachings very
valuable.
● Despite his rather peaceful and loyal character, James was not perfect, nearly ordering
fire upon a village that rejected Jesus.
● James was the first disciple to be martyred.
● James learned through his discipleship that following Jesus is about being humble and
enduring earthly pain for eternal healing.
● Fun fact, James is mentioned in every single one of the gospels.

Source #8

● Originally not recognized as a disciple, James’ newfound faith after seeing Jesus'
post-crucifixion proved he was.
● James was very ambitious, always trying to get ahead.
● James witnessed a lot of Jesus’ miracles and important events like the transfiguration.
● James was rebuked by Jesus for his impulsive desire to burn a lawless town.
● James was the first disciple to be killed for his faith.
 ● James teaches us to submit to God's will despite our intentions because we aren’t
omniscient like him.

Source #9

● James was a very law-abiding and righteous person.

● James originally did not have Jesus being the Messiah, but later found it. Similarly we
can as well.
● James' leadership and savvy decision-making gave him status in the church, yet he
remained humble as a servant of God.
● James was not afraid to stand up for justice, hence the nickname james the just.
Similarly, we should not be afraid to speak out our faith.
● James saw everyone as equal and did not let their opinions or backgrounds cloud his
judgment.
● James was committed to his faith, even if it meant his own death.

Sources

1) Aust, Jerold. “Profiles of Faith: James - Half Brother of Jesus.” United Church of God, 3 Feb.

2003, https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/profiles-of-faith-james-half-brother-of-jesus.

2)Book of James Summary: A Complete Animated Overview. www.youtube.com,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.

3)Introduction to James.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/eng/manual/new-testament-study-guide-for-home-stu

dy-seminary-students/introduction-to-james. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.

4)James | Lesson 12 in Character by Character, Series 4.

https://ubdavid.org/bible/characters4/characters4-12.html#:~:text=Tradition%20states%20that%
20James%20had,as%20%E2%80%9CJames%20the%20Just%E2%80%9D. Accessed 16 Mar.

2024.

5)James, Brother of Jesus – Bible Discovery TV. 18 Nov. 2022,

https://biblediscoverytv.com/history/2022/james-brother-of-jesus/

6)Marina, Marko. “Who Was James the Brother of Jesus? The Role of James in the Bible.” Bart

D. Ehrman - New Testament Scholar, Speaker, and Consultant, 8 Sept. 2023,

https://www.bartehrman.com/james-the-brother-of-jesus/

7)“Meet James: The First Apostle to Die for Jesus.” Learn Religions,

https://www.learnreligions.com/profile-of-apostle-james-701062 Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.

8)“What Can We Learn from What the Bible Says about James the Apostle?”

GotQuestions.Org,

https://www.gotquestions.org/James-the-apostle.html. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024

9)“Who Was James, Jesus’ Brother? What the Bible Tells Us About Him.” Bible Study Tools, 27

May 2020,

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/who-was-jesus-brother-james.html