The Apostle James son of Alphaeus
James the son of Alphaeus is one of the more obscure of Jesus’ twelve disciples. His name appears in each of the four lists of the disciples in the New Testament found in Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:14–19, Luke 6:13–16, and Acts 1:13. But not much else of him is described in Scripture.
There are two other men named James mentioned in the New Testament. The first is James the son of Zebedee who was also a disciple of Jesus. He is clearly a different James as he is also in each of the four lists of Jesus’ disciples alongside his brother, John. The other James is the brother of Jesus. He was one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension and authored the New Testament book of James (Galatians 1:19; Acts 12:17).
He is also known as James the Less or James the Younger, based on Mark 15:40. This could be referring to his age, his physical stature, or his prominence among the disciples.
From James the son of Alphaeus we can be encouraged that our faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to Him matters whether seen by many or by few. Though we know relatively little about him, James the son of Alphaeus is known fully by God and will be honored alongside the other apostles (Matthew 19:28; Revelation 21:14).
Matthew 10:2–4;
1
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
2
Now 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;
Mark 3:14–19
14
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
15
And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
16
And Simon he surnamed Peter;
17
And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
18
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
19
And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
Luke 6:13–16,
13
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
14
Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
16
And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
Closing prayer; Heavenly Father, there are times when we complain about the trials and tests that seem to pepper my walk through life – but we pray that we may increasingly learn to regard the various trials we face as pure joy.. and the inevitable difficulties that come my way as a glorious opportunity to rejoice in You. We pray that we may face our daily trials joyfully, knowing that the testing of our faith will produce endurance and steadfastness. May we increase our dependence upon You, so that we may grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ – to Your praise and glory, AMEN.
For those who wish to become a child of Our Heavenly Father or wish to be stronger in his eyes, please say the following prayer below.
Dear Heavenly Father, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
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