Who Were James And John in The Bible?
Both James and John were brothers. Their mother’s name was Selma and their father’s name was Zebedee. Zebedee and Selma were one of the followers of Jesus, so James and John were also important disciples of Jesus. The most important miracles and events that happened in the life of Jesus, James and John were present with Jesus at that time. Together they played a very important role in the spread of Christianity. One of their titles was Boanerges. It means “Sons of Thunder“. They were very energetic and powerful.
Verse
“James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”).” (Mark 3:17)
Verse
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew. 4:19)
Once James and John were fishing, when Jesus told them to follow him, then James and John threw their nets and followed Jesus. Actually John and James’ profession was fishing. He used to catch fish and run his house with it. His residence was in an area called Galilee and he used to go fishing in Sea of Galilee. He became a very faithful disciple of Jesus and spent his life preaching Christianity.
Verse
“Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matthew 4:21-22)
Verse
“When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” (Mark 1:19-20)
Martyrdom of James
James was one of the most important disciples of Jesus. He was very brave and strong. James was often with Peter and Jesus. He is also known as ‘’ James the Greater’’. He was with Jesus when the revelations happened and there was another incident when Yair’s daughter was brought back to life. James was the first martyr in Christianity. He was martyred by Herod Agrippa I. This whole story is found in the book of Acts. James’ life and faith were a lesson to the rest of the disciples as well.
Verse
“It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.” (Acts 12:1-2)
Verse
“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with.” (Mark 10:35-39)
Last Days of John
John was the brother of James and an important disciple of Jesus. He was also nicknamed and known as John the Beloved Disciple. This title indicates that John was very close to Jesus. He had a long life, due to which he spread the message of Christianity far and wide. He is the author of the book of Revelation. When Jesus was crucified, Jesus commanded John to take care of his mother Mary and told Mary that it is now like your sons. Afterward, John was exiled to the island of Patmos.
Verse
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
Verse
“ I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9)
Titles of John And James
There was a Samaritan village where Jesus (peace be upon him) was refused shelter, John and James requested that fire be poured on the village where Jesus was not sheltered. This show how strong and energetic people John and James were. On this basis, they were nicknamed Boanerges. He also had two separate nicknames, John also known as “the Beloved Disciple “and James as “James the Greater”. Jesus always taught them to always act with love and mercy, not to be angry or to act rudely. In this way, Jesus used to teach them and make their personality based on love and service.
Verse
“When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.” (Luke 9:54-56)
Verse
“James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”).” (Mark 3:17)
John and James Relationship
John and James were close brothers. They were related by blood as well as by spirit. Together they brought the message of Christianity to the people, which made their relationship even stronger. They used to join Jesus on special occasions as well. They supported each other for the service of religion. Both of them also shared services in building churches etc. In this way, there was more love and spirituality in both of them than being brothers.
Verse
“He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.” (Mark 5:37)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
John and James did many services to Christianity. He devoted his entire life to bring the message of Christianity to the people. They supported Jesus in every situation and on every occasion. Even in the most difficult situations, they did not back down and remained steadfast. These were among the most important disciples of Jesus. From their lives we learn the lesson of love, service and loyalty, how two people who lived their whole lives in the love of Jesus and risked their lives to bring God’s message to the people.
