One of the twelve apostles of Jesus and son of Alphaeus.
About James
James, son of Alphaeus. He was one of Jesus's 12 apostles.
James, son of Alphaeus, is always listed as one of the 12 apostles (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). But, we do not know much about him for certain. Levi (also known as Matthew) is also described as the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14). But, he and James were probably not brothers. Many scholars think this James might be the same person as the one called “James the less” or “James the smaller.” The description “the less” seems to have been given to distinguish him from the son of Zebedee. It may indicate that he was either smaller or younger than Zebedee’s son (the Greek word can cover both interpretations).
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Alphaeus
Key References
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot,
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
All Scripture References (5)
Matthew (1)
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Mark (1)
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot,
Luke (2)
Acts (1)
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.