James (son of Zebedee) – The First Martyr Among the Apostles

Key Moments in James’ Life

The Call – Sons of Thunder

James was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and older brother of John. The family lived in Galilee and ran a prosperous fishing business on the Sea of Galilee, employing hired workers (Mark 1:20). Together with his brother John, James was nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus (Mark 3:17), probably because of their bold, fiery temperament and strong personalities. This nickname reflects the intensity and zeal they brought to their calling.

James was likely in his mid-20s when Jesus called him. He was mending nets with his father and brother in the boat when Jesus passed by and said, “Follow me.” Immediately they left their father Zebedee and the hired men in the boat and followed Jesus (Matthew 4:21–22; Mark 1:19–20). This choice meant abandoning a stable family business and a secure future. Yet James and John followed without hesitation.

James quickly became part of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and John. The three were present at the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and the agony in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). James was entrusted with unique moments of closeness to Jesus, witnessing events most disciples never saw.

Being part of this inner circle gave James a privileged perspective on Jesus’ ministry. He saw both the glory of the Transfiguration and the suffering of Gethsemane, preparing him for the path of martyrdom that lay ahead. His early zeal and fiery personality would be tempered by what he witnessed, shaping him into a faithful witness who would drink the cup of suffering.

Inner Circle – Witness to Glory and Suffering

James was one of only three apostles (with Peter and John) chosen to witness three of the most significant events in Jesus’ ministry:

• • The raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37) – Jesus allowed only Peter, James, and John to enter the room when He raised the girl from death, demonstrating His power over death.
• • The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8) – James saw Jesus’ glory revealed, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside Him. He witnessed the voice of God declaring Jesus as the beloved Son, a moment of divine affirmation.
• • The agony in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33) – James was among the three Jesus took deeper into the garden to pray with Him during His darkest hour, witnessing the depth of Jesus’ suffering.

These experiences gave James a unique perspective on Jesus’ identity and mission. He saw both the glory of the Transfiguration and the suffering of Gethsemane, preparing him for the path of martyrdom that lay ahead. Being part of this inner circle was both a privilege and a responsibility.

The Request for Seats of Honor

James and John (through their mother Salome) asked Jesus for places of honor in His kingdom: “Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom” (Matthew 20:21; Mark 10:35–45). Jesus replied, “Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of?” They confidently answered, “We are able.” Jesus affirmed they would indeed drink His cup, but the seats were not His to assign.

Jesus used this request to teach the disciples about true greatness: “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister… even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43–45). The other disciples were indignant, but Jesus turned the moment into a lesson on servant leadership. This exchange also foreshadowed James’ future—drinking the cup of suffering would become literal for him.

The Cup James Drank – First Martyr

Jesus’ words were prophetic. James became the first apostle martyred. King Herod Agrippa I had him executed by the sword around AD 44 (Acts 12:1–2). This was the first recorded martyrdom of an apostle and fulfilled Jesus’ prediction that James would drink the cup of suffering (Mark 10:39).

Early tradition (from Clement of Alexandria) adds that the executioner, moved by James’ courage, converted and was martyred alongside him. James’ death was swift and public, showing the early church’s willingness to suffer for Christ. His martyrdom also prompted Herod to arrest Peter next, setting the stage for Peter’s miraculous escape (Acts 12:3–17).

James’ martyrdom was significant not just because he was first, but because it showed the cost of following Jesus. The church was still young, and already one of the inner circle had been killed. Yet his death did not stop the spread of the gospel—it fueled it.

Death & Legacy

James was the first of the Twelve to die for his faith. His execution by Herod Agrippa I around AD 44 was a severe blow to the early church, yet it also demonstrated the cost of discipleship. Jesus had warned the disciples that they would drink His cup of suffering, and James was the first to do so fully.

James’ legacy is one of courage and commitment. As a “Son of Thunder,” he began with fiery zeal and ambition. Through his time with Jesus, he learned true greatness comes through serving and suffering. His martyrdom shows that the path of following Christ may lead to a cross—but it also leads to glory. James drank the cup to the dregs, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy and becoming the first apostolic witness to lay down his life for the gospel.