Apostle St. James, son of Alphaeus – Oct 23

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.

Each time in the list, the family relationship stated is that his father is Alphaeus. Alphaeus is also the name of father of Levi (tax-collector identified as Matthew in St Matthew 9:9) in St Mark 2:14- “As He passed by, He saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office”. Owing to this some conclude that St. James (son of Alphaeus) and St Matthew might have been brothers. Some also say that he was a nephew of St Joseph (the son of St Joseph’s brother Cleopas, who was also called Alphaeus).

St James (son of Alphaeus) is often identified with James the Less, who is only mentioned three times in the Holy Bible, each time in connection with his mother. St Mark 15:40 refers to “Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses”, while St Mark 16:1 and St Matthew 27:56 refer to “Mary the mother of James”. 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.

Throughout the history of the Church biblical scholars have proposed theories about James the son of Alphaeus’ identity. Some scholars think that James’ father Alphaeus could be the husband of Mary the wife of Cleopas or Clopas may be another name for Alphaeus.

While some apostles wrote books of the Bible and others were featured regularly in the gospels, it appears that James the son of Alphaeus was quietly faithful to his Lord. He heard the Lord’s words and witnessed His miracles. For that, he will be equally honored with them for all eternity. James the son of Alphaeus was a witness to Jesus’ years of ministry on earth, of the true words and miracles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His suffering, His resurrection and Ascension. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit and a leader in the early Church alongside the other apostles.

Tradition says that James, son of Alphaeus, evangelized in Persia (modern-day Iran) and was martyred there. The tradition mentions that Apostle St James (son of Alphaeus) together with Apostle St Andrew the First-Called undertook missionary journeys in Judea, Edessa, Eleuthero polis and Gaza. With great power in words and in deeds, James disseminated the saving news of the Incarnate Word of God, destroying idolatry, driving demons out of men, and healing every infirmity and disease in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. His labor and zeal were crowned with great success. He proclaimed the Gospel, healing all sorts of sickness and disease, and converting many to the path of salvation. St. James finished his apostolic work In the Egyptian city of Ostrachina, where he was crucified by the pagans. Regarding his martyrdom some state that he was crucified in the Egyptian city, while some state that he was stoned to death in Jerusalem.

Thus, this great and wonderful apostle of Christ took up his abode in the Heavenly realms, to reign eternally with the King of Glory. May the prayers and intercessions of the holy Apostle – St. James (son of Alphaeus) be a refuge for us!