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Person · 3 Sundays

James, son of Zebedee

In the readings on 3 Sundays so far.

Icon of the Apostle James in a red cloak, Patmos, 12th century
Saint James, Monastery of Saint John, Patmos, 12th century

At a glance

In the readings
3 Sundays, 10 January 2027 to 19 September 2027
Gospel passages
Matthew 4:12–22 · Luke 9:51–62 · Mark 13:28–37

Name meanings and role notes are drafted with each edition and waiting for review by a priest or editor.

The life of James, son of Zebedee

James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, a Galilean fisherman. With Peter and John he was one of the three closest to Jesus, and he was the first of the twelve apostles to die for Christ.

Died
Killed with the sword by Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem, about AD 44, the first apostle to be martyred ScriptureActs 12:1–2
Family
  • Father: Zebedee ScriptureMatthew 4:21
  • Brother: John ScriptureMatthew 4:21
  • Mother: Followed Jesus to the cross; comparing the Gospels, she may be Salome ScriptureMatthew 27:56; Mark 15:40

  1. Mending nets with his father and brother, he is called and leaves the boat to follow Jesus.

    ScriptureMatthew 4:21–22

  2. Jesus names him and John Boanerges, Sons of Thunder.

    ScriptureMark 3:17

  3. With Peter and John he sees Jairus’s daughter raised, the Transfiguration, and Jesus praying in Gethsemane.

    ScriptureMark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33

  4. When a Samaritan village refuses Jesus, he and John offer to call down fire from heaven; Jesus rebukes them.

    ScriptureLuke 9:51–56

  5. He and John ask for seats at Jesus’ right and left; Jesus asks if they can drink his cup.

    ScriptureMark 10:35–40

  6. He waits in the upper room with the apostles before Pentecost.

    ScriptureActs 1:13

Remembered in the Church year

  • Feast of the Twelve Apostles30 June

Read it in the Bible

  • Mark 10:35–45 The cup and the baptism
  • Acts 12:1–2 His death

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible).

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with James, son of Zebedee

  1. First Sunday after Holy Cross

    Gospel: Mark 13:28–37

    As one of “Peter, James, John and Andrew”: The four disciples who ask Jesus privately about the end (Mark 13:3).

  2. Fourth Sunday after New Sunday

    Gospel: Luke 9:51–62

    As one of “James and John”: Brothers among the twelve, quick-tempered enough to want fire from heaven.

    In the story

  3. First Sunday after Denha

    Gospel: Matthew 4:12–22

    As one of “James and John”: Sons of Zebedee, partners in a family fishing business.

    In the story

Also in these readings

About the icon

Saint James, Monastery of Saint John, Patmos. 12th century. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Everyone in the readings