Both James and John were a part of the Twelve disciples (Matt 10:2), after they were summoned by Jesus of Nazareth (c. 6–4 BCE – 30–33 CE) while fishing with their father (Mark 1:16–20). Both were “in the boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets” when Jesus approached them (Matt. 4:21).

James was probably older than John, and both were evidently feisty and competitive individuals. In Mark’s gospel, for example, John questioned the legitimacy of an exorcist who was not in their “inner circle.” Jesus rebuked him, responding that “whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:38–40). Mark narrates the story in which James and John ask Jesus if they might be given a seat in the kingdom next to Jesus, to which Jesus replied with astonishment and reprimand about the need to be servants (Mark 10:35–45). Their request was precipitated by their mother (Mark 20:20–21).

In Luke’s gospel, the brothers evidence harsh sentiments toward the Samaritans for finding among them little positive response to the kingdom preached by Jesus (9:51–56). Evidently, the Samaritans were inhospitable toward Jesus when they learned that his destination was Jerusalem. The brothers subsequently asked Jesus if it might not be time to “command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (9:54). It was perhaps because of such sentiments that Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17; John 2:24-25).

James features in the gospels in various episodes. He is mentioned in the presence of Jesus when Peter’s mother was healed (Mark 1:29), at the raising of Jairus’ daughter (5:37), at the transfiguration of Jesus (9:2), at the eschatological discourse (13:3), and when Jesus was in agony in Gethsemane (14:33). It is perhaps possible that he was at the Cana incident (John 2:1–11). He witnessed the resurrected Jesus (John 21:2–7). James was beheaded under Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2).

John, moreover, was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35) and was possibly also present at Cana (2:1–11). In Luke’s gospel, John was sent to ready the place for the last Passover (22:8). He reclined next to Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23–25). After this event, John fled but managed to watch the proceedings against Jesus (Matt 26:56; John 18:15) and later stood with Mary, Jesus’ mother, and other women at the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:26–27).

There is the memorable scene in which Jesus committed his mother to John’s care (John 19:25–27). John is singled out by Peter about his fate, but Jesus responds to Peter that such concerns are no business of Peter’s (21:20–23). John becomes connected with the verity of the witness of the beloved disciple (21:24).

In the Acts of the Apostles, John and Peter visited the Temple to do afternoon prayers (3:1). On the way, Peter healed a crippled beggar and spoke of the resurrection (3:3–26). John was arrested with Peter (Acts 4:3), and when questioned, Peter speaks for them about the resurrection (4:8–22). After John is released, he returns to the believers (4:23) and later visits Samaria (8:14–15). John seems to have been a leader in Jerusalem, for Paul consulted him (Gal. 2:9).

References

Bauckham, Richard. 1990. Jude and the Relatives of Jesus in the Early Church. Edinburgh, Scotland: T. & T. Clark.

McKnight, Scot. 2008. “John and James, Sons of Zebedee.” In The Routledge Encyclopedia of the Historical Jesus, edited by Craig A. Evans, 1036-1041 (Apple Books). Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom: Routledge. Apple Books.