Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
JAMES THE GREATER
The son of Zebedee and older brother of John. Both were Apostles; whenever the twelve are listed, these names are paired. Jesus called them "the Sons of Thunder" (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:17). On one occasion he rebuked them for urging violence against some Samaritans who refused to receive him. Both were fishermen and partners with Simon Peter; the trio responded promptly to Jesus' invitation to become fishers of men (Luke 5:10-11, 9:53-56). That the brothers were especially close to him is indicated by the fact that they were present at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2) and accompanied him to Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37). James was beheaded by Herod in the early days of the Church (Acts 12:2).
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
