James the Greater: An Apostle of ZealPower-Point Presentation 

    

Setting: Middle Adults ClassLength of Delivery: 40 minutes for each lesson

        

Name of Student: David W. TackStudent ID: 713154Class: NBST 521

Instructor’s Name: Dr. Rodney WooDate Submitted: 10/2/2010

Character Study on

James the Greater

An Apostle of Zeal

Lesson 1

The Three James’

Introduction

The name “James” appears frequently in the gospel

narratives. There are three separate James’ mentioned

amidst the early church in Jerusalem: James the greater;

James the less; and James the righteous. Correct

interpretation of which James is being mentioned is vital.

The Three James’Overview

I. James the Greater

II. James the Less

III. James the Righteous

I. James the Greater

A. James’ Family

1. Father: Zebedee

2. Mother: Salome

3. His Younger Brother: Apostle John

I. James the Greater

A. Character of John the greater

1. His name: James

2. His Occupation: Fisherman from Galilee

3. His Personality: Boisterous

II. James The LessA. Family Identifiers

1. Son of Alphaeus

B. Three brothers1. Matthew2. Joses3. Simeon

III. James the RighteousA. Family Identifiers

1. The Son of Joseph and Mary

B. Important Milestones1. Author: Book of James2. First Bishop of Jerusalem3. Leader of Jewish Wing Christianity4. Death of a Martyr

Conclusion

The (3) three James are intertwined throughout the gospel

accounts. Each James played a crucial role during the early

church era.

Point: It is essential for today’s disciple of God to rightly

divide the word of truth to prevent misinterpretations

(II Tim. 2:15; II Tim. 3:16).

Lesson 2

James: A Fisherman with a New Occupation

IntroductionThe twelve apostles were chosen by Jesus. Prominent figures

included (2) sets of brothers: Andrew/Peter and James/John.

Their occupation was fisherman by trade. Jesus’ calling

required them: to forsake their old lives and to follow Him.

The new purpose of James and the other apostles was: to

become fishers of men.

James: A Fisherman with a New OccupationOverview

I. Calling the Disciples II. A Call That Involved: Immediacy III. The Ordination (appointment)- Involved

ActionIV.James and John: Jesus Reference as: Sons

of Thunder”

James: A Fisherman with a new occupation

I. Calling the Disciples

A. Rugged, common men- tasking: gospel

proclamation to Jerusalem--- world.

1. David Wheeler puts it like this: “If you want to

catch fish you first got to fish in stocked ponds.”

The apostles, who were called to service, would begin to understand the discipleship call would be at a cost. Servanthood, involves forsaking the familiar and following a new and less known pathway.

James: A Fisherman with a new occupation

II. The Call Involved: Immediacy (Matt. 4:22)

A. Leaving ship (livelihood)

B. Leaving father (family)

This call involved forsaking and

following. Next, the appointment

will involve communion,

expansion, and labor.

James: A Fisherman with a new occupation

III. The Ordination (Appointment) Involved Action (Matt. 10:1-4)

A. Time Frame: Prior to Sermon on the MountB. Purpose: One of Action (Mark 3:14)

1. Action of communion: to be with Him2. Action of expansion: to send forth3. Action of labor: to preach

James: A Fisherman with a new occupation

IV. James and John: Jesus called them “Sons of

Thunder”

A. Why the Name?

1. Positive Possibility: zealousness harnessed

2. Negative Possibility: zealousness unharnessed

Point: God is able to use all

temperaments. We are to be indwelt

and empowered with the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, we must be surrendered

to God’s will.

ConclusionToday we are: called by Christ; required to forsake and follow Him; and were ordained (appointed) for God purpose. Endued with the Holy Spirit the apostles shook the world; walked worthy of their vocations; and were ambassadors for Christ.

Point: These things still apply to today’s churches andChristians.

Lesson 3

James: A Part of the Inner Circle

IntroductionThere were “many” followers of Jesus; yet, there were only three

“inner circle” apostles: Peter, James and John. The “inner circle

apostles” were selected by Christ, to witness “important events”;

more specifically, to be eyewitnesses of three monumental

events: the Transfiguration; the raising of Jairus’ daughter; and

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.

James: A Part of the Inner CircleOverview

I. Three Monumental Events

II. Other “Important Events Including James

James: A Part of the Inner CircleI. Three Monumental Events

A. First Event: The Transfiguration1. Divinity of Jesus is demonstrated

B. Second Event: The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter

1. Power over death is stressed

C. Third Event: Prayer in Gethsemane 1. Humanity of Jesus is demonstrated

Not only was James the Greater one of the “inner

circle apostles” who was privy to the “three

monumental events”; but, James is listed in other

important biblical accounts. These “other”

important accounts include: seats of honor

request; and, questioning Jesus regarding the

signs of His return.

James: A Part of the Inner Circle

II. Other “Important Events Including James

A. James and John “Honor Seats” Request

B. Second Event: Sign’s of Christ’s Return

MacArthur characterizes James as one who “wanted a

crown of glory; Jesus gave him a cup of suffering. He

wanted power; Jesus gave him servanthood. He wanted a

place of prominence; Jesus gave him a martyr’s grave. He

wanted to rule; Jesus gave him a sword—not to wield, but

to be an instrument of his own execution”

MacArthur, John. Twelve Ordinary Men (Nashville, TN:

Thomas Nelson. 2002) 91.

ConclusionThe apostles: lived, ate, and learned from the Son of God. Eyewitnesses of three monumental events; yet, they had questions regarding the end of the ages.

Point: We have accounts of countless miracles; and the astounding power of Jesus (the Holy Spirit) embodied in flesh. In a Spiritual sense we are still required to commune with our God, to walk and talk with Jesus and to learn from the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 4

James: After Calvary

IntroductionJames: one of God’s “inner circle” disciples is mentioned very little after Calvary. The amount of space given to James martyrdom (1 passage), who was such an important character; in comparison to Stephen’s “who was a simple deacon” is astounding. What we know is: James did remain active in ministry, maybe in Spain and definitely upon his return to Jerusalem. James was first apostle to be martyred and is the only apostolic martyr mentioned in Scripture.

James: After CalvaryOverview

I. What Do We Know: Regarding James

After Calvary

II. Events/Persons Surrounding the Death of

James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)

James: After Calvary

I. What Do We Know: Regarding James

After Calvary

A. James Was Present at Pentecost (Acts 1:13)

Though information about James during the time frame between Pentecost and his death is sparse; the witness of James, true to his brash “Sons of Thunder” character, probably caused his martyrdom initiated by Herod Agrippa I, a sympathizer to Judaist Judaism.

Though information about James during the time

frame between Pentecost and his death is sparse;

the witness of James, true to his brash “Sons of

Thunder” character, probably caused his

martyrdom initiated by Herod Agrippa I, a

sympathizer to Judaist Judaism.

James: After Calvary

II. Events/Persons Surrounding Death of

James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Antipas

James: After CalvaryII. Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James

the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)A. Historical Data Surrounding James Death

1. Herod Agrippa Ia. A mixed Jew, trying to please Jews and Romans

i. Grandmother was a Hasmonean princessii. Pro-Phariseeiii. Nephew of Herod Antipasiv. Herod Antipas- Killed John the Baptist- Put Jesus on trial

James: After CalvaryII. Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James

the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)A. Historical Data Surrounding James Death

1. Herod Agrippa I (cont.)b. Ordered Peter’s imprisonment

i. Motive: to please the Jews (Acts 12:3-4a)ii. Peter’s miraculous escape (Acts 12:7-10)iii. Guards executed (Acts 12:19)iv. Herod Agrippa I relocates from Judea to Caesarea (Acts

12:19)

Point of Consideration

James: After CalvaryII. Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James

the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)B. Death of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:23)

1. An act of Goda) Eaten by worms

C. Method of James Execution1. With a Sword: Beheading

a. Considered less cruel and more merciful than crucifixion

ConclusionWe know little of what James did between Calvary and his death. James was condemned to death while Peter was miraculously delivered. Though despised by the Judaist/Hellenistic Herod Agrippa I, James certainly

remained true to his character and faith until the very end.

Point: What an example for you and I! (I Co. 15:58)

Lessons learnedLesson 1It is essential for today’s disciple of God to rightly divide the word of truth to prevent misinterpretations (II Tim. 2:15; II Tim. 3:16).

Lesson 2Today we are: called by Christ; required to forsake and follow Him; and were ordained (appointed) for God purpose.

(Matt. 4:19-22)

Lessons learned Lesson 3We have accounts of countless miracles; and the astounding power of Jesus (the Holy Spirit) embodied in flesh. In a Spiritual sense we are still required to commune with our God, to walk and talk with Jesus and to learn from the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 4Though despised by the Judaist/Hellenistic Herod Agrippa I, James certainly remained true to his character and faith until the very end. Point: What an example for you and I! (I Cor. 15:58)