Surprisingly, Saint James—also called James the Just—was not among Jesus' earliest followers. Scripture tells us that our Lord's brothers did not initially believe in Him, questioning both His methodology and, at times, His sanity (John 7:3–5; Mark 3:21).

However, James experienced a radical change of heart. He fully acknowledged Jesus’ messianic anointing and divine sovereignty, later introducing himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1).

As the first Bishop of Jerusalem, James led the historic Council of Jerusalem, providing wise, godly direction for new Gentile converts. He was renowned for his piety, wisdom, and deep prayer life. Affectionately nicknamed “Camel Knees,” it was said that he spent so many hours in prayer that his knees became thick and calloused.

In addition to his pastoral leadership, James wrote the Epistle of James—one of the earliest books in the New Testament. In his letter, he exhorts believers to stand firm, walk in love and humility, and live out a vibrant, active faith. James remained faithful to this call until his martyrdom between AD 62 and 69.