James the Greater: An Apostle of Zeal
Power-Point Presentation
Setting: Middle Adults Class
Length of Delivery: 40 minutes for each lesson
Name of Student: David W. Tack
Student ID: 713154
Class: NBST 521
Instructor’s Name: Dr. Rodney Woo
Date 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 Less
A. Family Identifiers
1. Son of Alphaeus
B. Three brothers
1. Matthew
2. Joses
3. Simeon
III. James the Righteous
A. Family Identifiers
1. The Son of Joseph and Mary
B. Important Milestones
1.
2.
3.
4.
Author: Book of James
First Bishop of Jerusalem
Leader of Jewish Wing Christianity
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
Introduction
The 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 Occupation
Overview
I. Calling the Disciples
II. A Call That Involved: Immediacy
III. The Ordination (appointment)- Involved
Action
IV.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 Mount
B. Purpose: One of Action (Mark 3:14)
1.
2.
3.
Action of communion: to be with Him
Action of expansion: to send forth
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.
Conclusion
Today 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 and
Christians.
Lesson 3
James: A Part of the Inner Circle
Introduction
There 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 Circle
Overview
I. Three Monumental Events
II. Other “Important Events Including James
James: A Part of the Inner Circle
I. Three Monumental Events
A. First Event: The Transfiguration
1. 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.
Conclusion
The 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
Introduction
James: 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 Calvary
Overview
I. What Do We Know: Regarding James
After Calvary
II. Events/Persons Surrounding the Death of
James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)
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 T
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.
James: After Calvary
II. Events/Persons Surrounding Death of
James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)
Herod Agrippa I
Herod Antipas
James: After Calvary
II. Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James
the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)
A. Historical Data Surrounding James Death
1.
Herod Agrippa I
a.
A mixed Jew, trying to please Jews and Romans
i.
Grandmother was a Hasmonean princess
ii. Pro-Pharisee
iii. Nephew of Herod Antipas
iv. Herod Antipas- Killed John the Baptist- Put Jesus on trial
James: After Calvary
II. 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
God’s Sovereign ways
James to martyrdom
Peter to freedom.
James: After Calvary
II. 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 God
a)
Eaten by worms
C. Method of James Execution
1.
With a Sword: Beheading
a.
Considered less cruel and more merciful than crucifixion
Conclusion
We 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 learned
Lesson 1
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
Today 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 3
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
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 Cor. 15:58)