St. James the Less, also known as James the son of Alphaeus, was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Though very little is written or known about this apostle, James the Less was nonetheless called by Jesus to follow Him throughout His ministry and was chosen, commissioned, and later entrusted by Jesus to help lay the foundation for the church.
Where Does the Bible Mention St. James the Less?
St. James the Less is mentioned in the gospels as one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). Unfortunately, all we really know about James the Less is his name and family connections. However, this may offer some insight into his character and relationships.
For one thing, James is mentioned as the son of Alphaeus in Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s gospels, as well as the book of Acts.
Who was Alphaeus? Another man we know very little about.
Some have noted that Matthew (the tax collector and fellow disciple) is called “Levi the son of Alphaeus” in Mark 2:14. Since the Bible never distinguishes between the two names, this could suggest that James the Less and Matthew were brothers under the same father. Considering that Jesus had also called two other sets of brothers (Peter and Andrew; James and John), it is possible that James the Less and Matthew were also brothers. However, that has never been confirmed.
What is important is that the mention of James the Less’ father clearly distinguishes him from the other James in the group—James the son of Zebedee. It also separates him from James, the son of Mary and half-brother of Jesus, who would become a key church leader in Jerusalem following Christ’s ascension (Acts 15:13-21) and later write the book of James.
Another curious piece of information about James the Less is provided in Mark’s gospel at the resurrection (Mark 15:40). Here, we learn that James’ mother, also named Mary, was present with Mary Magdalene and a woman named Salome at Jesus’ tomb. Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:47 describe this Mary as the mother of James the Less and Joses (a well-known follower of Jesus, though not one of the twelve disciples). Mary had been a devoted follower of Jesus and had come with the other woman to prepare Jesus’ body for burial (Mark 16:1).
In John’s gospel, the author mentions several women present at the foot of the cross when Jesus died. They are Jesus’ mother, Jesus’ aunt (Mary, the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25). Given that Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, were together at Jesus’ tomb, the Mary at the cross and the Mary at the tomb could be the same woman. If so, that would make James the Less the cousin of Jesus Christ.
Clopas could have been another name for Alphaeus. Or perhaps Clopas was the stepfather of James the Less after Alpheus died. Again, we cannot know for certain since Scripture does not tell us, but it is something to consider.
In any case, the focus of the gospel writers was never the lineage of the twelve disciples but rather the power of Jesus Christ and the gospel message they were later entrusted to proclaim.
Why Was He Called James the Less?
As for why James the son of Alphaeus is referred to as “the Less” in Scripture, a couple of answers emerge.
For one thing, the Greek word used here means “little” or “small in stature.” Therefore, James being referred to as “the Less” could have been a nickname given to someone short or small in stature. If true, James would have been called “little James” by his companions.
“Less” could also point to James being the younger James of the two disciples sharing that name. It is even possible that “Less” was a way of distinguishing James the Less from the louder, more outspoken James, the son of Zebedee.
All of these situations could also be true. However, we ultimately do know that James the Less remained quietly in the background for the majority of Jesus’ ministry.
What Did St. James the Less Do in Jesus’ Ministry?
As personalities go, Jesus could not have chosen a more diverse group of young men to become his twelve closest followers. Some of the twelve naturally thrived in the spotlight. Others were content to walk in the footsteps of Jesus without making their presence known.
Many Christians know the apostles through remembering individual stories about them. For example, we remember Peter for walking on water, Thomas for doubting Jesus’ resurrection, Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus, etc.
We remember others for their previous life, profession, or relationships with others in the group. For instance, Matthew was formerly a tax collector before following Jesus, Simon was once a zealot, Andrew was the brother of Peter, and Philip and Nathanael were best friends. You get the idea.
Unfortunately, we know next to nothing about James the Less besides his name. He is one of the few disciples who gets no individual mention in the gospel stories. His personal conversations with Jesus are not recorded. Who he was before is unknown. What he did after the resurrection has been lost to history.
Nevertheless, Jesus Christ summoned James the Less as one of His chosen disciples. He was trained, empowered, anointed as an apostle, sent out to preach the gospel, and given authority to teach, cast out demons, and heal the sick in Jesus’ name (Mark 3:13-19, 6:7-13).
Like the rest of the apostles, James had given up everything to follow Jesus. He had walked with Jesus, listened to His teachings, witnessed His miracles, and been present when Christ appeared to the disciples after the resurrection. He too was set apart, commissioned to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that Jesus had commanded them (Matthew 28:18-20).
What Happened to St. James the Less After Jesus Ascended?
After Jesus ascended into heaven, James the Less returned with the rest of the disciples to the upper room, where he awaited instructions from the Holy Spirit and devoted himself to prayer (Acts 1:12-26).
He was also present on the Day of Pentecost, where the apostles received the Holy Spirit. It was his teaching, along with that of the apostles, that the new converts devoted themselves to. Furthermore, the signs and wonders performed by James the Less and the apostles led many men to marvel (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12:12).
Beyond that, not much is known about the life and ministry of St. James the Less.
Like the rest of the apostles, he no doubt carried the gospel to the ends of the earth. Some reports hint that James might have ministered in Syria and Persia after the ascension.
Accounts of his death also differ, with some reports suggesting that James the Less was either stoned, beaten to death, or crucified. Again, we do not know for certain.
In any case, James the Less remained faithful to his lord to the very end, giving his life for the gospel’s sake and the one who had first called him by name to walk in His footsteps.
What Can We Learn from St. James the Less’s Relative Obscurity?
From what we read in Scripture, there may not have been anything spectacular, flashy, or exceptional about James the Less. He may be one of the most forgotten members of the twelve. As one of Jesus’ disciples, he seems famous only for his obscurity. Nonetheless, James the Less was entrusted with the gospel and chosen to help build Christ’s church, the legacy that endures today.
So what can we learn from St. James the Less and his relative obscurity?
1. Christ Looks at the Heart
Few men would enjoy being reminded of their physical limitations, quiet demeanor, or smaller stature compared to their stronger, faster, bigger, and louder companions. Of course, we don’t know if “Little James” was used as a nickname to demean or belittle James, just as we don’t know how he felt about his name, his stature, or his place among the Twelve.
It’s natural to assume that James the Less may have been overshadowed by some of the group’s more impetuous and outspoken members, namely Peter, James, and John. What we do know, however, is that where man looks at the outward appearance, God always looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). What he found in Little James was someone willing to follow and willing to go. This was true for David. It was just as true for James the Less.
2. The Focus of the Gospel is Christ, Not the Saints or the Apostles
There are many things about the twelve disciples we know from Scripture and much more we do not. In the twelve, we encounter very real, very flawed, and very ordinary individuals who Jesus Christ called, empowered, and commissioned to do great things. However, their individual stories should always point to the greater story and eternal legacy in the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ above the earthly deeds, lineage, and legacy of the apostles.
Today we recognize them as saints. However, their power, personal gifts, or influence did not set them apart. Nothing about a man like James the Less was flashy or extraordinary. However, in calling men like Little James to be His apostles and build His church, Christ demonstrates something important:
“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no human may boast before God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
3. No Calling is Little or Insignificant in the Eyes of God
Everybody wants to shine and be recognized for their deeds. Christians aren’t immune from comparing themselves to other Christians. Even the disciples argued amongst themselves about who was the greatest among them. Unfortunately, when Christians compare their gifts and value, they often over-emphasize certain roles in the church while downplaying others.
The Bible, however, makes clear that the church as the body of Christ is “one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function... We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:4-6).
Furthermore, the apostle Paul writes that “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (1 Corinthians 12:18).
St. James the Less may never have led thousands to Christ or written any letters or books of the Bible. However, he, too, was right where Christ wanted him to be, and he had a role in helping lay the foundation for the church. Like his name, the reward for his faithfulness is sealed in eternity.
St. James the Less may have never known what legacy he would leave. And yet, faithful disciples do not concern themselves with their earthly legacy or the praise of men when their eternal inheritance has already been established.
No calling, therefore, is little or significant in the eyes of God, especially when God is the one calling.
Photo Credit: El Greco via Wikimedia Commons
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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