The name James was very common in the first century. Like all the Tylers and Alexes at my workplace! They were everywhere! James comes from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob. Because several men in the New Testament share this name, the Gospel writers and early church leaders often identify each James by family connection.
Below is a list of the main men named James in the New Testament. Click each name for a brief description.
James, son of Zebedee
James, son of Alphaeus
James, brother of Jesus
Two of these men, James the son of Zebedee and James the son of Alphaeus, were among the Twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. The third, James the brother of Jesus, later became one of the most important leaders of the early Christian church in Jerusalem.