James and John, sons of Zebedee, were part of Jesus's

inner circle. They are placed second and third, after Peter,

in the list of disciples in Mark and Acts. Luke and

Matthew, on the hand, place them third and fourth, but

this is only so that they can place Andrew in second

position to associate him with his brother, Peter.

John was arrested for his faith on at least one occasion (Acts 4:1-22). James

was executed by the sword on the orders of Herod (Acts 12:2).

Only Mark records the name that Jesus gave them:

So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter, James

son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name

Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder)... (Mark 3:16-17)

The significance of the term "Sons of Thunder" is not clear. It may represent the

expectation that they would be bold preachers. There is a possible parallel to

the case of Barnabas, which is interpreted "son of exhortation".

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