James was the most prominent of the brothers of

Jesus. He is always mentioned first in the lists. He

became the leader of the Jerusalem church and his

martyrdom is recorded by Josephus:

"And so he convened the judges of the Sanhedrin, and brought before them

the brother of Jesus, the one called Christ, whose name was James, and

certain others, and accusing them of having transgressed the law delivered

them up to be stoned." (Josephus, Antiquities 20. 9.1 199-203)

He is known to the Gospel of Thomas and the church fathers as James "The

Just". Eusebius, (Ecclesiastical History Chapter XXIII) quotes from

Hegesippus's fifth book, written in the mid second century:

"Because of his exceeding great justice he was called the Just, and Oblias,

which signifies in Greek, 'Bulwark of the people' and 'Justice,' in accordance

with what the prophets declare concerning him."

The etymology of "Oblias" is uncertain, but Hegesippus's interpretation,

"Bulwark of the people" is intriguing. It shows that someone, at least by the

time of Hegesippus, described James with this architectural metaphor for

secure strength. This name or epithet therefore closely parallels the name,

"Peter", which was also a metaphor for secure strength. Such names may

have been rather common in the early church, and other parallels may be

found in the names "Magdalene" (tower/fortress/stronghold), and Sosthenes

(saving strength). Compare also the naming of Jesus and John the Baptist.

The name/epithet "The Just" was also given to Simon, the High Priest

(Josephus, Ant.12.2.5).

The Latin name "Justus", meaning "Just" was also used by Jews, but it is

unclear whether it was chosen because of its sound or its meaning.

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