Relating to the Inner Twelve - James, the son of Alphaeus

Nothing has changed over the years, when friends in a group have the same first name we tend to refer to them by their last name or by a nickname. In Biblical times they would take on  'son of" or 'father of' or 'from the town or city of.'

Our apostle today was named James. There were several others who were named James among the group who followed Jesus, with two of them being apostles.

This James was known as James the son of Alphaeus. Two things stand out to me with this name. One, the name Alphaeus had to be familiar to those who would be reading the writings of the apostles. Two, the name also had to be a significant, respectable name worthy to attach it to James. Otherwise they would have picked some other way to identify this particular James. 

Just a note of interest, there are some who infer that this James is the one referred to as the Lesser or the Younger. There is no direct reference to this James being that particular James. In fact, James the Younger could very well be the younger brother of Jesus. Check out Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; John 19:25-27. Depending on the version you use, the identifying word for that James will vary. 

Getting back to this James... have you ever known someone who was always there, doing their job quietly, listening at all the meetings, knew what was to be done and did it without asking lots of stupid unnecessary questions? Maybe not even getting recognized for their efforts? Watching as others get the credit?

James, son of Alphaeus, was this way.

He had nothing ill spoken of him specifically. He didn't ask questions that brought mention in the gospels.

He isn't noted for spastic acts or standing out in the crowd.

He is a quiet worker who did not receive fanfare down here on earth. But, by his death we know he made a big impact trying to spread the news of the Messiah. You see, after preaching in Palestine, he went to Egypt, more than likely to the Jewish settlements that remained there. In the end, he met with martyrdom by way of crucifixion.

Where I tend to be a foot-in-the-mouth-question-asker and don't relate much to this quiet worker, I do know several who have this temperament. They are a blessing to know. I need to be more like this James. How about you?

You can read about the son of Alphaeus in the following verses: Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13;