Christian Men and Women

Saint James the Apostle

James was one of the twelve Apostles and was very close to Jesus. Like many of the Apostles James was a fisherman. James offered Jesus much support before Jesus was crucified.

One of James’ characteristics was his temper which he managed to control but with great difficulty. He had great faith and preached about the word of God with real enthusiasm. It was because of this that he was called the Son of Thunder.

After Jesus died James bravely told everyone that Jesus was the Saviour. When King Herod heard this he was very angry and asked James if he really believed what he was preaching. James said that he did so Herod ordered that a soldier cut James’ head off with a sword. This happened and James died a martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs and James was the one of the first Christian martyrs.

Some of James’ virtues were Restraint (Temperance), Courage (Fortitude) and Faith.