Help, stuck and can't find an answer.

[pedoma]

I have been studying somewhat on Jacob/James the brother of Jesus and am kind of confused.
In Galatians 1;18-19 It states :18Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. (19)I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother.

Now Matthew 10;2 Mentions the two apostles father's one is named Zebedee and the other apostle father is named Alphaeus,and Thaddaeus.

Now does this mean that one of the two apostle's named James was brother to Jesus and if so why the different father?

[Evangelist]

Hi Pedoma....welcome to the forums.  Good question, since it does confuse many.

There are three different James' mentioned.

James, son of Zebedee, older brother of John, and one of the named disciples in Mat. 10.

James, son of Alphaeus, also called James the lesser, named in Mat. 10 as a disciple. He was the brother of Matthew, and son of Mary who was married to Cleopas. Later thought to be the first bishop of the Syrian church, and identified as "St. James the Less". Believed to have been stoned in Jerusalem.

Finally, James, the brother of Jesus. As scripture points out (John 7:5), the brothers of Jesus were NOT supportive of Him during His ministry.  After His death and resurrection, we do find James in Jerusalem along with the 120 in the upper room. A tradition of the early church indicates that after Jesus died, and was resurrected, James stated that he would neither eat nor drink until he saw Jesus Himself. Jesus appeared to him, and told him to eat his bread. Tradition also holds that this James became the head of the Jerusalem Church, had knees like a camel (from staying on them so much, praying), and was martyred by being thrown from the highest point on the temple.

Hope this helps.  

[Allinall]

Yupyup.  Good post Evangelist.  And thanks for the history lesson too!  I knew about the biblical portions on Jesus' brother (who, correct me if I'm wrong, is the author of the book of James?), and was aware of his predisposition prior to Jesus' death.  The history part helps tie things together.  I love that stuff!

Thanks again!

[pedoma]

Thank you both, for the reply and the re-afirmation. I can't thank God enough for forums like these. How ever if I could just take another minute of your time.

What I don't understand then is why does Paul mention James as an  apostle and the brother of Jesus in Galatians 1:19? he states:
(18)Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. (19)I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother.

Now I then thought well maybe he was saying, in other words:
" I met Peter stayed with him 15 days, but did not get to see any other of the apostles(pause) I did however get to see James the Lord"s brother".

But then in Acts 9/27 It confirms that when Paul reached Jerusalem he  had a hard time trying to get in touch with the apostles (this being because they were afraid of him)  But it also states that Barnabas brought him before the apostle's(plural) meaning he did meet more than one.  Which kind of concurs with Galatian's 1:18 and 19 (he met Peter and James) but then he goes to say the "lord's brother" as if the apostle were also the lord's brother.  And if he is referring to the Lord's brother why does he also categorize him as an Apostle?  

This has had me puzzled for some week's now any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Evangelist]

(18)Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. (19)I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother.

Now I then thought well maybe he was saying, in other words:
" I met Peter stayed with him 15 days, but did not get to see any other of the apostles(pause) I did however get to see James the Lord"s brother".

But then in Acts 9/27 It confirms that when Paul reached Jerusalem he  had a hard time trying to get in touch with the apostles (this being because they were afraid of him)  But it also states that Barnabas brought him before the apostle's(plural) meaning he did meet more than one.  Which kind of concurs with Galatian's 1:18 and 19 (he met Peter and James) but then he goes to say the "lord's brother" as if the apostle were also the lord's brother.  And if he is referring to the Lord's brother why does he also categorize him as an Apostle? 

This has had me puzzled for some week's now any input will be greatly appreciated.

Paul made two different trips to Jerusalem, meeting the first time only with Peter (comparing notes on Paul's revelations, as it were), at which time he also met James.

Later, Barnabas (also an Apostle) convinced Paul to meet with the "council" as it were, to explain to them the intricacies of the Gospel of Grace, and what was going on out in the field.

Note several things. First, Apostle simple means "sent one". In the NT, I believe there are 27 named Apostles, including Phoebe (heavens to betsy, a FEMALE apostle??!!!     )

Second, it sometimes becomes difficult to ascertain the difference between the original 11, the one added, and those later named, including Paul. Unfortunately, we tend to categorize the office of Apostle in today's times as being only the original 12, no more, no less, but that is neither the intent or usage in the NT.

Third, there are at least 15 or more years that have transpired between the resurrection and Paul's conversion, and subsequent visits to Jerusalem. During this time, James the brother was converted, and became a leader....and was considered to be an "apostle". In Ephesians, there is a description of 5 offices, or gifts (doma) given specifically by Jesus to the Church...and the reasons for them, among which are the establishment of and checking against all doctrinal matters, so that the Church would not be led astray, but would instead grow spiritually into maturity. I believe it would be safe to say that James the brother filled this bill.

Finally, Barnabas.....do you know his real name? And why he was an Apostle?  

[pedoma]

Sorry for the late reply, I appreciate the time invested in answering.  I have been very busy and am still trying to assimilate the answer provided. It is kind of confusing and I am now trying to confirm which trip is Paul referring to in Galatians it seems to be identical to the one in Acts if you follow the trajectory of the maps in the bible.  I need to get back to you on this one because it's not yet clear to me.
 
I also enjoyed the short quiz you gave me.  I read Barnabas name is Joseph from what I read he was put Barnabas by the apostle's.  However can you please point me to where the bible states he was an apostle?  It could very much help clear the question in regards to Galatians 1.

Thank you